subject: Insights To The Types Of Contaminants Found In Fuel Systems [print this page] If you were to analyze what makes up your fuel, you would likely find a range of substances that are potentially causing harm to your engine. If the build-up persists, it can lead to vehicle downtime and costly repairs, especially to expensive rail systems and components. That is why engines increasingly require a better fuel filtration technology to ensure that only the purest fuel is delivered to its system. But what are the most common contaminants in fuel?
Particulate & Debris: These usually get mixed with fuel when it is transferred between storage tanks and when it is exposed to the atmosphere. Such particulates can disrupt engine combustion; block the fuel system, and cause wear on injectors.
Water: H20 in fuel causes corrosion and will erode injector nozzles. It can negatively affect the combustion process; reduce the lubricating properties of fuel, and, consequently, damage automotive components. Water usually finds its way into storage tanks and/or from condensation caused by cold temperature.
Wax/Paraffin: As a component of fuel, it can form into gel under cold conditions, which is a process known as gelling.
Microbes (Bacteria): They live in the water and feed on the hydrocarbons found in fuel. They are known as humbugs (Hydrocarbon Utilizing Microorganism), for short.
Fuel Degradation Products: These are by-products resulting from the thermal and oxidative instability of fuel prior to combustion.
Asphaltenes: These are damaged molecules that are left over from the refining process, usually found as an oily, black substance on the surface of the filtration device.
Air: It enters the system from holes in fuel lines or system connections.
HOW PARTICULATE AND WATER ARE REMOVED.
Incoming fuel enters the filter through holes in the baffle/thread plate.
Contaminants and debris are removed as they pass through the filter.
Filtered petrol leaves the device through the threaded hole in the middle of the baffle/ thread plate.
Specialised filter media in the cartridge removes water from the fuel.
Water coalesces into large drops that drain into a lower cavity of the spin-on unit or drain bowl.
Water requires daily draining by the operator. Donaldson supply a range of manual or water-in-fuel (WIF) sensors to notify the driver of trapped water. A clear bowl with drain can also be added any time. See image below.
HOW PARTICULATE AND WATER ARE REMOVED.
Incoming fuel enters the filter through holes in the baffle/thread plate.
Contaminants and debris are removed as they pass through the filter.
Filtered petrol leaves the device through the threaded hole in the middle of the baffle/ thread plate.
Specialised filter media in the cartridge removes water from the fuel.
Water coalesces into large drops that drain into a lower cavity of the spin-on unit or drain bowl.
Water requires daily draining by the operator. Donaldson supply a range of manual or water-in-fuel (WIF) sensors to notify the driver of trapped water. A clear bowl with drain can also be added any time. See image below.
