At Sentinam, our phones have been ringing more than usual lately. From marine engineers to industrial site managers, the feedback is consistent: “Our fuel was fine yesterday, but today our filters are blocked and our engines are struggling.”
The culprit isn’t a mystery – it’s the rising challenge of FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters) in stored diesel.
The Hidden Risk in Your Tank
As we move toward greener energy, FAME-blended diesel is essential for meeting emissions targets. However, for those who store fuel for long periods – such as emergency generators or seasonal marine vessels – FAME introduces a “hidden” operational risk.
Unlike traditional mineral diesel, FAME is hygroscopic. It acts like a sponge, pulling moisture from the air directly into your fuel.
The “Symptom” Cycle
When water meets FAME, it creates the perfect breeding ground for microbial growth, commonly known as the “Diesel Bug.” This leads to:
Reduced Stability: Fuel that “goes off” faster, especially in low-turnover operations.
Why Biocides Aren’t Enough
Microbial Sludge: Dead biomass that settles at the bottom of your tank.
Filter Overload: Even after using biocides, the “dead” biomass remains in the fuel, ready to clog your system.
A frequent question we get is: “I treated the tank with chemicals, so why is the engine still failing?”
The reality is that biocides kill the infestation, but they don’t remove the physical debris. Killing the bug doesn’t clear the filter. To truly protect your equipment, you have to physically remove the contamination.
The Sentinam Approach: Filtration + Treatment
We believe in a two-pronged strategy to regain control of your fuel quality:
- Targeted Chemical Treatment: To stop microbial growth in its tracks.
- Mechanical Filtration: Using Sentinam’s portable systems to “wash” the fuel, removing free water and particulates without the need for expensive tank emptying.
Don’t Wait for the Warning Light
If you are noticing shorter filter life or visible sediment in your separators, the time to act is now – before it becomes a costly engine failure.