How clean is your storage tank?

A dirty fuel storage tank can cost companies increased downtime, parts replacement, and labor costs associated with running contaminated fuel. West Texas Fuel Cleaning focuses on the source which is usually your on site UST (Underground Storage Tank) or AST (Aboveground Storage Tank). The contamination starts with the introduction of water from condensation, human elements, and outside air in USTs and ASTs. A little water and oxygen make the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungus, and microbial growth.

Depending on how much water is present, an engine may suffer sporadic power loss to eventually engine failure. This is because naturally water will not compress in an engine cylinder. Reality, any water in your UST or AST is harmful as it destroys the lubrication properties of fuel and can quickly foul or blow injector tips. The presence of water in fuel in some cases can also cause an engine to cool too quickly and crack core components. Fuel contamination by water can have dangerous and costly consequences, which is why it’s important to have professionals perform yearly tank maintenance and fuel testing. Water in your USTs and ASTs will increase your downtime, parts replacement, and labor cost; which translates to more money.

Bacteria and fungus breed in water, which over time can produce acids that affect fuel quality, clog filters and cause storage tanks to corrode. Bacteria and fungal spores commonly found in the soil can enter the fuel tank through the vents or through the fill point on the tank during filling. The microbial growth and biomass productions result in what appears to be a dark slime with an appearance of algae. With these growth conditions in your UST and AST, sludge accumulates on the bottom of the storage tank which creates challenges such as: plugged filters, fuel flow problems, injector malfunctions, reduced combustion efficiency, increased rates of corrosion. All of these issues will increase your downtime, parts replacement, and labor cost; which translates into more money.