Diesel Oil Sampling and Rotation Program
Experience has shown that diesel oil may
deteriorate during long term storage. In the
sedentary state, microorganisms in the form of
bacteria, fungi or algae flourish in the oil if water is
present. The presence of the organisms causes
the evaporation of the lighter factions of oil,
thereby increasing the flashpoint of the oil and
causing retarded firing. These organisms can also
reach a concentration severe enough to plug filters
and small orifice valves. In the tanks, the
organisms can act es blotters. Their affinity for
water could, when on the tank surface, cause
corrosion.
deteriorate during long term storage. In the
sedentary state, microorganisms in the form of
bacteria, fungi or algae flourish in the oil if water is
present. The presence of the organisms causes
the evaporation of the lighter factions of oil,
thereby increasing the flashpoint of the oil and
causing retarded firing. These organisms can also
reach a concentration severe enough to plug filters
and small orifice valves. In the tanks, the
organisms can act es blotters. Their affinity for
water could, when on the tank surface, cause
corrosion.
In order to ensure the oil to be of usable quality,
we recommend a sampling program concurrently
with annual maintenance checks. If the oil is found
contaminated, its disposal can be accomplished by
incineration in oil furnaces or salamander heaters.
we recommend a sampling program concurrently
with annual maintenance checks. If the oil is found
contaminated, its disposal can be accomplished by
incineration in oil furnaces or salamander heaters.
For oil not presently deteriorated, we recommend
a rotation program. Oils contained in seldom used
equipment such as standby engine-generators
should be periodically removed and used in
heavily used equipment such as dozers and
graders. This rotation will not only ensure the
immediate usability of critical standby equipment
but will also eliminate the needless waste of diesel
fuel.
a rotation program. Oils contained in seldom used
equipment such as standby engine-generators
should be periodically removed and used in
heavily used equipment such as dozers and
graders. This rotation will not only ensure the
immediate usability of critical standby equipment
but will also eliminate the needless waste of diesel
fuel.
As an alternative to an oil rotation program, fuel
may be purchased with additives to inhibit both
oxidation and growth of microorganisms, or an
additive may be procured to add to existing fuel
oil. One such additive is: "PRIST" PRIST Div.,
Houston Chemical Co., Division of PPG
Industries. The Phillips Petroleum Company is one
supplier of inhibited fuel oil.
may be purchased with additives to inhibit both
oxidation and growth of microorganisms, or an
additive may be procured to add to existing fuel
oil. One such additive is: "PRIST" PRIST Div.,
Houston Chemical Co., Division of PPG
Industries. The Phillips Petroleum Company is one
supplier of inhibited fuel oil.
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