Diesel Bug - Ropewalk has the answer to resolve this ongoing problem that plagues the marine industry
Bacterial build-up is a major problem for many boat owners. In addition, water ingress, air borne contaminants like dirt and grit all combine with oxidized fuel particles to form sludge. These unwanted by-products cause clogged filters with consequent disruption to your leisure time. In use, contaminated fuel can corrode injectors, pumps and tanks leading to incomplete combustion, carbon build up, smoke, loss of power and even engine failure.
Fuels are susceptible to natural deterioration like any other organic fluid. Oxidation, water, and microbes all contribute to reduced fuel quality and the formation of tank sludge.
The problem is exacerbated when fuels develop a water content above the maximum permissible level.
Replacing contaminated fuel UK wide is now more expensive than ever given the highly volatile cost of gas oil and diesel. The solution is fuel polishing.
Ropewalk Undertake Fuel Polishing on the Berth- Here’s how:
Prior to undertaking filtration and cleansing of a vessels fuel, a product called “Eradicate TM” is used to clean the tank and fuel system. This leaves broken down fuel bug in the system which then will be removed during the conditioning process. 48 hours are required between the introduction of the product “Eradicate TM” and commencing the physical cleansing process. The vessel must not be used during these 48 hours.
Access to the fuel tank – Usually fuel tanks are accessible through the fuel gauge sender or the stack pipe from which the fuel is drawn from the tank. Once access is gained to one of these areas our proprietary mobile fuel conditioning will effectively remove harmful sludge, water and other contaminants from your vessels tanks and extend the useful life of your fuel.
Following the application of the biocide “Eradicate TM”, the tank contents are dispensed from the vessels fuel tank from the access area and passed back into the fuel filler. The fuel is passed through a fine strainer followed by “Hydrosorb” filters which filter fuel to 10 microns, removing contaminants including water*. Fuel is passed through at a rate exceeding 4500 litres per hour, agitating the contents of the tank, ensuring that all contaminants are passed through the polishing unit.
How much does this cost?
We need to ensure that access can be gained to the tank/s. If required, a quote will be provided for this prior to commencing works, but this is usually between 0.5 – 2 hours depending on the vessel.
Four passes are required to ensure thorough cleaning. We charge per litre passed and therefore if a vessel has a 250 litre capacity tank we undertake a pass through of 1000 litres.
The cost of cleaning is as follows:
£0.22 per litre passed through– This equates to £220 for a 250 litre tank plus the cost of access.
Expected charges for the cleansing of a 250 litre tank is therefore between £250 and £320.
For more information please contact us on 01590 677073 or email at mail@ropewalkmarine.com
All prices in this publication are subject to VAT at the current rate.
*Where high water contamination is present in the fuel system the first 50-100 litres of fuel will be discarded.