There are a wide variety of different reasons why diesel has becomes contaminated with a bug. A faulty tank and condensation are two of the more common causes. More often than not water is the source of bug problems in fuel.
'Diesel bug' is a commonly accepted term for a number of contaminants that include microbial bacteria, fungi and algae that live at the point of blend between water and diesel. The water from the condensation in the fuel tank is what the diesel bug survives on, allowing it to reproduce at a very fast rate.
ElimiNOX Eco™ is unique because it eliminates the water in which the diesel bug grows. The water is eliminated by suspending it as an emulsion within the diesel, removing the growth medium where the diesel bug thrives and actively prevents diesel bug growth between re-fuelling.
The microbes have a very short life but before they die they multiply and produce waste deposits, both of which descend to the bottom of the fuel tank. One bacteria microbe can reproduce more than 7 million microbes in 24 hours.
Any fuel tank with an air pocket will produce condensation when the temperature falls far enough. After a day out on the road, the remaining diesel is warm from the heat of the engine and as the temperature cools, cold air is drawn into the fuel tank. The cold air causes condensation on the inside of the tank, forming water that eventually sinks to the bottom of the fuel tank. In that water are the microbes as they live off the oxygen in the water and then eat the diesel.
When bacteria, sludge or water is sucked into the fuel lines it causes filter and injector blockages. As a result of the blockages the filter, injector, fuel tank and lines may require replacement or cleaning, and if the damage affects the operation of the injector pump then potentially an expensive repair.
Recent changes to fuel such as the addition of biodiesel mean that, although it has clear environmental advantages, it also has a greater propensity towards absorbing water creating the microbial breading ground.
These microorganisms will live very happily in even the smallest amounts of water, often from condensation, and at the interface of fuel and water, where they can create thick mats known as biomass. They can also coat surfaces and ‘climb’ up storage tank walls by creating what we know as biofilm
When water contaminates diesel fuel, microbiological growth develops inside the fuel tank. This growth turns the fuel black in colour and if left in a tank long enough it will turn into a mud like substance (sludge).
While you may not notice it at first, inevitably you will see clear symptoms as the problem worsens. Diesel bug symptoms and effects include:
Bad smells or black smoke coming from the exhaust.
Increased fuel consumption.
Blocked filters, fuel injectors needing frequent cleaning and replacing.
Difficulty in starting the engine, or the engine suddenly losing power.
ElimiNOX Eco™ actually prevents diesel bug by scavenging and emulsifying any free water. Improving performance, reducing maintenance, improved fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.