Archive for category: Fuel Filter Problems

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Ethanol Phase Separation – Fuel has changed!

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Due to environmental concerns and Canada’s attempt to lower emissions the petroleum industry has opened a Pandora’s box of new issues for gasoline fuel storage.
The old Veedor Root system probes will not detect Ethanol (E15) separation in gas storage tanks. The cost of a New Veedor Root system that will detect phase separation is costing more money.

Today over 90% of gas stations are blending their gasoline with ethanol. The old Veedor Root systems which detect water in fuel are not able to detect phase separation any longer.

What is Phase Separation? Phase separation occurs when enough water contaminates the gasoline, causing the ethanol to attach itself to the water molecules, leaving two distinct layers in the storage tank, a gasoline-only layer at the top and an ethanol/water “cocktail” along the bottom.

The density of Phase Separation is lower than water and the traditional Veedor Root floats or probes will not reliably detect the condition. A very good explanation of their new product that will detect Phase separation in fuel is just a click away. Click here to read about their new systems.

In the meantime, Fueltration Services will test the tank bottom and supply a report on Phase Separation in your fuel tank. We can remove the separation product plus clean the sludge off the bottom of your tanks.

Click to contact us via phone or email.

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Contamination in Fuel – Where did it come from in my boat?

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Contamination in fuel is the leading cause of accidents in boating next to alcohol consumption. Groundings can be caused by losing power in your engine. This is caused by bacteria and contamination loading up your filters and starving your engine of fuel.

In a recent article, this was illustrated when contamination in fuel (diesel) left the Baja Star Ferry in Mexico adrift at sea— http://www.bcsnoticias.mx/diesel-contaminado-causo-fallas-en-barco-baja-star-que-estuvo-a-la-deriva-en-altamar/

The experience was traumatic for passengers who really did not know what was going on.
In the case of the Mexican Ferry, this fuel may have been delivered but it also could have been a case of lack of maintenance.

In boats on our West coast, it is usually a combination of contamination in fuel delivery systems onshore and condensation in our vessel tanks with water and bacteria building up over time; where you fuel up is very important as I have had the personal experience of receiving contaminated fuel directly to my boat tanks from a Marina. The fuel shut down my boat within half an hour.

Contamination in fuel is not fun and is expensive to deal with but if your tanks are cleaned properly the first time you should be ok for the rest of your ownership of the vessel barring delivered contamination from a bad fuel source. Fuelling up at the same place where the volume of customers is high, keeping your tanks topped up over the winter and changing filters at least once a year are some best practices in order to avoid contamination in your fuel tanks.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to get your tanks cleaned – get a written quote, understand the process, know the hourly rate of the company providing the service and get the extras included. This is usually easily estimated except for waste. It is difficult for anyone to see how bad the contamination is in any tank. Safe Boating everyone!

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Have a Safe Boating Experience with Spare Filters on board.

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Summer is coming! The boating season has started and the month of June, July, and August are typically when our American neighbours show up

The radio starts chirping as they travel in groups and plug up the airwaves on their way to the Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound and the Broughton Archipelago.

Boaters are checking their safety gear and fishing equipment. Don’t forget your extra filters. 10 or 30-micron filters will get you back to the dock in case the sludge and bacteria growing on the walls of your tank decide to break loose and plug your filters.

A plugged filter will shut you down and that is the last thing you want if you are going through some of our famous rapids like Arran Rapids or the Yucultas. Even Johnstone Strait or going around Cape Mudge can be a challenge under the right conditions.

Be Prepared! If you find yourself in trouble and without filters give us a call. We have a 22′ Campion workboat with fuel-polishing equipment that can come to your rescue. Find a place to anchor, take the dinghy to the store and call if you are out of cell range.

Internet is usually available at all the resorts.

Call or email if you need some help.

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Welcome to Fueltration Tank Cleaning Services Inc. We pride ourselves on superior tank cleaning and fuel polishing services.

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  • Fueltration Tank Cleaning & Services Inc.

    Nanaimo: 2520 Elk Trails Way,
    Nanaimo, BC V9X0A3

    Surrey: Unit 120 9635 121 St.
    Surrey, BC V3V 7L8