Following a sharp rise in reports of the microbiological contamination of biofuels, the managing director of a leading fuel biocide producer is urging boat operators and other large-scale users of biodiesel to be aware of this serious and expensive problem that can easily be prevented. The introduction of biodiesel into standard road diesel has resulted in a surge of incidents involving microbial contamination, which can cause the accumulation of harmful sludge in fuel filters and physical damage to tanks, pipework, hoses and other components.

John Davis, managing director of Cyrus Energy, which manufactures a range of advanced fuel conditioning products, says it is easier than most people think for biodiesel to become contaminated.

"Many large scale users of biodiesel are underestimating the amount of damage that can be done," he says.
 
"It is not just the physical damage to tanks and pipework but the financial implications of underground fuel tanks becoming contaminated. You only need the watercourse to leak or someone to lift the lid on the tank when it's raining for water to get in. It's as simple as that and if it gets left untreated you get contamination and bacteria."

Biodiesel can provide the perfect environment for bacterial bugs to thrive as it has the potential to increase the amount of water held in suspension within the fuel, which in turn creates a rich food source for bacteria to grow and the constant need to clean blocked filters. According to Davis, the solution is to keep tanks and pipes clean and free of water, as well as provide regular treatment with a reliable biocide to eliminate bacterial growth. One such product is Cyrus Energy's Eradicate Fuel Biocide, which is successfully used by a large number of commercial operators to eliminate microbiological contamination found in fuel oil, fuel storage tanks, bilges and fuel distribution systems. It works by killing bacteria and it may also be applied to fuel on a preventive basis so pre-empting any potential problems.

Cyrus also provide treatments that have the ability to disperse water in storage tanks containing hydrocarbon fuel, thus eliminating the conditions that allow microbes to grow and reducing corrosion. It mixes easily and quickly and holds microscopic water particles in suspension so that they are not allowed to settle out. This removes the water particles as fuel is used, improves engine performance, reduces emissions and dramatically reduces the conditions in which bacteria can grow.

Davis says: "Such preventative measures are easy to carry out and can save huge expenditure in terms of eradicating costly repairs and time lost from expensive equipment not being operational. Such biocides are easy to apply and can make a real difference."