If you work in the fuel industry, preventing water contamination may be a significant stress on your mind. Water contamination can reduce the quality of your fuel and cause damage to your machinery. At Compass Fuels, we are the UK’s leading fuel oil specialists and provide next-day delivery across the UK. We understand that many households and businesses that keeping fuel levels saved over the winter months is a massive concern, especially when it comes to monitoring and maintaining the stored fuel.
That’s the main reason why we offer a range of effective and secure storage tank options. They give a high-level of protection for your fuel and protection from any possible water contamination. The water inside a fuel tank could result in damage of the system and must be removed as soon as possible. But the question still stands; how does water enter a fuel tank?
There are normally two main sources of water contamination:
- Rainwater
- Condensation
Rainwater entering the fuel tank can happen in a variety of ways, such as:
- Damage to the tank or vents.
- Rust which causes cracks or imperfections.
- Faulty seals.
- The cap is not being closed or fitted properly.
- Corrosion and lack of maintenance.
- Purchasing oil already contaminated with rainwater from an unreliable source.
The second most common reason for rainwater in the fuel tank is condensation.
Most common during Spring and Summer, the cause of condensation in fuel tanks is due to the oil experiencing temperature fluctuations. Leaving oil in storage through temperature changes results in the tank’s interior and the surrounding area creating condensation, leading to water discovered within the fuel tank.
You can prevent condensation by using storage methods and not letting the fuel run too low. Letting the fuel run too low will increase the area inside the fuel tank for warm air, the humidity will increase, and then condensation is created.
How can I prevent water from entering a fuel tank?
There are a few methods to prevent fuel contamination:
- Use a reliable business to purchase fuel from high-quality sources.
- Inspect and clean your fuel tanks regularly.
- Check that the fuel cap fits correctly and is water tight.
- Check and replace the tank filters as often as they require.
If you are looking for premium paraffin with next day fuel delivery, get in touch with our expert team at Compass Fuels today!