A year on from issuing guidelines and information regarding the management and storage of gasoil, liquid fuels trade association, the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) is now running a campaign to reinforce that message to ensure all users of sulphur free gas oil (SFGO) are aware of the impact the addition of FAME has on mobile equipment.
“In April 2018, the legally required percentage of fuels derived from renewable sources increased to 7.25% – and from 1 January 2019, it rose to 8.5%. As expected, this has led to FAME being introduced into gasoil supplies in the UK (the specification allows for up to 7%). It is important that business owners and farmers who use mobile machinery understand what this means for them,” explains Tony Brown, UKIFDA Technical Manager.
“Our advice has always been to give the tank a specialist clean before taking delivery of any biofuel or check on the tank immediately after ensuring you keep the fuel clean and dry and top up the tank to reduce air which can draw moisture. Continue to carry out regular tank checks and take remedial action if you notice any water, dirt, mould or growth. It’s worth examining filters, pipework and seals on a regular basis, and to replace filters after every 2 or 3 deliveries. As water is a big problem for SFGO containing FAME, it’s recommended to limit storage time of FAME blended fuels, and to keep tanks topped up to reduce air which can draw moisture,
“If you find sediment or bacterial growth seek professional help. Home remedies such as fungicides or microbiological killers may do more harm in the long run. Those that do work may kill the bacteria but the dead growth on the bottom of tank can also build up and cause issues.
“One of the biggest steps users can take is to ensure all fuel is bought from a reputable distributor, ideally from a member of UKIFDA. A list of distributors can be found on the Oilsave website.”
14th October 2019
