The Generator Experts Since 1965 | License #708125 | Contact Us

All You Need to Know About Diesel Fuel Maintenance

With any piece of emergency equipment, like backup generators and diesel fire pumps, diesel fuel maintenance is a key component to ensure proper operation during an emergency. There are various types of fuel sources for generators; however, selecting which fuel source is right for you is a decision that needs to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Unlike emergency equipment tied to gas lines, diesel generators and fire pumps allow customers to operate their equipment with their own uninterrupted fuel source.

Diesel Fuel in Emergency Power Equipment

There are many reasons why a diesel fuel source is a great option for your emergency equipment, but it’s important to note there is more required preventative maintenance than other fuel sources. For example, proper fuel storage and monitoring is an essential part of maintaining clean fuel that will not cause damage to your equipment. In fact, while there is other required maintenance your equipment needs to ensure that it is operable when an emergency happens, diesel fuel maintenance is the most vital.

3 Options for Your Fuel Source

Selecting your fuel source is an extremely important part of your decision making process when it comes to purchasing emergency equipment. There are three main options that you can choose from: diesel fuel, natural gas or LP (liquid propane). Diesel is the fuel source that has been used most commonly over the past couple of decades, but it is not always the right choice for each application.

When selecting your fuel source it is important to look at existing fuel sources that are already onsite, as well as the accessibility to receive fuel in an emergency. With emergency equipment, like back-up generators, diesel fuel can provide you an uninterrupted fuel source, unlike that of natural gas. While natural gas generators do not require any refueling, they can be shut off during a major disaster, rendering your generator useless. “Among the diesel-engine advantages is its high thermal efficiency, which can yield a low capital cost per kW in large-kW applications—typically 150 kW or more. Because diesel fuel must be stored on-site, diesel-fueled generators can also provide backup power in remote areas that do not have the benefit of a natural gas infrastructure” (Kirchner, 2012). It is important to consult an expert on the different fuel sources to make sure you get the one that best fits your application.

The Advantage of Diesel Fuel

While a diesel fuel source offers certain advantages that other fuel sources cannot, it is wise to note that diesel fuel requires more ongoing maintenance than natural gas or LP (liquid propane). With a diesel engine, you will need to have extra filters (fuel filters) and change them on an annual basis. Natural gas or LP engines do not have these additional filters. “Most diesels have two fuel filters: a “primary” filter located between the fuel tank and the engine, which cleans the fuel before it gets to the fuel transfer pump; and a “secondary” filter up near the engine, which gives the fuel a final cleaning before it gets to the fuel injectors. Both are usually easy to change, and your owner’s manual should show you how to do this job” (Bazja, 2009). Some manufacturers add fuel water separators as an extra level of protection to ensure that condensation does not accumulate in the diesel generator fuel filtration system, which can ultimately damage your engine. Routine maintenance on your diesel engine is vital to keeping your equipment operable during emergency situations.

Don’t Forget Your Fuel Storage Banks

In addition to the extra steps for diesel generator maintenance, there is also recommended maintenance and cleaning that should be performed on your fuel tanks when storing diesel fuel long term. There are two basic types of diesel tanks that you can purchase for your generator: sub-base (belly tanks) and day tanks. Often times with day tanks they are fed from a main UST (underground storage tank) and pumped into the day tank, keeping it full. It is important to try to minimize the empty space that sits in your tank, as that is how condensation, water and microbial growth can spawn in your tank and harm your engine. Sub-base or belly tanks sit under the generator and the size of the tank can be adjusted to your specific needs.

Storage and maintenance of your fuel is extremely important to the longevity and proper operation of your generator since these units only run under emergencies, which means the fuel can sit in the tanks for years. “Under ideal conditions, diesel fuel can be stored between six and twelve months. To extend the life past twelve months, even under the best conditions, it needs to be treated with fuel stabilizers and biocides” (Bell Performance, 2013). These stabilizers and biocides can help stretch the shelf life of your diesel fuel, however regular fuel testing should also be practiced so you know the condition of your fuel. Fuel sample testing is a simple process that can be completed by service technicians with routine preventative diesel generator maintenance. “Routine testing of diesel fuel for long term storage can help predict the product’s remaining life. Periodic sampling and analysis provides the means by which important decisions are made regarding your aged fuel, its storage, and its suitability for continued use” (Global, 2017).

Routine Diesel Fuel Maintenance is Key

When it comes to your emergency equipment, it is key to make sure that you are taking the necessary steps and conducting routine diesel generator servicing on both your engine and your fuel storage tanks. Continuing routine scheduled maintenance on your equipment is the best way to ensure that your equipment is operable during an emergency. Remember, whether you choose a diesel, natural gas or LP (liquid propane) fuel source it is necessary to practice the aforementioned steps to keep your generator running when utility power is lost.

 

References

Bazja, S. (2009). Diesel Maintenance: Filters and Fuel Systems. Retrieved May 21, 2017, from                   http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos/diesel-maintenance-filters-and-fuel-systems.html

Bell Performance (2013, May 9). Guidelines For Long Term Fuel Storage of Diesel and Storage Tanks. Retrieved May 21, 2017, from https://www.bellperformance.com/blog/bid/114020/Guidelines-For-Long-Term-Fuel-Storage-of-Diesel-and-Storage-Tanks

Global, ALS. (2017). Diesel Fuel Testing. Retrieved May 21, 2017, from https://www.alsglobal.com/services-and-products/condition-monitoring/oil-fuel-and-coolant-analysis/diesel-fuel-testing

Kirchner, M. (2012, December 26). Understanding Backup Power System Fuel Choices. Retrieved March 19, 2017, from http://www.csemag.com/single-article/understanding-backup-power-system-fuel-choices/560013ff3bc0c93f37e05c42517a3c17.html

Share this post:

Search
Request A Quote

Join the Duthie Community

Client Testimonials

Join the happy customers of Duthie Power and see why they love us so much!

I would like to thank you and the rest of the team for an excellent job performed on the subject pump station. Thanks to your timely help from your organization and the installation of equipment, we were able to lower the profile of our generator and reduce the amount of soot that we were emitting prior to the new installation. As a result, we have reduced the visual impacts from the existing generator, enabling us to maintain better relations with our neighbors. I would recommend the services of Duthie Power Services any time. Not only were you on time with the delivery of equipment, you and your team worked quickly and efficiently to get the job completed on time. Your technicians worked diligently and professionally. If a problem arose, they were quick to get it resolved with little or no delay. Our management team is very pleased with the final outcome of this project. I am very confident in recommending Duthie Power Services for any power generation project. You are truly problem solvers.
Alberto AcevedoManager
Once again, Pete, I want to express my sincere gratitude to you and Duthie Power Services for your outstanding work, professionalism, and exceptional customer service. Your expertise and attention to detail have played a significant role in the successful completion of this project and the uninterrupted operation of our facility.
Darren CotaFacilities Plant Manager | Millennium Space Systems A Boeing Company
Jesse Ramos is overall a great representation of your company. He came to the appointments early, he was patient in explaining a few questions without making me feel dumb and he was clean/efficient. Thanks!
Priscilla NaimanCommunity Manager
The online portal was extremely easy to use and hassle free...I really liked that I could fill out the information online instead of filing it out, printing and resending it back to you. It eliminates an extra step. I liked how it listed all of our generator accounts so it was easy to select which customer needed maintenance. I also like how you send the email reminded so I do not need to keep track of the generator PMs, you guys do.
Chase NavarroGraphic Electric, Inc.
Duthie power has been doing service on all my engines for the past 10 years- they are amazing.
Main DirectorApartment Building
We've been using Duthie for over 17 years. Great customer service and knowledgeable technicians. Have never tried to oversell and that is key for me!
Senior Facilities ManagerApartment Building
We found Duthie highly rated on Yelp (5 star) and we could not be happier. All of their employees are nice and professional. Any service calls are handled in a timely manner and they helped us get an AQMD permit. My contact was Pete- what a great guy- he has taken care of our needs since our first call.
Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing FacilityDirector of Facilities
Outstanding service and customer support.
Chief EngineerProperty
We have been using Duthie for years and are very happy.
Property Manager
Thank you for repairing our Fire Pump Motor and Discharge Piping. I really appreciated all of your hard work. Your workers work hard in spite of weather conditions indeed! I'm proud having your company as our vendor. You always have achieved the best result for your customer expectation.
Oleg ChikunovMaintenance Manager
Great services and customer support!
David LacherChief Engineer
Very professional in every way, price, service and quality workmanship.
LuisHVAC Mechanic
Very professional, accurate billings, very easy service call set up!
Sherie BrooksVice President
Duthie power has very quick response on emergency call outs. They keep good track record on semi and annual testing. They follow up with either a phone call or email for scheduling.
George MesaGeneral Maintenance
Duthie Power technicians are very knowledgeable in what they do. Very dependable and meets your expectations.
Catherine SongManager
From the time I returned the signed the proposal to perform the maintenance, it was a short few days before the date was scheduled. The tech called to say he was on his way, and called when he arrived. That's customer service!
Debra McGaryProperty Manager
Your technician are excellent and very reasonable in their recommendations
Richard DarlingProperty Owner
Great reliable service performed by lots of experience.
Kerry EvertContractor
The best service is when I don't have to think about it. I appreciate that you follow up with scheduled servicing and that everything is electronic. The services are always done on time without incident. Thank you.
Erica BentleyProperty Manager
I have used Duthie Power Services since 2000 in various high rise buildings. I have tried other companies and Duthie Power is the best.
Jose GutierrezProperty Manager
I have always used Duthie at every building I go to, the service tech's are very knowledgeable and have got me out of several jams throughout the years.
Shawn KeethBuilding Engineer
Generators are a very important part to the safety of buildings like ours. When the power goes out, we as maintenance, are at ease knowing that the garage gate and all of our emergency lighting are working for our residents. To have that ease of mind... your generator needs to perform at its best and that can only happen with exceptional service. Duthie makes it a point to contact us when our PM is coming up due instead of us contacting them. That just shows how Duthie cares about the performance of our generator. Thank you to the service department and the techs that come to the property.
Dean LauffProperty Manager
As a Chief Engineer in a number of buildings, I have brought Duthie into all of them for our emergency power services. From sales to scheduling to their service techs, I get the same great service and for the quality of service you get the pricing can't be beat.
Peter LutgenEngineer
Duthie Power has provided excellent service to my facilities for over 15 years. They have excellent documentation of all required tests and inspections.
Joe QuijadaChief Engineer
Nice service, and your team follows up when we have any issues or questions.
Soledad SandovalManager
I want to thank you and your team for making sure we were taken care of in the best way a company can take care of another company. You guys are absolutely the best!
Jim CoteDirector of Engineering
I’d like to tell you that the Steve and Chris were awesome in their install of the new Metron Panel on our fire pump, we hit a snag on the first day of work but they powered through it and made it so that I would be up and running by the end of the day as promised by you. They never got bent out of shape and maintained their level of professionalism from start to finish. I just wanted to let you know I personally appreciated that. Thank you and the crew for a job well done.
Michael RuelasOperating Engineer
Gentleman: I want to thank you for a job well done on the 800kw Generator you cleaned and serviced for us up in Orange, CA. Please credit Tim for an outstanding job. What made the job go well from our point of view is that I was able to communicate with Tim before he went up there (for the service and clean) and then right after when Tim was done he called me and gave me the lowdown on how it went and the condition of the unit. That timely information was invaluable to me and it made my job markedly easier. I look forward to working with Duthie Power in the future on any projects I have in Orange or LA Counties. I am also passing your information on to the rest of the PM’s here in our Spokane office and our Salt Lake location. You are also in our system as a preferred provider of generator service. Again, thank you
Phil ThompsonProject Manager
Over the years I have come to find that this superior service is not unusual. In fact it is standard procedure for Duthie Power. I understand that this high standard is not easy to maintain and want to let you know I appreciate it very much.
Bret KingChief Engineer
Previous
Next

PRODUCT & INFO

EXPLORE

HELP & SUPPORT

Thomas Supplier Qualify Us Now! ProView

Proud Member

egsa

Copyright 2023 Duthie Power Services | Design & Development by Creative 7 Designs, Inc. | Privacy Policy

PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com