069 - Solid vs. Liquid Biocides
The Fuel Pulse Show
Host Erik Bjornstad discusses solid biocide sticks (also known as bug sticks) and their use in fuel management. While these sticks offer the apparent advantages of easy handling and convenient dosing, they face significant limitations.The episode explores six major problems with solid biocide sticks, including their lack of approval for on-road fuel use, water solubility issues, and potential tank corrosion risks. Bjornstad explains why these limitations make them unsuitable for many non-industrial fuel care scenarios, despite their popularity in specific industrial applications like bulk...
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068 - Back to School - Interpreting Sample Results
The Fuel Pulse Show
This episode of Fuel Pulse Show focuses on interpreting fuel test results, particularly for stored fuel samples. Host Erik Bjornstad guides listeners through various testing methods, including both ASTM D975 standard tests and predictive tests.The episode covers critical measurements like distillation temperatures, API gravity, cloud point, flashpoint, and cetane index, while also addressing water content and microbial testing. Practical solutions for addressing failing test results are provided, making this a comprehensive guide for fuel maintenance professionals. What You'll Learn: How to...
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067 - Back to School - Fuel Sampling Part 2
The Fuel Pulse Show
This episode explores proper fuel sampling techniques and locations for different types of fuel testing. Erik Bjornstad explains how contaminants concentrate at tank bottoms, making sampling location crucial for accurate test results. He details specific sampling heights for different tests, introduces the bacon bomb sampler, and provides guidance on sample handling. The episode covers testing for physical properties, microbial contamination, and water content, emphasizing that bottom samples (3-6 inches from bottom) provide the best diagnostic value for comprehensive testing. The discussion...
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066 - Back to School - Fuel Sampling Part 1
The Fuel Pulse Show
This episode explores proper fuel sampling techniques as part of effective fuel maintenance. Erik Bjornstad discusses the critical aspects of where and how to take fuel samples to ensure accurate testing results. He explains that sample location significantly impacts test outcomes, with different tank depths containing varying levels of contaminants. The episode covers specific sampling depths, proper port selection, and why dead bottom samples should be avoided. Bjornstad emphasizes that sampling technique directly affects the reliability of test results and their representation of the...
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065 - Back to School - Fuel Polishing
The Fuel Pulse Show
In this episode, Erik Bjornstad explains the comprehensive process of fuel polishing. He covers when to polish fuel based on test results, particularly the ASTM water and sediment test. The episode details two main methods: inline and off-site polishing, with a focus on the sweep, treat, and circulate methodology. Bjornstad provides specific guidance on chemical treatments, filtration systems, and the importance of proper timing and sequence. He emphasizes the need for multiple passes through the filtration system and proper documentation before and after samples. What You'll Learn: How to...
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064 - Back to School - USLD and Corrosion
The Fuel Pulse Show
In this educational episode, Erik Bjornstad explores the relationship between biodiesel and corrosion in fuel systems. He explains that while pure biodiesel (B100) can have corrosive properties, the common low-percentage blends (B2-B20) used in today's diesel fuel don't pose significant corrosion risks. The episode clarifies that modern fuel systems using materials like stainless steel and aluminum are well-equipped to handle these blends. The real concerns with biodiesel additions center around increased water retention and potential microbe growth, rather than corrosion issues that are more...
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063 - Back to School - Fuel Stability and Fuel Stabilizers
The Fuel Pulse Show
This episode explores the critical role of fuel stabilizers in maintaining stored fuel quality. Host Erik Bjornstad discusses why petroleum fuels naturally degrade over time, the chemistry behind fuel degradation, and how stabilizers work to prevent deterioration. The episode provides practical advice on when and how to use fuel stabilizers effectively, including best practices for application and testing. What You'll Learn: Why fuel naturally degrades over time How chemical reactions affect stored fuel The role of stabilizers in preventing fuel degradation Best practices for applying fuel...
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062 - Back to School - Detecting and Solving Microbe Problems
The Fuel Pulse Show
This episode continues the Back to School series, focusing on identifying and treating microbial contamination in fuel systems. Erik Bjornstad discusses both indirect and direct methods for detecting contamination, emphasizing the importance of proper testing and treatment. The episode provides practical guidance on addressing contamination through water removal and biocide application, while also educating listeners about legitimate biocide products versus questionable alternatives. What You'll Learn: How to identify signs of microbial contamination in fuel systems The difference between...
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061 - Back to School - Why Fuels Get Microbe Problems
The Fuel Pulse Show
In this episode of the Fuel Pulse Show's Back to School series, host Erik Bjornstad discusses the increasing problem of microbial contamination in modern stored fuels. He explains why today's ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels are more susceptible to microbial growth than older fuels, highlighting the role of water accumulation and fuel composition changes. The episode covers the types of microbes found in fuel systems, where they thrive, and the problems they cause, including fuel degradation, corrosion, and filter plugging. Bjornstad emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment of...
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060 - Renewable Diesel with Matt Leucke
The Fuel Pulse Show
In this episode, Erik Bjornstad interviews Matt Leuck from Neste about renewable diesel. They discuss the properties, production process, and potential benefits of renewable diesel compared to conventional diesel and biodiesel. Matt explains that renewable diesel is a drop-in replacement for fossil diesel, with superior performance in areas like cetane rating, cold flow properties, and emissions. They also explore the market outlook, policy considerations, and future developments in renewable fuels. What You'll Learn: The chemical differences between renewable diesel and biodiesel How...
info_outlineThis episode of the Fuel Pulse Show introduces a "Back to School" series, focusing on the differences between modern Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and older diesel fuels.
Host Eric Bjornstad explains how sulfur content in diesel fuel has been drastically reduced over the past 35 years due to environmental regulations. While this change has improved air quality, it has also led to new challenges in fuel management. ULSD is more prone to water absorption, microbial growth, and instability.
It also contains small amounts of biodiesel and has a lower aromatic content. The episode highlights the importance of understanding these changes for proper fuel storage and engine maintenance.
What You'll Learn:
- The history of diesel fuel sulfur content regulations
- The definition and characteristics of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)
- How ULSD differs from older diesel fuels in terms of water absorption
- The presence of biodiesel in modern diesel fuel and its benefits
- The impact of lower aromatic content on microbial growth in ULSD
- Why modern diesel fuel is less stable than its predecessors
- How ULSD is more susceptible to cold flow gelling in winter
Ideas Worth Sharing:
Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:
- "In a span of about just 15 years, they reduced sulfur emissions by 99.7 percent from 5,000 down to 15 PPM."
- "ULSD fuels have bigger water problems than diesel fuels in the past. And it's directly tied to removing the sulfur."
- "While that has made it much better for the environment, the resulting fuel has more problems than before."
Resources:
- Clean Air Act regulations
- Renewable Fuels Standard
- Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn
Show Notes:
00:00 - Introduction to the Fuel Pulse Show and the "Back to School" series
00:58 - History of diesel fuel sulfur content regulations
02:23 - Introduction to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)
02:55 - ULSD's increased problems with water content
04:48 - Biodiesel content in modern diesel fuel
06:44 - Lower aromatic content in ULSD
08:13 - Decreased stability of modern diesel fuel
09:15 - ULSD's increased susceptibility to cold flow gelling
10:00 - Recap of ULSD's characteristics and challenges