073 - Quick Turn v Slow Turn
The Fuel Pulse Show
In Episode 73 of the Fuel Pulse Show podcast, host Erik Bjornstad tackles a common misconception in fuel storage management: that quick turn fuel systems are immune to microbial contamination. He explains how microbes can flourish in both slow turn (fuel stored for months or years) and quick turn systems (fuel cycled within days or weeks), as contamination resides not just in the fuel but in biofilms on tank surfaces. The episode outlines practical steps to prevent and address microbial growth including regular sampling, biannual testing, water removal, and proper biocide treatment with...
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072 - Generator Fuel Problems Part 2
The Fuel Pulse Show
Erik Bjornstad continues the discussion on diagnosing generator problems, focusing on when and how to test fuel before accepting a technician's diagnosis that "bad fuel" is causing your generator failures. The episode covers proper fuel testing procedures, sampling techniques, visual inspection clues, and how to interpret lab results to save potentially thousands in unnecessary fuel replacement costs. Erik emphasizes the value of proper diagnostics and consulting with true fuel experts when generator technicians (who often lack fuel expertise) blame fuel quality for system issues. What You'll...
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071 - Generator Fuel Problems Part 1
The Fuel Pulse Show
This episode explores common generator problems and challenges the automatic assumption that fuel is always to blame. Erik Bjornstad outlines a systematic approach to diagnosing generator issues, presenting four key diagnostic steps: checking fuel filters, examining fuel lines, inspecting valves, and looking for additional filters. The episode emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis to avoid unnecessary expensive solutions like fuel disposal or part replacement. Special attention is given to detecting microbial contamination through various signs and testing methods. The host stresses...
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070 - Winter Outlook
The Fuel Pulse Show
In Episode 70 of the Fuel Pulse Show, Erik Bjornstad provides a comprehensive analysis of the upcoming winter weather forecast across different U.S. regions. Following last year's unusually warm winter, meteorologists predict varying conditions: the South and Lower Midwest expect above-average temperatures until February, the Northeast and Upper Midwest anticipate alternating cold and mild periods, while the West faces early snow followed by rain. The forecast is influenced by three major factors: La Niña conditions, Polar Vortex patterns, and warmer-than-usual Gulf and Pacific water...
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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...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Fuel Pulse Show podcast, host Erik Bjornstad explores diesel fuel's behavior in cold temperatures. He explains the fuel's composition, focusing on paraffin wax molecules and their role in cold weather problems.
The episode covers key concepts such as cloud point and cold filter plug point, detailing how paraffin wax crystallization occurs and affects fuel performance. Bjornstad provides typical temperature ranges for these phenomena and discusses factors influencing fuel gelling. The episode concludes with a preview of future content on temperature patterns and prevention strategies for cold weather fuel issues.
What You'll Learn:
- The composition of diesel fuel and the role of paraffin wax molecules
- How temperature affects the solubility of paraffin wax in diesel fuel
- The concept of cloud point and its typical temperature range
- The process of wax crystallization and its impact on fuel performance
- The definition and importance of cold filter plug point
- Factors influencing the difference between cloud point and cold filter plug point
- Why gasoline and kerosene don't have the same gelling problems as diesel fuel
Ideas Worth Sharing:
Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:
- "Diesel fuel is actually a mixture or a blend of a bunch of different petroleum hydrocarbon molecules of varying sizes and shapes."
- "The temperature at which enough of these crystals have come out of solution that you can see them in the fuel, that is called the cloud point of the fuel."
- "Cold filter plug point temperature, when you're looking at that, it's not just the fuel, you've also got the factor of the filter that's involved."
Resources:
- Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn
Show Notes:
[00:00:00] Introduction to the episode's topic: What happens to diesel fuel in cold temperatures
[00:01:00] Explanation of diesel fuel composition and paraffin wax
[00:02:00] Discussion of how paraffin wax becomes insoluble as fuel cools
[00:03:00] Introduction to the concept of cloud point
[00:04:00] Typical cloud point temperature for ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel
[00:05:00] Explanation of wax crystallization process as temperature drops
[00:06:00] Discussion of what happens when temperature stays cold or drops further
[00:07:00] Explanation of how wax buildup affects fuel filters and engine operation
[00:08:00] Introduction to cold filter plug point temperature
[00:09:00] Comparison of cloud point and cold filter plug point temperatures
[00:10:00] Recap of key points learned about diesel fuel in cold temperatures
[00:11:00] Preview of next episode's content
[00:12:00] Closing remarks and call to action for listeners