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'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 microbial contamination to prevent widespread issues in fuel storage and distribution systems.
What You'll Learn:
- Why modern stored fuels are more susceptible to microbial contamination
- Types of microbes commonly found in fuel systems
- Factors contributing to microbial growth in fuel storage tanks
- Problems caused by microbial contamination in fuel systems
- The importance of water management in preventing microbial growth
- How microbes contribute to fuel degradation and system corrosion
- The potential for microbial contamination to spread throughout fuel systems
Ideas Worth Sharing:
Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:
- "The stored ultra low sulfur diesel fuels of today are markedly different from the fuels of decades past. And nowhere is that more evident than the realization that today's stored fuels are much less resistant to microbial contamination than they used to be."
- "If you have a storage tank and you find a water phase of almost any size, then if you find that, then if you don't already have microbe contamination already, it's only a matter of time until you do."
- "Microbes cause problems because unless you kill them, they have the potential to spread just about anywhere the fuel goes."
Resources:
- Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn
Show Notes:
[00:00:00] Introduction to the Fuel Pulse Show and the Back to School series
[00:00:30] Discussion on how modern stored fuels are more susceptible to microbial contamination
[00:01:00] Overview of microbes in fuel systems: bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and molds
[00:02:00] Reasons for increased microbial problems in today's fuels
[00:03:00] Where microbes thrive in fuel storage systems
[00:04:00] Problems caused by microbial contamination: fuel quality degradation and corrosion
[00:05:00] Issues with biomass/biofilm production and the potential for contamination spread
[00:06:00] Teaser for the next episode on detecting microbial contamination
[00:06:30] Closing remarks and call to action for subscribers and reviews