Monday, 15th July 2019

During the summer months, your heating system, oil tank and fuel quality has probably fallen to the back of your mind. However, the summer months is the best time to check your tank health and any fuel left inside, to ensure it is all ready to go when winter comes..

The risk of fuel contamination should be in the radar of anyone that has a fuel tank. Fuel contamination is very common so it’s important to be aware of the signs of contamination and the symptoms to prevent it. Contamination is caused when water enters the tank, this happens naturally due to condensation and sometimes poor storage conditions. Water promotes microbial growth which in the long term creates sludge in your fuel and at the bottom of the tank. Sludge can then cause damage to the tank and your heating system.

When considering fuel contamination, here is what to look out for:

• Fuel should be clear and bright – not cloudy or dark
• There should be no unusual smells such as fuel smelling like rotten eggs or varnish
• Filters shouldn’t be clogging up more than once every 12 months
• Sludge build-up
• Damage, holes and rust on your fuel storage tanks

How to prevent Fuel Contamination?

We have complied our top five tips on preventing fuel contamination.

1. Regular Fuel Sampling
   • Fuel samples are taken from the bottom of the tank every 3-6 months to ensure fuel quality is maintained
2. Tank Inspections
   • Fuel tanks should be inspected quarterly to ensure the tank is in a good condition and that water or other contaminators do not enter the tank.
3. Use an advanced long-life fuel
   • Prevent microbial growth with an advanced product, the additive has been designed to keep fuel contamination-free.
4. Effective filtration
   • Descant filters should be installed on breathing points within your fuel storage tanks to draw out moisture from your oil tank before contamination sets in.
5. Maintained filtration
   • Fuel filters should be changed regularly as contamination could result in filter and pipe blockage and sludge which could impact your heating system during those cold winter months

Please get in touch if you have any concerns about your heating oil tank or fuel quality, our team are here to help.

sales@thewp-group.co.uk 

0800 980 6172

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