24/7 Parts & Service Support

Blog

Diesel power generators are often used for electric power in remote or off-grid locations. When the electricity grid is inaccessible, down or disrupted, the diesel generators come to life and provide a reliable source of electric power. These units have a number of advantages over other types of generators. They are usually more powerful than natural gas and propane generators, and they can also operate at lower temperatures.

For many industries, diesel power generators remain the most preferred and dependable backup power source. At Custom Power Generation, we offer prime, standby, continuous and cogeneration packages for your business! Our solutions are tailored to your project needs, so we can provide your company with a power source you can rely on. Contact us to learn more about our power generation services!

Like any other piece of machinery, diesel power generators need regular maintenance to help increase their useful life. Today, we will talk about diesel fuel polishing and why it is important for power generators. But first, let's take a look at some common applications of diesel power generators.

Diesel Power Generators Advantages & Applications

Diesel generators can handle larger power loads and run for longer periods than other types of generators. Their most important advantages include:

  • Highly efficient fuel consumption.

  • Longer overall useful life.

  • Longer service and maintenance intervals, especially when compared to other types of generators.

  • Lower maintenance costs.

  • Lower noise output when compared to other types of generators.

Diesel power generators are used across many industries due to their reliability and efficiency.

  • Diesel generators are a key piece of equipment for construction companies, especially for projects located off the main power grid.

  • Diesel generators provide continuous power for oil and gas operations located in remote locations.

  • These generators are also used in data centers as continuous power is key for storing and processing information.

  • A commercial diesel generator can help plants and factories maintain regular operations in the event of power outages. With backup generators, facilities are more secure from sudden changes or disruptions.

  • Diesel generators often provide backup power for hospitals and other medical facilities.

These are just some of the most common applications for diesel power generators. Let's look at some issues related to the fuel of these generators and what measures can be taken to prevent failures.

Common Issues Related to the Fuel of Diesel Power Generators

As previously mentioned, diesel power generators have applications in many different industries nowadays. In some cases, these generators are used primarily as a backup source of power and therefore are not constantly running. On the other hand, diesel degrades over time and requires special care while being stored. Not taking proper care of the fuel could cause damage to the generator or prevent it from working at all, making it a pointless piece of machinery in case of a power outage. But what can be done to ensure that the power generator will run when needed?

Custom Power Generation is a trusted provider of power generation equipment and services across Canada. We offer power generation solutions for various industries and have offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. Give us a call, and let's discuss how we can help your business get the power it needs when it needs it.

Read more: What Do You Need to Know About Remote Power Plant Construction?

The Right Way to Store Diesel Fuel

Diesel fuel can usually be stored for 6-12 months without going bad if certain conditions are met.

  • In order to store diesel fuel properly, you need to ensure a temperature of around seventy degrees Fahrenheit.

  • The diesel fuel must be stored in a tank that is free from water contamination. This is why the tank must be checked every two or three weeks for possible leaking or other damages.

  • When run, a generator draws fuel from the tank, and the fuel is exposed to pressure and heat. However, not all of it is drawn into the injectors - some circulates back to the tank. Fuel that has been exposed to extreme pressures or high temperatures can lead to asphaltenes, which are a thick form of petroleum formed in this process.

  • Another important factor here is the possibility of microbial growth. Microbes need food and water to thrive, and while diesel provides the former, rainwater or condensation provides the latter. When these two factors are met, microbes form colonies that can degrade diesel fuel into sludge and cause corrosion or rust to damage the tank and the whole fuel system.

Storing diesel is possible only when certain conditions are met. This is why fuel polishing services make sense for many industries that rely on a diesel generator as a backup source of power. But what exactly is fuel polishing, and how can this process help with fuel purity?

What Is Fuel Polishing?

Fuel polishing achieves the highest level of fuel purity through the removal of water and any other particulates from the diesel fuel.

What Are the Main Benefits of Fuel Polishing?

Fuel polishing has many advantages that make this process extremely important for any industry, relying on diesel power generators:

  • Fuel polishing significantly improves the diesel power generator's efficiency, performance, and continuity.

  • It helps protection of the critical engine and generator components.

  • Fuel polishing also avoids fuel replacement – a process that is wasteful and significantly more expensive.

  • Fuel polishing reduces costs for industries, considering that it helps them avoid fuel replacement.

  • By lowering harmful emissions, fuel polishing helps reduce the carbon footprint.

  • It keeps the power generator ready to run when needed – something extremely important considering that some hospitals and other medical facilities use diesel generators as a backup source of power.

Is Fuel Filtering an Effective Solution?

One way to keep water contamination and debris from forming in stored diesel fuel is by using filtration. Diesel passes through several filters, trapping suspended solids but allowing fluids to pass through. This helps remove sludge, dirt, and sediment from the fuel. Although fuel filtering can improve the purity of diesel fuel, this process alone is not enough.

Custom Power Generation is Now Serving Toronto, Ontario!

Custom Power Generation prides itself in the design and supply of power generation systems and solutions across Canada, including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and now serving Toronto, Ontario!

Offering best-in-class cogeneration systems for natural & biogas in the 50-2,500 kW range and the most innovative solutions to Toronto's industrial, commercial, healthcare and energy sectors. You can also count on our 24/7 parts and service experts to be there when you need them the most. Get in touch with our Toronto Ontario team today!

Sources:

https://canfuelop.com/what-is-fuel-polishing/

https://www.wpowerproducts.com/news/how-fuel-polishing-keeps-diesel-tank-clean/

https://www.wpowerproducts.com/news/fuel-polishing-and-cleaning-secrets-to-diesel-generator-longevity-and-performance/

https://woodstockpower.com/blog/common-diesel-generator-uses-applications/

https://www.eneria.fr/en/energy/diesel-generator-sets/diesel-applications/