ODOT BULK FUEL MAINTENANCE PLAN

WHAT TO EXPECT THE DAY THE VENDOR TAKES A SAMPLE

What is the fuel type?

The first step for Pacific Industrial Solutions is to talk with the site coordinator/manager to determine the Bio Blend in the diesel tank. The Bio Blend is also evident by the color. The higher the blend, the more yellow in color and the lower blends are more amber. The last time the tanks had been cleaned or tested will also be discussed and if there were any concerns.

Visual test for “Free Water”

Using a wooden stick, the Pacific Industrial tester climbs to the top of the tank to test if there is “free water” in the bottom of the tank. He takes the stick out of the valve opening in the tank and spreads a small amount of brown paste (Kolor Kit) on the end. He then slides the stick back into the tank until it reaches bottom, then draws it back out. If the paste stays brown then there isn’t any “free water”, but if it turns bright pink then there is water at the bottom of the tank.

Types of water contamination

1) Emulsified water, where the water is suspended in the fuel like oil and vinegar in salad dressing.

2) Free water, where the water is separated from the fuel and usually is found on the bottom of fuel/storage tanks.

3) Dissolved water, where the water has been chemically dissolved in the fuel, like sugar in coffee.  The warmer the fuel, the more water will be dissolved, but as temperatures drop, the water will come out of the solution in the form of free water.

Decision to take a bottom vs. a middle sample is dependent on the stick test.

At today’s test, the stick showed there was no free standing water. Therefore the fuel sample was taken from the bottom of the tank at the lowest end. The lowest end is typically the end where the fuel intake valve is.

If the stick test had turned pink and showed there was “free water” on the bottom of the tank, then the sample would have been taken at midpoint of the tank. This is because if they were to take a sample of the bottom with “free water” then that sample would consist of mostly water.

The “TANK THIEF”

After the stick test, he then uses the tools below to take a sample. The tool on the left measures the tank depth and the cylinder on the right captures the fuel sample for testing. It is commonly referred to as a “Tank Thief”

The Fuel Sample

The fuel sample is then placed in a plastic container that will be sent to a 3rd party testing lab.

Before boxing it up, the vendor makes a visual inspection of the fuel in the container, looking for sediment and clarity.

Final visual inspection of tank site

The next step for the vendor is to visually inspect all filters. Hopefully the site has written the date on the filter (recommended). At this site they found that the filter was from NAPA and the site was unsure when it was installed. They speculated 2 years ago. The vendor will replace the filter with a 10 micron Hydroglass filter. The site ordered 4 extra filters to keep on hand. The vendor did not have any on hand, but will return with them.

The last step for Pacific Industrial is to do a visual inspection of the tank area. At this time they found the retractable dispenser hose had come loose and was laying on the ground.

Follow Up

Fuel test results will take approximately 10 days. Once the results are in we will discuss them with the site personnel and the vendor.

Action taken is dependent on the test results. Typical corrective actions are:

– Treating the fuel with a biocide if there is microbial growth. – Filtering the fuel through a coalescer if there is water and

pumped directly back into the tank.– If there is heavy water and sediment in the tank, then the

vendor would filter the fuel out, pressure wash the tank, then filter the fuel back into the clean tank.

Where we were…………….

Prior to the contract, sites were responsible for testing and cleaning of their bulk fuel tanks.

The quality of fuel was not always monitored.

Where we are today……….

Today all the tanks are on a regular schedule to be tested and cleaned as needed.

The goal is reduce equipment downtime and repair due to contaminated fuel.