Episode 061 - Back to School - Why Fuels Get Microbe Problems

In 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.

Listen to the Full Episode:

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