Re: [Biofuel] Algae In Storage Tank?
Roger, Formula for algae is (water + nutriant + co2). If there are possibility of all this in Biofule storage we can find algae. On preventing the algae you can use ultrasonic vibrator similar to one used in swimming pools if biofuel storage tank is a plastic tank. Best regards, Siva. --- Roger [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I've been warned of this but haven't seen any thing yet. I keep my finished biodiesel in a 275-Gal Oil Tank. Someone my dad was talking to said they had problems with algae growing in their tank. Just wondering if any one else has encountered this and if there is something I can do to prevent it. ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
[Biofuel] Algae In Storage Tank?
I've been warned of this but haven't seen any thing yet. I keep my finished biodiesel in a 275-Gal Oil Tank. Someone my dad was talking to said they had problems with algae growing in their tank. Just wondering if any one else has encountered this and if there is something I can do to prevent it. ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
Re: [Biofuel] Algae In Storage Tank?
Roger wrote: I've been warned of this but haven't seen any thing yet. I keep my finished biodiesel in a 275-Gal Oil Tank. Someone my dad was talking to said they had problems with algae growing in their tank. Just wondering if any one else has encountered this and if there is something I can do to prevent it. Dunno about biodiesel in particular, but in my rainwater tanks (about the same size) being IBC-totes, I had big algae concerns. A friend told me to paint or tarp them to keep the light off. No light, no photosynthesis, less algae. I have a 500 gallon tank also, holding water from the spring, over the course of a summer, that thing would yield a lot of algae, and I mean a lot. Hoping this works. -- Chip Mefford Before Enlightenment; chop wood carry water After Enlightenment; chop wood carry water - Public Key http://www.well.com/user/cpm ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
Re: [Biofuel] Algae In Storage Tank?
Roger, It is often referred to as algae . algae, being photosynthetic should require light. I believe the microbe(s) is/are bacteria. I recently returned from Florida, US . ~1100 miles . with a 1985 300CD for my wife. The car hadn't been driven much, and I ran into fuel filter problems. We eventually pulled the tank and found sheets of black stuff. Diesel mechanics said I had an algae problem. They added some diesel fuel and some treatment after pressure washing the tank. This occurred while running on petro diesel. The microbes can grow on BD. It seems to be more of a problem if water is present. I have washed/dried BD in my 275 gal oil tank for my heating system for about 6 months each of the last few years w/o any problem. Biocides are available for treating diesel fuel to prevent the growth of little beasties. I avoid it myself. It is best not to store BD, especially if derived from soy oil, for more than 3, 4 (6?) months; polymerization. Then again, I have a sample of BD from early test batches that is about 4 years old. It appears to be fine. Tom - Original Message - From: Roger [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: biofuel@sustainablelists.org Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 11:06 AM Subject: [Biofuel] Algae In Storage Tank? I've been warned of this but haven't seen any thing yet. I keep my finished biodiesel in a 275-Gal Oil Tank. Someone my dad was talking to said they had problems with algae growing in their tank. Just wondering if any one else has encountered this and if there is something I can do to prevent it. ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
Re: [Biofuel] Algae In Storage Tank?
I've been warned of this but haven't seen any thing yet. I keep my finished biodiesel in a 275-Gal Oil Tank. Someone my dad was talking to said they had problems with algae growing in their tank. Just wondering if any one else has encountered this and if there is something I can do to prevent it. Hi Roger, There is an algae that thrives in diesel fuel, and is a real bear to get rid of... Usually it's done with noxious chemical additives, I just forget the name at the moment... BD can also develop this stuff, (or a close cousin) with the same results/problems... I have several drums stored now, and have had no problem with it... best to use a lined drum in the case of 200L (55 gal) containers... unlined and long storage periods can lead to rust, (ask me how I know that) whether by water contamination, or the hygroscopic nature of the fuel - source doesn't matter, water and steel with a few other misc. components will yield rust in the bottom, and over time, perforation Avoidance of the circumstances the could lead to such problems is always the best way... hope this helps a little... Al _ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
Re: [Biofuel] Algae In Storage Tank?
http://www.dieselcraft.com/fuelfacts.html ALGAE DOES NOT grow in diesel fuel. Other biological bugs do however grow in diesel fuel under rare and specific conditions. It is a long term storage condition. Diesel fuel degrades over a period of time and forms asphaltene compounds which eventually settle out forming a sludge that resembles ALGAE but which is not. These are excerpts from two WebPages that ultimately quote the same person. He is in the business of selling diesel fuel system filtering systems so use the info to do your own research. http://www.shareyourstate.com/dieselfuel.htm Diesel engine designs striving to increase engine performance have made great advancements in engine fuel delivery to the combustion chamber. Today's diesel engine is quieter, smoother, and more powerful. But today's diesel engine owners are overlooking one important factor. The quality of today's diesel fuel has not advanced at the same rate as the engine improvements. Diesel fuel begins to deteriorate as soon as it is produced. Within 30 days of refining, all diesel fuel regardless of brand, goes through a natural process called re-polymerization and oxidation. This process forms varnishes and insoluble gums in the fuel by causing the molecules of the fuel to lengthen and bond together. These components now drop to the bottom of the fuel tank and form asphaltene also known as diesel sludge. The fuel begins to turn dark in color, smell bad, and in most cases causes engines to smoke. The engines smoke because some of these clusters in the early stages are small enough in size to pass through the engine filtration and into the combustion chamber. As these clusters increase in size, only part of the molecule gets burned. The rest goes out the exhaust as unburned fuel and smoke. With increases in cluster size they begin to reduce the flow of fuel by clogging filters. The filters only address the symptom and not the cause. It is estimated that eight out of every ten diesel engine failures have been directly related to poor quality and contaminated fuel. The build-up of contaminates in the fuel systems and storage tanks can quickly clog filters, thus resulting in engine shut down, fuel pump wear, and diesel engine damage. Understand that most fuel has some amount of water in it from either condensation or vents. This threat requires that we realize the added burden placed upon diesel fuel as opposed to gasoline. Gasoline acts as a fuel only. Diesel fuel, on the other hand, also must cool and lubricate injection system parts. These parts are engineered to very close tolerances - up to 0.0002 of an inch - and any contamination means rapid part wear. Water displaces the diesel fuel. When the fuel is displaced wear occur because lubrication is now absent. Water that enters the combustion chamber results in even more serious damage. When it comes in contact with the heat of the combustion chamber (in excess of 2000 degrees F), it immediately turns to steam and often explodes the tip of the injector. Water causes corrosion of tanks, lines, injectors, and greatly reduces combustibility. Other areas of concern include the producing more exhaust emissions and affecting EPA standards. Bacteria also present a serious problem. Bacteria feed on nitrogen, sulfur, and iron that may be present in the fuel or tank. Then there are algae. There are absolutely no algae in diesel fuel. You may have fungus and microbial contamination but no algae. This is a misnomer for diesel sludge. So if you have a diagnosis of ALGAE and add a biocide, you have done two things, 1) found a mechanic that is wrong and 2) done nothing to fix the problem. Why is there so much bad fuel? The number one reason is due to the increased popularity of diesel power and the accompanying increased demand for more diesel fuel. There was a time when diesel fuel remained in the refinery storage tanks long enough to naturally separate and settle, allowing the clean fuel to be drawn off. Now with increased demand, diesel fuel never remains stationary long enough for settling, and the suspended water and solids are passed on to you, the user. The change in refinery techniques is another problem. In order to get more products per dollar; diesel fuel is now being refined from more marginal portions of the crude oil barrel. This results in a lower-grade product that is inherently thicker and contains more contamination. Thirdly, current fuel distribution methods also have a negative impact on the condition of the fuel at the time of delivery. In many cases, brokers control fuel sales to major distribution terminals and determine delivery dates. There is no telling how long that fuel has been in the distribution network and how many times it has been transferred. Seldom do these distributors filter the fuel as they transfer it. end snip --- ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org
Re: [Biofuel] Algae In Storage Tank?
ALGAE DOES NOT grow in diesel fuel. Other biological bugs do however grow in diesel fuel under rare and specific conditions. It is a long term storage condition. Diesel fuel degrades over a period of time and forms asphaltene compounds which eventually settle out forming a sludge that resembles ALGAE but which is not. These are excerpts from two WebPages that ultimately quote the same person. He is in the business of selling diesel fuel system filtering systems so use the info to do your own research. http://www.shareyourstate.com/dieselfuel.htm Funny, I pulled a fuel tank out of a 1987 vintage car, and there was diesel fuel in it from long ago (a parts car), and miracle of miracles, I could see the bottom of the tank in all it's metallic glory, through the fuel after I pulled the level sender out... Algae, bacteria, whatever you would care to call it matters not a whit to me, but that fact remains, that some kind of life thrives in a diesel fuel environment... Specific conditions for growth, yes, rare, not so much... any life including us needs specific conditions to grow... As for this life form living in BD, I have to ask, why wouldn't it?? There are organisms that grow in all manner of extreme environments... seems to me that a natural fuel such as BD, is not all that hostile, and could/would quite easily support life - even if we (as humans) are arrogant enough to believe otherwise... In any case, the crud exisits, and can be cleaned up, but as I said in my last post, it's a bear... best to avoid creating a friendly environment for it in the first place if at all possible... Al ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainablelorgbiofuel Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (70,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
