Moisture accumulating in a diesel tank can, in time, bring on a host of problems with whatever engine the fuel is intended for.
Moisture usually enters the tank as condensation as a result of changes in temperature, such as the difference between warm daytime and cold nights, or in tanks on machines where the temperature increases with use and then rapidly declines.
The problem becomes particularly acute in tanks and equipment that stand unused for any length of time, for example, emergency generators, forklifts and tractors that may only work occasionally.
And particularly, of course, bulk diesel storage tanks on stands such are commonly found on farms to fuel up trucks and tractors. These are rarely under cover, but stand exposed in the open, absorbing the full heat of the sun during the day, and cooling to the full extent of the night-time temperature drop.
Having condensed and settled on the roof and sides of the tank the moisture (being heavier than oil) descends to the bottom of the tank, where it can form a little “puddle” at the tank bottom.
In this inviting medium a “diesel algae” forms and begins to grow, in time resulting in the clogging of fuel filters.
Fortunately, there is a way to deal with the problem before it becomes acute and that is to lower into the tank a suitably-sized Tank Snake.
Tank Snakes are long flexible devices comprising an inner core of cloth containing a highly absorbent substance not unlike the material found in a baby’s nappy, as well as a metal weight or a magnet. These are enclosed in a protective casing made of material that resembles a plastic net vegetable bag. The ends of the web bag are securely fastened with sturdy eyelets, with one end having a nylon string attached with which one can retrieve the snake from the tank when it has done its work.
Tank Snakes have been known in the USA for some years and a number of variants have been designed for different applications. They are now available in South Africa in three configurations for use in diesel tanks, and various lengths according to tank size.
One series, contained in yellow web, is a rapid, quick fix design that removes water quickly from the tank and, once it has done its work, is retrieved and discarded.
Two other series, one contained in red web and the other in black, have magnets rather than simple metal weights, the magnets attracting any rust found at the bottom of the tank.
In all cases bar the red the dry snakes are 50mm diameter. The red snakes are available in one length only, namely 600mm, and are narrower at 25mm, making them suitable for use in small plant and mobile equipment.
Calculating the right length of snake for your tank is easy. The most suitable length will lie at the bottom of your tank (held in place by the weights or magnets) with a gap of about 200mm at either end between the ends of the snake and the tank.
The diameter of the snakes is a critical factor. For while a 50mm diameter snake can easily be pushed into just about any fuel filler opening, once the snake has absorbed the water at the bottom of the tank it will have swollen in diameter. Thus, before dropping a snake into one’s tank one must make sure that one will be able to retrieve it. This requires an opening of at least 63mm
Unlike the yellow snakes, which are for one-time use, the others are all reusable up to ten times. Once saturated with water (a process that can take some months) they are removed for drying and replaced with fresh snakes.
To dry they are simply hung up in a dry place and left for a few months, before they can be reused. They should never be squeezed dry, but should be left hanging to lose their moisture to the atmosphere
For more information: www.tanksnakes.co.za or call Ricardo Mendes 083 442 8195. Tank Snakes are also available through Takealot.com.