OTS BioTank first with integral ‘self-cleaning’ system
Fuel oil today has an increased proportion of biodiesel which in turn has a higher amount of suspended water, making it prone to microbial growth. If untreated this will give rise to problems with clogged filters and deteriorating fuel efficiencies and poor emissions.
“The problems will be exacerbated in situations where fuel usage tends to be irregular,” explains Steve Gain, Sales Director of the Gloucestershire based, Oil Tank Supplies.
“In farm machinery for example, equipment can be used intensively during seasonal activities such as harvesting and then laid up over winter. Another area of concern would be standing fuel reserves for emergency generators or gas interruption contracts.”
Oil Tank Supplies has designed the “BioTank” to provide effective long term storage of fuel oils. A first in the industry, the OTS “BioTank” uses innovative technology to dewater and cleanse the fuel while also preventing the build up of microbial contamination.
“Basically this is an active fuel storage system,” adds Steve Gain. The tank incorporates pipework and an integral pump which re-circulates the wetstock periodically through a series of filters and an Ultra Violet treatment, which kills off the bacteria. In operation this process can be set for a predetermined time period dependant on tank capacity.
Although this is a first for the fuel oil industry, this solution is based on mature technology already being used successfully in the food and drink related industries.”
For existing installations, the tank pack is also available as a retrofit solution which can be fitted as part of the OTS TankCare services.
* Editors’ notes: Industry leaders such as OFTEC, ICOM and Federation of Petroleum Suppliers are advising installers and service engineers that by 1st January 2011 – or even sooner – Class D gas oil supplied in Great Britain could contain up to 7 percent of FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters) – the most common type of biodiesel.
