A crucial piece of hardware that’s a must-have for any diesel storage tank is a diesel fuel filter. Diesel fuel filters are designed for different applications. Some are meant to remove water, while others remove particulates such as dust, soil and microbial growth. There are also filters that are capable of removing multiple particulates in one. What captures the particulates or water is the filter pores, as they determine what can go through. However, if not checked regularly, the filters can become contaminated, which could have an impact on your fuel storage tank. This article will guide you on what you need to know about diesel fuel filters for your diesel storage tanks, including what materials they can be made from and what you should be looking for in the best filters.
Materials Used in Diesel Fuel Filters
To keep any diesel engine running smoothly, you should have the right micron rating for your primary and secondary filters. A micron rating or level simply indicates the size of contaminants the filter can remove, and usually the micron rating depends on the material the filter is made from. There are many types to choose from, but the common ones include:
- Cellulose – These filters are made from paper and resin-bound plant fibre. They’re designed to remove only particulates and aren’t ideal for fine filtration.
- Microglass – This type of filter has synthetic fibres that are minute in size and uniform, which prolongs the life of the filter. They’re much better than cellulose filters.
- Hydrosorb/hydroglass – These filters are used to remove both particulates and water through absorption.
What to Look for in the Best Diesel Fuel Filters
With so many brands available on the market, going through each one can be a never-ending process. To help you find the right filters, here are a few things to look out for:
- Durability – The diesel fuel filters you choose should be durable and able to withstand your specific application. The last thing you want is to use the wrong filter that disintegrates or becomes damaged in any way, putting your fuel at risk of contamination.
- Ability to filter the right particulates – You must ensure you select a diesel fuel filter that can adequately filter the particulates you need to remove, such as water, soil or microbial growth.
- Compatibility with your tanks – It’s vital to ensure that the diesel fuel filters you buy are compatible with your diesel storage tank so you don’t end up wasting your time and money.
Other Important Things to Know
Choosing the right diesel filter for your storage tank isn’t an easy task, especially with so many diesel fuel filters out there. Not only do they come in different sizes, but they can also be designed for a wide range of applications. When choosing the right filter for your storage tank, you must know your system’s flow rate and the size of the fuel flow line.
Hopefully, with the help of this guide, you now know much more about diesel fuel filters, putting you in the best position to choose a suitable one for your needs.