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8.3.4.1.1* Fuel degradation testing shall
comply with ASTM D975-11b Standard
Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils, or ASTM
D6751 -11b Standard Specification for
Biodiesel Fuel Blend Stock (B100) for
Middle Distillate Fuels as approved by the
engine manufacturer, using ASTM D 7462 -
11 Standard Test Method for Oxidation
Stability of Biodiesel (B100) and Blends of
Biodiesel with Middle Distillate Petroleum
Fuel (Accelerated Method).
8.3.4.2* If diesel fuel is found to be deficient
in the testing required in 8.3.4.1.1, the fuel
shall be reconditioned or replaced, the
supply tank shall be cleaned internally, and
the engine fuel filter(s) shall be changed.
8.3.4.2.1 After the restoration of the fuel and
tank in 8.3.4.2, the fuel shall be retested each
6 months until experience indicates the fuel
can be stored for a minimum of one year
without degradation beyond that allowed in
8.3.4.1.1
8.3.4.3 When provided, active fuel
maintenance systems shall be listed for fire
pump service.
8.3.4.3.1 Maintenance of active fuel
maintenance systems shall be in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
8.3.4.3.2 Maintenance of active fuel
maintenance systems shall be performed at a
minimum annual frequency for any portion of
the system that the manufacturer does not
provide a recommended maintenance
frequency.
8.3.4.3.3 Fuel additives shall be used and
maintained in accordance with the active fuel
maintenance system manufacturer’s
recommendations.
A.8.3.4.1.1 Commercial distillate fuel oils
used in modern diesel engines are subject to
various detrimental effects from storage. The
origin of the crude oil, refinement processing
techniques, time of year, and geographical
consumption location all influence the
determination of fuel blend formulas.
Naturally occurring gums, waxes, soluble
metallic soaps, water, dirt, blends and
temperature all contribute to the degradation
of the fuel as it is handled and stored. These
effects begin at the time of fuel refinement
and continue until consumption. Proper
maintenance of stored distillate fuel is
critical for engine operation, efficiency, and
longevity.
Storage tanks should be kept water-free.
Water contributes to steel tank corrosion and
the development of microbiological growth
where fuel and water interface. This and the
metals of the system provide elements that
react with fuel to form certain gels or
organic acids, resulting in clogging of filters
and system corrosion. Scheduled fuel
maintenance helps to reduce fuel
degradation. Fuel maintenance filtration can
remove contaminants and water and
maintain fuel conditions to provide reliability
and efficiency for standby fire pump engines.
Fuel maintenance and testing should begin
the day of installation and first fill.
A.8.3.4.2 Where environmental or fuel
quality conditions result in degradation of
the fuel while stored in the supply tank, from
items such as water, micro-organisms and
particulates, or destabilization, active fuel
maintenance systems permanently installed
on the fuel storage tanks have proven to be
successful at maintaining fuel quality. An
active fuel maintenance system will maintain
the fuel quality in the tank, therefore
preventing the fuel from going through
possible cycles of degradation, risking
engine reliability, and then requiring
reconditioning.
3.1.2
Bleeding the Fuel System
CAUTION: Escaping fluid under pressure can
penetrate the skin causing series injury. Relieve
pressure before disconnecting fuel or other lines.
Tighten all connections before applying pressure.
Keep hands and body away from pinholes and
nozzles, which eject fluids under high pressure.
Use a piece of cardboard or paper to search for
leaks. Do not use your hand.
If ANY fluid is injected into the skin, it must be
surgically removed within a few hours by a doctor
familiar with this type injury or gangrene may
result. Ref Figure #11