Diesel Generator Fuel Cleaning and Polishing

Diesel fuel lasts for over 6 to 12 months without any maintenance and even longer in some applications but it certainly does not last forever. However, just because lasts for a year doesn’t mean that you keep it that way for a year. All diesel fuel deteriorates over time, and the longer it sits inside of a storage tank or within your idle diesel generator, the more likely it will begin to degenerate. So what does degenerated diesel do to you?

When a diesel power generator runs on dirty diesel fuel, sludge builds-up & clogs filters. Sludge build-up and clogged filters inside a diesel generator can cause the generator to function inefficiently or not function at all during a power outage. The result of a dysfunctional power generator can be extensive, from causing damage to the unit to not providing enough power to cover all primary systems, and most importantly stop functioning during an emergency.

Here are some other benefits of running a backup diesel power generator  with clean diesel fuel

• Cleans and lubricates the injection system
• Fuel injectors are far less likely to fail
• Maintenance expenses can be kept lower
• Sludge build-up (sediment, rust, water, etc...) becomes less of a problem
• The diesel power generator will run with less smoke
• More reliable fuel for outages and emergencies

If you have not had the diesel fuel in your diesel generator and/or fuel storage tank sampled, analyzed, and monitored, the following may occur either within the fuel tank or within the generator itself:
• The fuel inside the tank will appear dark
• The tank will emit an unusual odour
• Sediment will develop at the bottom of the tank
• Exhaust from the generator engine will be dark in colour while running
• The generator's fuel lines and/or filters will appear clogged
• Starting system damage (battery, relays and electrical components)
• Fuel injection pump and injectors clogged or damaged
• The generator output and engine performance may be intermittent

Diesel fuel is an organic substance that naturally begins to degrade over time. This process cannot be avoided, at some point water typically finds a way in either during fuel delivery or condensation and that is what starts the bacterial growth. The only defence against the breakdown of diesel fuel over time is regular fuel evaluation and cleaning - often referred to as fuel polishing.  Fuel polishing usually involves fuel sampling, testing, and analysis plus sterilising and cleaning particulates, bacteria, fungi, and rust out with chemicals and filters and sometimes algae based solutions, depending on the product or provider you are using for this type of service.

Prevention is better than cure… even in the case of DG sets

Like in most appliances, expensive or otherwise, it’s always smarter to prevent the machine from getting damaged. Here is a list of few checks that you need to do for your DG sets

1.  Fuel Systems:

Diesel fuel degrades over time and is susceptible to contamination. The fuel, pipes, filters and injection equipment need to checked periodically as this contaminated fuel passes through these parts regularly.

2. Batteries:

Do not neglect to monitor the condition of the battery charger and starter motor. This is usually the most common reason for a generator set to fail.

3. Coolant:

Leaking coolant or a poor coolant mixture can lead to overheating of the system, which would most likely cause a great deal of damage, sometimes leading to changing parts.

4. Filters:

Filters are used to avoid contamination of systems that can lead to failure and reduce performance. Ensure that the filters are cleaned regularly.

5. Contacts:

Switch contacts in the electrical control systems must be regularly checked & cleaned. Poor contacts generate excessive heat and leave carbon deposits that ultimately cause the contacts to fail.

6. Connections:

Technicians performing preventive maintenance should verify that parts like the radiator hoses and other fuel or electrical connections are connected well and are not leaking.

7. Corrosion:

Preventive maintenance schedules call for specific checks for corrosion of wiring, piping, fixtures, ancillaries and other components exposed to the elements.

8. Mechanical:

Any mechanical system is subject to wear & tear. Preventive maintenance technicians check known vulnerable components, such as belts, for tightness or wear & tear. They also verify that all fittings are tightened to the right torque settings.

 

Please note that this information is only for you to understand the importance of preventive maintenance  and not to take the maintenance job unto your hands.  Technicians who do preventive maintenance must be qualified to make all the electrical and mechanical checks that a maintenance schedule calls for, using the required testing and measuring equipment for each task. Do get in touch with us on www.mahindrapowerol.com and schedule a preventive maintenance test for your generator.

Used generators or new ones... which one to choose?

A wide range of new and used generators and engines are available to potential buyers in the market today.  While the buying cycle typically starts out with identifying a need, it’s followed by a research to determine what your requirements are. Most important is the next stage, how much are you willing to pay for a generator? And why? That usually leads us to face an all-important decision of whether to go with a new or used generator.  In this blog we will help you with some factors that you might want to consider while choosing your generator.

New Generators:-
The number one reason for buying a new generator is the fact that it comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty.  The length and terms of each warranty varies greatly but is typically between one and two years, depending on the intended usage of the generator. And these warranties do not come with a substantial increase in cost.

However depending on the size, make and manufacturer, there may be a long wait time or limited availability, especially on the larger generators.  For companies who have the time to wait and really want the security a warranty offers for a year or two, new generators can be the best way to go. 

This really is the only reason why you would not prefer a new generator in comparison to a used one.

Used Generators:-
While they do not usually come with a warranty, it is often extremely advantageous to buy used electric power generators for a number of reasons. A key one is of course that used generators with low hours on the engines are often available at very attractive prices. 

Another benefit to purchasing a used genset is the fact that they are readily available and can be bought and installed very quickly.  There is no waiting because of limited availability and factory lead times.

Also, because most name brand manufacturers build industrial strength equipment, the risk is negligible.  Power generators are built to last and work whenever necessary, as that is their true function in most cases, to always be there when you need them the most.

The only real disadvantage of purchasing a used generator is just that, it was owned and used by someone else.  Therefore, you most likely have to go on the word of the seller as to the previous usage, history, and current condition the generator and engine are in.  This is why it's important you always consider purchasing from a reputable company who has the technical expertise and infrastructure to properly test, repair and/or rebuild these large industrial machines.  Most established sellers will test all their used generators for various loads, but many small brokers and individuals simply do not have the appropriate resources at their disposal.  Testing and servicing are both obviously critical.  Most tests often come with a verification certificate that details each units functioning. 

So if you are willing to wait and safety & security is of primary concern for you, then you must most definitely check www.mahindrapowerol.com to see the latest generators that we have in stock. If you are a price conscious consumer & are low on time, you may want to check the nearest, most dependable dealer to dole out a good used generator to you.  

Pros and Cons of Diesel and Natural Gas Generators.

The rising awareness of environment well-being and sustainability has raised questions beyond the realms of mere economics. Today choice of industrial investments or machinery for domestic use has parameter beyond that of efficiency and cost. In this article we look at the pros and cons of choosing Diesel v/s a Natural gas generator.

Natural Gas Generators
Natural gas is regarded as one of the most affordable and effective fuels among non-renewable resources for power generation. Generators that run on natural gas can be used to power both emergency and portable generators and hence is a viable option too.

A natural gas generator works in a manner similar to other generators. Such generators are commonly used in larger cities since the supply of fuel can be made readily available through pipelines. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of the natural gas generators.

Advantages
• Natural gas is one of the cleanest fossil fuels when it burns as the emissions of sulphur, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide are considerably lower, in comparison to oil and coal.

• Natural gas does not produce a pungent odour, which is otherwise common in generators powered by oil or diesel.

• Natural gas generators are also effective in reducing costs when used to power homes as the electricity from the main utility source is a far more expensive alternative.

• Natural gas is also readily available in large cities since it is delivered directly through pipelines. Hence, when using natural gas powered generators, storage of fuel becomes less of a concern.

Disadvantages
• One of its advantages can also be regarded as a disadvantage. Since natural gas is supplied through gas pipelines, at times of natural calamities the supply of natural gas is disrupted. As a result, one might face a power down situation with lack of fuel, in a situation where you need to operate your generator the most.

• Natural gas is also extremely explosive and can be a serious fire hazard should the pipeline burst.

Diesel Generators
Diesel generators are extremely common as back-up units for emergency power supply.  Here are some advantages and disadvantages of them.

Advantages
• While diesel is considerably more expensive, it also has a higher energy density. So while you may pay more for the diesel, you will also get more energy out of the diesel than you would for the same volume of gas. Hence, fuel efficiency is by far the single most important advantage of diesel generators.

• Installing a diesel generator is the assurance of a steady power supply. Especially in establishments such as hospitals, this is very important because most of the machines used require constant power and one power outage might prove very risky

- Diesel engines do not require spark plugs or wires; this helps in reducing maintenance costs.

- The lifespan of a gas engine is much shorter than that of a diesel engine.

- Finally, being less flammable than other fuel sources, diesel generators also score high on the safety front.

Disadvantages
• Diesel generator can be considerably expensive in comparison to other generators.

• Noise has always been an issue with regard to diesel generators. While the newer models are designed to be quieter, the older variants can still be considerably noisy.

• Another drawback is that diesel generators are bulky and comprise large and heavy components. Thus, as opposed to smaller and lighter generators, diesel generators may not be the most preferred portable unit.

• Finally, given the recent trend of environmental awareness, diesel is also considered to be a major pollutant in certain areas.

In conclusion when it comes to choosing between diesel and natural gas generators, you will first need to answer two important questions:

• What is the main purpose that your generator will serve?

• How much are you willing to pay for your generator unit?

Mahindra Powerol forayed into Power Generation in 2002 and today is powering over 270,000 Diesel generator sets in India & in global markets. Our generators are designed to provide Fuel Efficiency, Better load acceptance, Minimal vibration, Low noise levels, and Low maintenance costs. Our commitment to quality has won us the prestigious Frost & Sullivan “Voice of Customer” award for the most preferred Genset Brand in the telecom segment and in the Customer Enhancement category. Mahindra Powerol was also recognized as Power Brand 2011 & Master Brand 2012.

Check out http://www.mahindrapowerol.com/ for some of the most outstanding generators.

Hope your decision favors both your pocket and the environment.