Fuel waste isn’t always visible. It can occur silently through contaminated storage tanks, degraded fuel quality, clogged filters, and poorly maintained delivery systems. Over time, these inefficiencies reduce combustion performance, increase equipment wear, and drive-up operating costs.
As a fuel supplier working with fleets, construction firms and industrial operators across the country, we frequently see the same opportunities to reduce waste and improve fuel efficiency, whilst also helping organisations reach their ESG targets. Read on to discover opportunities that could benefit your organisation.
Want to speak to our fuel experts? Call 0330 123 1144 to discuss your fuel infrastructure.
1. Prevent fuel contamination at source
Fuel contamination is a source of inefficiency for all fuel systems, which is why it’s crucial to prevent contaminants entering your fuel tank. By preserving the quality of your fuel, you’ll be protecting your fuel infrastructure, improving output and reducing waste.
Contaminants which can affect the performance of your fuel systems
- Water ingress – rainwater diluting the fuel through damaged seals
- Water – from condensation forming within the tank
- Diesel bug – microbial growth from bacteria within the fuel/water barrier
- Corrosion and rust – flakes from metal within the tank as it degrades over time
- Debris and leaves – which typically enter the tank by accident, or through mishandling of equipment
Methods to prevent contaminants entering your fuel tank
While you cannot completely prevent contaminants from entering your tank, you can slow down the process of fuel degradation through effective handling and monitoring of your storage tanks and fuel systems.
There are a range of checks you can make to secure your fuel tank and prevent contaminants from entering your tank. These checks include:
- Ensuring all fuel filler caps are tightly sealed
- Looking for any wear of plastic or rubber caps
- Clearing hatches from obstructions, leaves and debris
- Regularly checking the lid and bund is secure and free from water or debris
- Installing desiccant breathers to absorb moisture and reduce condensation
- Monitoring and replacing fuel filters
If you want to learn more about what checks you can make to secure your fuel tank, view our complete tank maintenance checklist here.
2. Use fuel additives
Fuel additives can be used to alter a fuel’s properties such as its lubricity, oxidation stability or cold flow, providing a range of tangible performance benefits including:
The benefits of fuel additives
The benefits of fuel additives vary depending on the additive used but in general, you can expect:
- Increased performance and power – by improving combustion to ensure a complete burn, less fuel is consumed to produce the same energy release
- Improved fuel system cleanliness – fuel additives can act as detergent that cleans deposits and sediment from injectors and combustion chambers
- Increased fuel stabilisation – by slowing down the oxidation process
- Fewer bacteria in the fuel – biocides kill harmful organisms in the fuel
- Cold weather protection – anti-gel additives can prevent diesel thickening and turning to sludge in wintery conditions by improving the cold filter plugging point (CFPP)
- Reduced wear of parts – by altering lubricity and reducing friction between moving parts
- Lower emissions – by reducing fuel consumption through greater efficiency
Popular fuel additives we supply
- Cetane boosters
- Anti-gel/cold flow improvers
- Lubricity additives
- Detergents
- Biocides
- Corrosion inhibitors
To discuss your fuel additive requirements or to learn more from our technical support team, call 0330 123 1144 today.
3. Schedule regular maintenance and inspections
With regular inspections and fuel testing you’ll be able to identify weak aspects of your fuel infrastructure and schedule maintenance to address concerns. Our fuel experts perform thorough inspections of both fuel systems and storage tanks for businesses across the UK which include:
- NDT of storage tanks and pipework
- Monitoring of fuel and dispensing equipment
- Fuel testing to detect any contaminants
- Test of gauges and leak detection safety measures
- Visual inspections
All of our inspections include actionable recommendations which will help you prevent leaks, waste and downtime whilst also providing solutions to boost efficiency. We recommend having your fuel, storage tank(s) and fuel system(s) tested and inspected annually as part of your plans to reduce waste, maximise efficiency and prevent downtime.
Regular fuel testing will allow you to view the health of your fuel and determine whether your fuel quality threatens your fuel systems. Our technical team can sample your fuel from the top, middle and bottom of your fuel tank, providing a clear and detailed report along with actionable recommendations.
4. Optimise fuel handling procedures by training staff
Training your fuel operators to handle your fuel correctly will improve site safety, reduce waste and protect the environment. Procedures you should look to improve include:
- Overfill prevention – to reduce spillage and hazards
- Inefficiency detection – so that you can address fuel system warning signs sooner
- Fuel storage best practice – to preserve fuel quality for a longer duration
- Accountability and documentation – to encourage record keeping and regular internal checks
- Equipment usage – to prevent misuse such as running equipment unnecessarily or outside of recommended parameters
- PPE – to improve worker safety
5. Use the right lubricants
Due to the number of moving parts within modern fuel systems, using the right oils is vital to maximising efficiency. Checking with your OEMs and operating manuals can help you determine which oil is right for your equipment, and will help you understand the importance of using high-quality oils.
If you’re unsure of the oil(s) you need for your equipment our technical team can help with any of your queries. We supply over 5,000 lubricants, oils and greases, including OEM-approved oils from leading brands and in-house custom-blends which can be tailored to your exact requirements.
To get a lubricant quote or to speak to our technical support, call 0330 123 1144 today.
Fuel efficiently and responsibly with Beesley Fuels
As a carbon neutral fuel supplier (in line with ISO 14068) with over 50 years of experience in the fuel industry, we’re proud to help you reduce waste, improve efficiency and meet your ESG targets. With a range of maintenance services, fuel and oil testing and onsite technical support, we’re perfectly positioned to handle the requirements of your business.
To maximise the output of your fuel infrastructure, call 0330 123 1144 to speak to our experts.
