Same thing happens with naval distillate diesel fuel when microorganisms start growing at a fuel water interface.the stuff on the tank walls is slimy and so thick sometimes you can grab a handful of slime anywhere.we had such problems in our Canadian navy and I have witnessed steam cleaning of those large tanks on our 280 class ships; plugging of fuel filters or coalescer units was a big issue and the sludge if it gets through can damage gas turbine engine components by creating hot spots and subsequent burn through. Only real solution is to keep the tanks dry, a near impossibility on warships at least, so our navy implemented better fuel husbandry practices and also experimented with adding biocides to the fuel.Biobor JF was one that was trialed as I recall.
_____ From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Michael Brown Sent: January 25, 2014 2:43 PM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Subject: Re: Stus-List Advice Wanted: Cleaning out a Fuel Tank C&C 30mkII I disconnect the vent line at the hull fitting, and the fuel line at the inlet to the filter. The fuel line goes into an empty gas can. I connect an airgun from an air tank, a automotive "pig" for inflating tires, to the vent line. I lightly pressurize the tank until the fuel is out, then add a bit of fuel with stabilizer in it which I let sit for a while. Then I flush it out. I have a gasoline engine, Atomic 4, so I can use the fuel in the snowblower or lawnmower. So far, even using the "rinse" gasoline has not been a problem. I realize there is an empty vs full for winter storage debate that has been going on for years. I have so little fuel in the tank, and the idea of rinsing out the tank twice a year with fresh fuel make storing empty OK for me. I use the expensive grade of gasoline, supposedly some of the brands omit the ethanol in their high test blends. The "rinse" gasoline is regular so it should absorb any water in the tank, but adding some gas line antifreeze will not hurt. For diesel you could try a rinse of diesel and methyl hydrate ( Kleen Flow ? ). If the tank is coated with varnish, gum or sludge it needs to be steam cleaned. During university a classmate had a job on a large freighter. He donned a protective suit and air gear, then went into the fuel tank. There was a team working to clean them. It started with big scrapers and shovels filling metal drums, then a steam cleaner. He described the sediment to be like mud. I think the big ships use Bunker C for fuel, nasty stuff. Michael Brown Windburn C&C 30-1
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