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Technical Reference
Fuel Filtration - Biodiesel Fuel

Microbes – Microbes is a broad description for any
biological growth that can occur in the fuel with
the presence of water. They are becoming a more Key points to remember about biodiesel fuel:
common problem in diesel fuel because the ultra
low sulfur levels do not inhibit their growth as in • Fuel filters used today are generally compatible with biodiesel
the days of high sulfur diesel. The microbes can blends up to B20
form a film of sediment that can plug fuel filters.
• Most plugging problems can be traced back to the fuel quality
• Recommendations to minimize plugging problems include:
What should you consider when choosing a - Applying bulk filtration on storage tanks.
fuel filter for biodiesel? - Implementing a preventative maintenance program.

- Requesting compliance documentation from your fuel
When choosing a filter it is important to consider the supplier.
original specifications. It is best to continue to use the - Adding a fuel water separator to older vehicles if not already
same style and efficiency filter. If it is not obvious what the equipped.
performance level of the current filter is, try searching the
internet or calling the manufacturer. Filters are typically
rated in either a percentage or a beta ratio.
The efficiency of the filter is very important because it is
the level of filtration that must be maintained to ensure no
damage is done by hard or abrasive particles. If a lower
efficiency filter is installed it can cause premature engine Filtration for Alternative Fuels:
wear and damage. If a higher efficiency filter is installed, it CNG, LPG & LNG Systems
can cause performance issues such as power loss, fuel flow
problems and frequent filter plugging. CNG = Compressed Natural Gas
LPG = Liquid Propane Gas Engines
What additional steps can be taken to LNG = Liquid Natural Gas Engines
minimize filtration related problems with
biodiesel fuels? Donaldson has fine filtration assemblies that meet
the need of CNG, LPG, and LNG systems. Using
It is highly recommended to add a filter to bulk storage a filtration system designed for the pressures of
tanks. This will help remove water and particulate
contamination before they reach the vehicle. There are the applications where these alternative fuels are
two ways to add filters to storage tanks, the first is a side used; Donaldson has proven experience building
filtration loop and the second is in-line with the fuel pump, assemblies that match the specified need.
between the tank and the vehicle fill. A side filtration loop ENGINE LIQUID FILTRATION - TECHNICAL REFERENCE
could be a separate recirculation pump that pushes the Contaminants in Alternative Fuel Systems are similar
fuel through a series of filters to keep it clean and then
put the fuel back into the tank. A dispenser filter filters all to those of Diesel fuel. However, systems use
of the fuel that goes into the vehicle so less contaminant higher operating pressures in the filter assembly,
reaches the fuel tank on the vehicle. This type of filtration have various means of exposure to condensation
can be a good signal for bad fuel; the pump filter will plug generation in the system, and contain a range of
up and signal that it is seeing a lot of contamination and critical components sensitive to contaminant. Along
that contamination will not reach the vehicles. Both types of with water, systems can fall victim to oil ingression
filtration can be utilized to provide more efficient filtration
than the vehicle requires by capturing more contaminant. and particulate matter induction.
Aside from alternative fuel filtration, Donaldson offers
air filtration, and oxidation catalyst products to help
you build your system complete. Complementing
our fuel filtration assemblies and making us a leader
in the development of Alternative Fuel Filtration
Systems. Consult with Donaldson on how your
system is designed to meet the needs of toughening
emissions requirements.

www.donaldson.com Engine Liquid Filtration • 117