Mkuchta
Materials
- Sep 29, 2004
- 8
We have an underground storage tank for #2 diesel fuel that is connected to an underground pipe with a fuel pump. Just before the fuel pump is a suction strainer that is examined every 18 months. A small amount (5oz.) of black, easily broken up material was found in the strainer and I was asked to ID it. The elemental composition (using edx) was primarily carbon with oxygen and sulfur and traces of phosphorus, calcium, chlorine, copper, iron, magnesium,and zinc. It's likely that the copper and zinc are from an indicator that was recently removed. FTIR analysis of the residue showed a spectra simlar to asphaltene or soot with NH4, aromatic and aliphatic CH,and SO4 peaks. There doesn't seem to be any water or ester peaks as in biodiesel.
Is this residue a normal function of aging diesel?
What is usually in sludge?
If this isn't normal what else could it be.
Thanks very much.
Is this residue a normal function of aging diesel?
What is usually in sludge?
If this isn't normal what else could it be.
Thanks very much.