Perkins 1204EA-E44TA Operation And Maintenance Manual page 81

M0135751
Water in the fuel causes cavitation, corrosion of fuel
system parts, and provides an environment where
microbial growth in the fuel can flourish. Other
sources of fuel contamination are soaps, gels, or
other compounds that may result from undesirable
chemical interactions in the fuels, particularly in
ULSD. Gels and other compounds can also form in
biodiesel fuel at low temperatures or if biodiesel is
stored for extended periods. The best indication of
microbial contamination, fuel additives, or cold
temperature gel is rapid filter plugging of bulk fuel
filters or application fuel filters.
To reduce downtime due to contamination, follow
these fuel maintenance guidelines.
• Use high-quality fuels per recommended and
required specifications
• Fill fuel tanks with fuels of "ISO 18/16/13"
cleanliness level or cleaner, in particular for
engines with common rail and unit injection
systems. When you refuel the tank, filter the fuel
through a 4 µm absolute filter (Beta 4 = 75 up to
200) to reach the recommended cleanliness level.
This filtration should be installed at the device that
dispenses the fuel to the fuel tank. In addition,
filtration at the dispensing point should remove
water to ensure that fuel is dispensed at 500 ppm
water or less.
• Perkins recommends the use of bulk fuel filter /
coalescer units which clean the fuel of both
particulate contamination and water in a single
pass.
• Ensure that you use Perkins Advanced Efficiency
Fuel Filters. Change your fuel filters per
recommended service requirements or as needed.
• Drain your water separators daily.
• Drain your fuel tanks of sediment and water per
the Operation and Maintenance Manual
instructions.
• Install and maintain a properly designed bulk filter
/ coalescer filtration system. Continuous bulk
filtration systems may be required to ensure that
dispensed fuel meets the cleanliness target.
Consult your Perkins distributor for availability of
bulk filtration products.
• Centrifugal filters may need to be used as a pre-
filter with fuel that is severely contaminated with
gross amounts of water and/or large particulate
contaminants. Centrifugal filters can effectively
remove large contaminants. Centrifugal filters may
not be able to remove the small abrasive particles
required to achieve the recommended "ISO"
cleanliness level. Bulk filter / coalescers are
necessary as a final filter to achieve the
recommended cleanliness level.
• Install desiccant type breathers of 4 µm or less
absolute efficiency with the ability to remove water
on bulk storage tanks.
• Follow proper practices of fuel transportation.
Filtration from the storage tank to the application
promotes the delivery of clean fuel. Fuel filtration
can be installed at each transport stage to keep
the fuel clean.
• Cover, protect, and ensure cleanliness of all
connection hoses, fittings, and dispensing
nozzles.
Consult your local Perkins distributor for additional
information on Perkins designed and produced
filtration products.
81
Maintenance Section
General Fuel Information