Category Archives: Diesel Fuels & Diesel Fuel Systems

A great deal of sludge can be removed from crude oil by proper settling. A recommended settling system consists of two conebottomed tanks, Figure 11, each holding a little more than four days usable supply of fuel. Sludge in the bottom third is discarded before refilling. The tanks must be housed in a heated building,… Read More »

Engine inspection intervals should be reduced by 50% when using crude oil as fuel, and maintenance routines should be modified based on the results of these increased inspections.

The crude may contain excessive amounts of sediment and water that will require removal before they get to the engine. This can usually be accomplished with a settling tank, Figure 11, a centrifuge or special filtering equipment or a combination of these methods. The crude may also contain solid particles of wax at ambient temperature… Read More »

Note: Crude oils are not suitable for use as fuel in all engine applications. The suitability of these fuels for use is determined on a case-by-case basis. A complete fuel analysis is required. NOTICE: Use of permissible crude oil fuels can result in higher maintenance costs and in reduced engine service life. NOTICE: Caterpillar does… Read More »

The following information is required to perform the calculations: Engine model Engine developed power (MCR or CSR) Engine speed Brake specific fuel consumption (bsfc) Initial day tank fuel temperature Storage tank fuel temperature (Make-up) Ambient air temperature Day tank length, width, and height Typical full day tank fuel height (assume 95% of tank capacity) Engine… Read More »

The fuel supply temperature must be within specified limits for optimum injector life and maximum power capability. Fuel systems without fuel coolers rely on the day tank to dissipate the heat of fuel returning from the engine. Day tank temperatures are affected by the following conditions. Day tank wetted surface area (including tank bottom) Engine(s)… Read More »

Fuel costs typically represent the single highest operating cost associated with any diesel engine application. This has promoted various fuel conservation practices that can usually be applied to all applications. Avoid fuel spillage. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Fuel expands when warm and may overflow, especially when tank is not designed correctly. Operate the… Read More »

If the installation warrants, used lubricating oil can be blended and used in the engine in a continuous manner. The normal method uses a centrifuge module similar to Figure 9. The following information describes this system. Centrifuge No. 1 Engine crankcase oil is continuously centrifuged except when the clean waste oil tank is low, at… Read More »

With legislation and ecological pressures, it is becoming increasingly difficult to dispose of used oil. The burning of used crankcase oil in 3600/C280 engines is not recommended due to the detrimental effects on exhaust emissions. However, if ancillary methods of reducing exhaust emissions to acceptable limits are used, or if emissions are not a problem,… Read More »