In Episode 73 of the Fuel Pulse Show podcast, host Erik Bjornstad tackles a common misconception in fuel storage management: that quick turn fuel systems are immune to microbial contamination.

He explains how microbes can flourish in both slow turn (fuel stored for months or years) and quick turn systems (fuel cycled within days or weeks), as contamination resides not just in the fuel but in biofilms on tank surfaces.

The episode outlines practical steps to prevent and address microbial growth including regular sampling, biannual testing, water removal, and proper biocide treatment with EPA-registered products.

• The difference between quick turn (high turn) and slow turn (low turn) fuel storage
• Why quick turn fuel tanks are not immune to microbial contamination
• How microbes establish biofilms on tank surfaces regardless of fuel turnover rate
• The consequences of ignoring microbial contamination (clogged filters, tank corrosion)
• Practical steps to prevent and address microbial growth in fuel storage systems
• Why water removal alone is insufficient to eliminate established microbial contamination
• The importance of using EPA-registered biocides for effective treatment

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "The issue isn't just the fuel, the issue's also with the tank and the storage system itself... The chance of problems developing does not rest simply on the fact that the fuel gets used up and keeps getting changed quickly. It matters more that the tank itself does not change."
• "Microbial contamination doesn't need the same fuel sitting in there undisturbed for months... All it needs is water and opportunity, and that they're going to get that both in a quick turn and a slow turn situation."
• "The reality is that simply removing the water out of a system will not eliminate microbial contamination if microbial contamination is established in your tank. It will not go away simply if you remove the water. That is a myth that has had been held over from multiple decades in the past."

• Bell Performance testing kit
• Bellicide
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00] Introduction to the Fuel Pulse Show podcast and host Erik Bjornstad
[00:01:00] Overview of businesses that rely on stored fuel (police, fire, utilities, telecoms, data centers, hospitals, fleets, agriculture)
[00:02:00] Seasonal shifts in fuel management concerns from winter to spring/summer
[00:03:00] Definition of quick turn (high turn) fuel users - fuel moves quickly through tanks
[00:04:00] Introduction to the myth that microbial problems don't affect high turn fuel
[00:05:00] Explanation of why quick turn fuel is not immune to microbial contamination
[00:07:00] Examples of businesses using stored fuel and importance of fuel quality
[00:08:00] Detailed explanation of low turn vs. high turn fuel usage patterns
[00:10:00] Discussion of common misconception about quick turn fuel and microbes
[00:12:00] Key insight: microbial contamination exists on tank surfaces, not just in fuel
[00:14:00] How biofilms form and persist regardless of fuel turnover
[00:15:00] How fuel drops can stir up and spread existing microbial contamination
[00:17:00] Consequences of ignoring microbial contamination: clogged filters and tank corrosion
[00:19:00] How to prevent microbial problems in quick turn tanks
[00:21:00] Step 1: Regular fuel sampling with proper equipment (bacon bomb sampler)
[00:23:00] Step 2: Biannual microbial testing using TP by filtration method
[00:24:00] Step 3: Water removal and biocide treatment if contamination is found
[00:26:00] Importance of using EPA-registered biocides for effective treatment
[00:28:00] Closing remarks and subscription information

Erik Bjornstad continues the discussion on diagnosing generator problems, focusing on when and how to test fuel before accepting a technician's diagnosis that "bad fuel" is causing your generator failures.

The episode covers proper fuel testing procedures, sampling techniques, visual inspection clues, and how to interpret lab results to save potentially thousands in unnecessary fuel replacement costs.

Erik emphasizes the value of proper diagnostics and consulting with true fuel experts when generator technicians (who often lack fuel expertise) blame fuel quality for system issues.

• Why generator service technicians often blame fuel for problems when they can't find mechanical issues
• The specific properties of diesel fuel that can legitimately cause generator problems (flashpoint, cetane rating, viscosity, lubricity)
• How to properly sample fuel for testing without contaminating the sample
• Why pulling samples from the "dead bottom" of tanks provides misleading results
• How to use a "bacon bomb" fuel sampler to get diagnostically functional samples
• What visual inspection can (and cannot) tell you about fuel quality
• Why gasoline contamination in diesel is hazardous
• Which laboratory tests provide the most valuable diagnostic information
• How to interpret fuel test results to make informed decisions
• When to consider consulting with a specialized fuel expert

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "Most of the generator service technicians, they know a lot about generators. They do not know that much about fuel. Most of them that conclude that the condition has to be due to a fuel problem, they don't really know enough to say that for sure, to make that diagnosis for sure."
• "Before you commit to dumping thousands of dollars worth of stored fuel over a technician's hunch like this, you need to take some diagnostic steps to confirm whether the fuel actually is bad and is causing the problems that they think it is."
• "If all of the tests come back in spec, then that means your fuel's normal. Your fuel meets the minimum requirements in all of the areas that have been determined by the industry to have to do with supporting the minimum operating functions of your engine and your generator and not contributing to component damage."
  
  

• Bell Performance testing kits
• ASTM D975 specifications
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00] Introduction and recap of Part 1
[00:02:00] Why generator technicians blame fuel problems
[00:04:00] What kinds of problems can out-of-spec fuel cause?
[00:05:00] Combustion characteristics and their impact
[00:06:00] Fuel lubricity ratings and biodiesel impact
[00:07:00] Particulate contaminants and filter problems
[00:08:00] Real-world example: municipality generator problems
[00:10:00] Debunking filter damage claims from fuel
[00:11:00] EPA registration of fuel treatments
[00:13:00] Importance of fuel testing
[00:14:00] Third-party laboratory testing explained
[00:15:00] Which tests to use based on suspected problems
[00:17:00] Proper fuel sampling techniques
[00:20:00] Using a "bacon bomb" fuel sampler
[00:22:00] Visual inspection - clear and bright fuel
[00:24:00] Gasoline contamination in diesel fuel
[00:26:00] ASTM mission-critical test slate
[00:29:00] Understanding fuel test results
[00:31:00] When to consult mechanical experts
[00:33:00] Closing remarks and contact information

This episode explores common generator problems and challenges the automatic assumption that fuel is always to blame. Erik Bjornstad outlines a systematic approach to diagnosing generator issues, presenting four key diagnostic steps: checking fuel filters, examining fuel lines, inspecting valves, and looking for additional filters.

The episode emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis to avoid unnecessary expensive solutions like fuel disposal or part replacement.

Special attention is given to detecting microbial contamination through various signs and testing methods. The host stresses that while fuel can be the culprit, other factors should be investigated before reaching that conclusion.

• The systematic approach to diagnosing generator problems
• Four key diagnostic steps for troubleshooting generator issues
• How to identify signs of microbial contamination in fuel systems
• The true costs associated with fuel disposal and system repairs
• Why fuel isn't always the culprit in generator failures
• Methods for testing and confirming microbial contamination
• The importance of proper diagnosis before expensive solutions

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "The fuel is bad isn't actually the right answer to the problem."

• "If you have evidence of microbial contamination, it's never a question of if it's going to lead to a future problem. It is always a question of when is that going to happen."

• "Most of the generator service technicians who conclude that the condition's due to a fuel problem, they actually don't know that much about fuel, but they'll blame the fuel anyway because it's the easiest thing to do."

• Bell Performance testing kits
• ASTM D975 specifications
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00] - Show introduction and overview
[00:01:00] - Discussion of seasonal fuel challenges
[00:02:00] - Introduction to generator problems and fuel blame
[00:04:00] - Common scenario of generator service technician diagnosis
[00:06:00] - Why technicians often blame fuel problems
[00:08:00] - Cost implications of fuel disposal
[00:12:00] - Diagnostic Step 1: Checking fuel filters
[00:15:00] - Diagnostic Step 2: Checking fuel lines
[00:17:00] - Diagnostic Step 3: Examining valves
[00:18:00] - Diagnostic Step 4: Third filter inspection
[00:20:00] - Discussion of microbial contamination
[00:22:00] - Five signs of microbial growth
[00:24:00] - Testing methods for contamination
[00:26:00] - Preview of part 2
[00:28:00] - Closing remarks and subscription information

In Episode 70 of the Fuel Pulse Show, Erik Bjornstad provides a comprehensive analysis of the upcoming winter weather forecast across different U.S. regions. Following last year's unusually warm winter, meteorologists predict varying conditions: the South and Lower Midwest expect above-average temperatures until February, the Northeast and Upper Midwest anticipate alternating cold and mild periods, while the West faces early snow followed by rain.

The forecast is influenced by three major factors: La Niña conditions, Polar Vortex patterns, and warmer-than-usual Gulf and Pacific water temperatures. The episode concludes with practical advice for managing diesel fuel in cold weather conditions.

• Detailed regional weather predictions for different parts of the United States
• How La Niña differs from El Niño and affects winter weather patterns
• The role of the Polar Vortex in determining winter temperatures
• Impact of ocean water temperatures on continental weather systems
• Practical tips for managing diesel fuel in cold weather conditions
• Understanding cloud point temperature and its importance
• How to prepare for and prevent fuel gelling problems

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "The winter of 2023 to 2024 ended up being notably warm and mild across much of the United States. In fact, several warmth records were set and you had below-normal snowfall in many regions of the country."

• "When you have a strong La Niña, that gives you more extreme weather patterns... the U.S. might experience colder and stormier conditions than usual."

• "It really just illustrates how interconnected our planet's climate system is where anomalies that happen in one part of the ocean... can lead to significant weather changes that affect an entire continent."

• Winter weather data
• La Nina weather pattern
• Polar vortex meteorological data
• Cloud point temperature guidelines for diesel fuel
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00] - Show introduction and podcast overview
[00:01:00] - Introduction to winter weather forecast topic
[00:02:00] - Review of Winter 2023-2024 conditions
[00:04:00] - Explanation of El Niño and its effects
[00:08:00] - Regional forecast overview
[00:09:00] - Northeast and Upper Midwest predictions
[00:14:00] - Southern and Central Plains forecast
[00:18:00] - Mountain West and West Coast outlook
[00:21:00] - Three major influencing factors
[00:22:00] - La Niña system explanation
[00:27:00] - Polar Vortex discussion
[00:29:00] - Gulf and Pacific water temperatures
[00:33:00] - Regional summary of predictions
[00:35:00] - Diesel fuel management tips for winter
[00:39:00] - Episode wrap-up and closing

Host Erik Bjornstad discusses solid biocide sticks (also known as bug sticks) and their use in fuel management. While these sticks offer the apparent advantages of easy handling and convenient dosing, they face significant limitations.The episode explores six major problems with solid biocide sticks, including their lack of approval for on-road fuel use, water solubility issues, and potential tank corrosion risks. Bjornstad explains why these limitations make them unsuitable for many non-industrial fuel care scenarios, despite their popularity in specific industrial applications like bulk crude storage and pipelines.

• The history and development of bronopal as a biocide chemistry
• Why solid biocide sticks require specific conditions to work effectively
• The six major problems associated with solid biocide stick usage
• Regulatory limitations on biocide use in on-road fuels
• How biocide approvals work through the EPA's Division of Pesticides
• The difference between industrial and non-industrial fuel storage applications
• Why consistent biocide dosing matters for fuel treatment

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "Nothing is completely good, and nothing is completely bad. Even if you have something that seems to have a lot of problems, there are still always at least some good points that that thing will bring to the table."

• "Applying biocides - that is the biggest key factor for resolving microbial contamination because in order to eliminate a microbial contamination problem, you have to kill the microbes."

• "If a biocide is not legally approved for use in a specific situation... then it's not legal to use it in that situation."

• Belicide (thiosinane chemistry)
• Kethon (isothiazolone chemistry)
• ClearKill (MBO chemistry)
• Compare Bellicide and Clearkill
• Dow Fuel Saver (nitromorphlin chemistry)
• EPA's Division of Pesticides
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00] - Introduction and overview of fuel management
[00:02:00] - Discussion of biocide importance in fuel treatment
[00:04:00] - Introduction of common biocide types
[00:05:00] - Introduction to solid biocide sticks
[00:12:00] - History and background of bronopal
[00:17:00] - Advantages claimed for solid biocide sticks
[00:21:00] - Six problems with solid biocide sticks
[00:32:00] - Discussion of engine deposits
[00:37:00] - Summary and conclusions
[00:40:00] - Closing remarks and show information

This episode of Fuel Pulse Show focuses on interpreting fuel test results, particularly for stored fuel samples. Host Erik Bjornstad guides listeners through various testing methods, including both ASTM D975 standard tests and predictive tests.The episode covers critical measurements like distillation temperatures, API gravity, cloud point, flashpoint, and cetane index, while also addressing water content and microbial testing. Practical solutions for addressing failing test results are provided, making this a comprehensive guide for fuel maintenance professionals.

• How to interpret D975 standard fuel test results
• Understanding the significance of distillation test parameters
• The importance of API gravity measurements
• How to interpret cloud point and cold weather indicators
• The meaning of flashpoint test results
• Understanding cetane index and its impact on engine performance
• The significance of water content testing
• How to interpret stability and microbial test results
• Solutions for addressing various types of test failures
• How to handle multiple failing test scenarios

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "Many of these options are ASTM tests, like those listed in the slate known as D 975. If it passes all the different D 975 tests, there's no reason that the fuel won't work properly if you use it."

• "Microbial testing is also predictive because if you have elevated microbial counts and you don't do anything, there's a very strong probability that they're going to cause problems in your fuel at some point in the future."

• "It's also not uncommon to have multiples of these tests coming back failing at the same time because of common factors that affect multiples of them at the same time."

• ASTM D975 specifications
• Bell Performance testing services
• Cold Flow Improver anti-gel solution
• Supertane cetane improver
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00] - Introduction to episode and Back to School series
[00:01:00] - Discussion of different fuel test types and D975 specifications
[00:02:00] - Introduction to distillation test requirements
[00:03:00] - Explanation of API gravity testing and implications
[00:04:00] - Discussion of cloud point and cold filter plug point temperatures
[00:05:00] - Coverage of flashpoint specifications
[00:06:00] - Explanation of cetane index and its requirements
[00:07:00] - Details on total particulate testing
[00:08:00] - Introduction to water testing methods
[00:09:00] - Coverage of stability testing procedures
[00:10:00] - Discussion of microbial testing importance
[00:11:00] - Solutions for various test failures
[00:12:00] - Addressing multiple failing test scenarios
[00:13:00] - Closing remarks and call to action

This episode explores proper fuel sampling techniques and locations for different types of fuel testing. Erik Bjornstad explains how contaminants concentrate at tank bottoms, making sampling location crucial for accurate test results. He details specific sampling heights for different tests, introduces the bacon bomb sampler, and provides guidance on sample handling.

The episode covers testing for physical properties, microbial contamination, and water content, emphasizing that bottom samples (3-6 inches from bottom) provide the best diagnostic value for comprehensive testing. The discussion includes proper container selection and sample preservation techniques.

• How sampling location affects test accuracy
• Proper usage of a bacon bomb sampler
• Best sampling depths for different fuel tests
• Sample handling and preservation techniques
• Container selection for different test types
• Methods for measuring tank depth
• Best practices for comprehensive fuel testing

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "Where you sample from in a fuel tank can have a big impact on the test results that you get from that sample."
• "For stability testing, we prefer a bottom sample for that."
• "A bacon bomb is a non-sparking metal cylinder... probably the most commonly used thing for taking fuel samples in the industry."

• Bacon bomb sampler
• Bell Performance sampling attachments (3-inch, 6-inch, and 12-inch)
• ASTM visual inspection standards
• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[00:00:00] Introduction to fuel sampling best practices
[00:01:45] Discussion of sampling locations for different tests
[00:02:00] Physical properties testing locations
[00:03:00] Microbial contamination sampling
[00:04:00] Water and sediment testing requirements
[00:05:00] Sampling equipment and techniques
[00:05:30] Bacon bomb sampler demonstration
[00:08:00] Sample container recommendations
[00:09:30] Best practices for multiple tests

This episode explores proper fuel sampling techniques as part of effective fuel maintenance. Erik Bjornstad discusses the critical aspects of where and how to take fuel samples to ensure accurate testing results. He explains that sample location significantly impacts test outcomes, with different tank depths containing varying levels of contaminants.

The episode covers specific sampling depths, proper port selection, and why dead bottom samples should be avoided. Bjornstad emphasizes that sampling technique directly affects the reliability of test results and their representation of the overall fuel quality in a tank.

• The relationship between sampling technique and test result accuracy
• Optimal sampling locations within fuel tanks
• Why choosing the right sampling port matters
• Proper sampling depths for top, middle, and bottom samples
• Common pitfalls in fuel sampling
• How contaminants distribute throughout fuel tanks

Here are three notable quotes from the podcast episode:

• "Test results really are only true of the sample submitted for testing."
• "The bottom of the fuel tank is where most of the particulate and the microbial contamination... that's where most of those things are concentrated."
• "Bottom sample does not mean a dead bottom sample right at the very bottom."

• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn

[0:00] - Introduction and episode overview
[1:00] - Importance of proper sampling techniques
[2:00] - Sampling locations and their impact on test results
[3:00] - Bottom tank contamination considerations
[4:00] - Middle and top sampling implications
[5:00] - Port selection for sampling
[6:00] - Defining sample depths
[7:00] - Bottom sampling best practices
[7:30] - Closing remarks