The Fleetguard FK36000 portable fuel cleanliness analysis kit is a reliable solution for testing fuel cleanliness in the field, according to air filter media supplier Cummins Filtration mining sales manager Tinus Naude.

Testing can identify dirty fuel, and more importantly, the source of the contamination through supply, delivery, storage, handling, and other practices.

It also allows for on-site testing of fuel cleanliness, with immediate results. In addition, no power source or batteries are required to perform the test. Most tests use only a litre of fuel and require five to ten minutes. Results are interpreted immediately, and also relate to the ASTM D2068 filter blocking tendency number.

“Clean uncontaminated fuel is key to optimal fuel system performance and longevity for engines in the mining industry. “Without high-quality fuel filtration and regularly scheduled servicing, fuel contamination can lead to costly repairs and engine downtime,” Naude comments.

He states that the better the fuel quality, the better the engine performance through the fuel system. Component life will also be extended.

Naude says that a global fuel cleanliness study has revealed that more than 50% of fuel used does not meet the suggested industry cleanliness levels.

“By testing the fuel source on site, clients in the mining industry in particular are able to prevent dirty fuel from ever reaching valuable equipment or bulk storage tanks.”

The Fleetguard FK36000 portable fuel cleanliness analysis kit consists of a hand-operated pump, four fuel cups, a litre fuel container, replacement NanoNet media patches, and a test result interpretation card.

NanoNet is an advanced filtration media that traps and retains contaminants, even under real-time vibration and flow surge. The technology leads to greater protection of fuel injection equipment, resulting in extended service intervals of up to 2 000 hours, improved engine efficiency and fuel economy, and reduced downtime and maintenance costs.