5 Ways to Limit the Impact of Contaminated Fuel at Gas Stations

May 05, 2023

While it's not uncommon to have water in underground storage tanks (USTs), microbes in the water contaminate the fuel and lead to corrosion of tank surfaces. Water is also a leading contributor to phase separation in ethanol-blended fuels. If significantly contaminated fuel is inadvertently dispensed from USTs, it could severely damage both automotive engines and dispensers.

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is extremely vulnerable to contamination. PetroClear® has expanded its line of dispenser filtration products to include Diesel Exhaust Fluid Filter Housing and Elements. Contact a PetroClear representative today to add PetroClear's DEF contamination prevention solutions to DEF dispensers.

Unacceptable levels of water, completion of phase separation and excessive particulate, slime or biomass are all examples of triggers that require immediate action. When addressing issues on the forecourt, retailers must follow safety protocols at all times, meet National Fire Protection Association codes and standards as well as all federal, state and local regulations, and satisfy minimum fuel quality standards. With that in mind, here are five things retailers should do to prevent the distribution of the contaminated fuel:

Fuel site operators who fail to take fuel contamination seriously put customer loyalty at risk. As the last line of defense against dispensing contaminated fuel, dispenser filters trap particulate and other contaminants to help protect customers’ cars and c-store operations. It is wise for operators to have programs that both respond to fuel contamination and provide a long-term approach to managing it. This dual strategy will result in lower maintenance costs in the long run.

This post is sponsored by PetroClear