Fuel Filters
What is a fuel filter?
A fuel filter is something that is designed to clean the diesel before it enters your machine/ vehicle. Filters are usually in the form of a canister or a filter element in a clear bowl.
Fuel filters play a vital role in keeping the fuel clean to ensure maximum efficiency of machine or vehicle you are filling as contaminant fuels can cause engine failure.
Contaminants can be anything in the fuel that doesn’t belong there such as dirt, rust, particles in the air or even water.
Filters work by allowing the fuel to pass through it, inside the filters there is a fine mesh that can block contaminates from passing though and out of the nozzle. When looking at the filters you will notice that each filter has a 'micron' rating - this can range from 10 to 30 on most domestic filters.
What does Micron mean?
Micron refers to a filter that can retain a relatively wide range of contaminants like chemicals and metals. They can do this using a mesh system within the filter, this mesh will trap and contain the unwanted particles.
10-micron filters will have a tightly woven mesh which will capture more smaller particles when contaminated fuel is passing though than the 30-micron option which will still capture a lot of particles but the more refined contaminates may escape into the hose ready for dispensing.
Depending on how clean the diesel is in your tank will determine which filter you will require.
Do I need a particle filter or a water and particle?
The difference between these 2 types of filters is simple. The particle filter is designed to remove particles from the diesel (E.g., dirt) and the water and particle will pull any excess/unwanted water out of the line as well as particles.
The water and particle filter will be a safer option to use if you are unsure which filter, you need as it will ensure maximum safety when filling your vehicle. However, the water and particle filter will come at a great cost as understandably it is doing 2 jobs at the same time.
What will happen if I don't have a filter?
If you can guarantee you are putting 100% pure diesel into your machine or vehicle then you will be fine not using a filter. However, we know that this isn't always the case, and with fuel being transported from the wholesaler to the local sellers and then onto you it is easy for the fuel to pick up unwater particles or even some excess water.
Contaminated fuel can have disastrous consequences, with costly downtime and maintenance of vehicles being refilled and can in extreme cases cause engine failure.
We know that fuel filters can be expensive and will need replacing regularly to keep them working at an optimum level. Because of this we have a range of filters to suit all budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fuel Dispensing Tanks
Fuel Filters
What is a fuel filter?
Fuel filters are an essential component of any fuel system, as they are responsible for removing contaminants and impurities from fuel before it is used in vehicles, equipment, or machinery. These contaminants can include dirt, debris, rust, and other particles that can clog or damage fuel system components, leading to reduced performance and shortened lifespan.
There are several different types of fuel filters, each of which is designed to meet the specific needs of a particular fuel system. Some common types of fuel filters include:
- Sediment filters, which are designed to remove large particles and debris from fuel. These filters may be made of paper, fiberglass, or other materials, and are typically used in gasoline or diesel fuel systems.
- Water separators, which are designed to remove water from fuel. These filters are commonly used in diesel fuel systems, where water can accumulate and cause corrosion or other problems.
- Carbon filters, which are designed to remove impurities and contaminants from fuel using activated carbon. These filters are often used in gasoline or diesel fuel systems, and may be used in conjunction with other types of filters.
Fuel filters are typically installed in the fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine, and are designed to be easily replaceable when they become clogged or dirty. It is important to regularly replace fuel filters to ensure that the fuel system is functioning properly and to prevent costly repairs or downtime.
In addition to their primary function of filtering fuel, fuel filters may also include features such as pressure regulators, which help to ensure that the correct amount of fuel is delivered to the engine, and anti-drainback valves, which prevent fuel from draining out of the filter when the engine is off.
Overall, fuel filters are an important part of any fuel system, and are essential for ensuring that fuel is clean and free of contaminants. Properly maintaining and replacing fuel filters can help to extend the lifespan of fuel system components, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce the risk of costly repairs or downtime.