Sampling:
Fuel samples are collected from the tank using a sample thief. The Sample thief is an industrial strength device designed to take fuel samples from the bottom of storage tanks. When the thief strikes the bottom of the tank, a plunger assembly opens to admit the fuel. The plunger closes again when the sampler is withdrawn, forming a tight seal. Samples can be taken at any depth with the use of a secondary trip line. Once the sample is taken, the fuel is then placed into a clear container for visual inspection. If any water, dirt, particulates, etc are witnessed, then fuel filtering may be recommended.
Fuel Filtering
Fuel filtering is an excellent process that removes water, dirt, particulate, etc that is suspended in the fuel.
Two hoses are placed in your fuel tanks. One hose (a suction line) is placed near the bottom of your tank and another hose (a discharge or return line) is held near the surface of the fuel supply at the opposite end of the tank from the suction line. All hoses are rated for petroleum use having non-static electricity wires.
The fuel is circulated between 35-110 GPM agitating the fuel from the bottom of the tank to the top through a series of two particulate filters, a ten micron “sock filter”, and coalescent filter (to remove water and allow sediments to fall out of solution)
The filtering process continues until the entire volume of fuel has been given sufficient time to pass through the polishing process.
The process is monitored by pressure gauges and filters changed during the process as needed based on the condition of your fuel.
Once fuel has been filtered, an additional sample is obtained in order to verify completion and success for this process.