10 VN 53 | JANUARY – MARCH 2019
BLUE PRINT
FUEL FILTRATION
Modern fuel systems are
manufactured to incredible
tolerances and put under enormous
loads. Blue Print explains why quality
fuel filters are non-negotiable.
The advancement of engine technology
is often the determinant of filter design
in vehicles. Modern petrol and diesel fuel
systems are manufactured to tolerances of
less than two microns (μm) and perform
under immense pressure. For the case of
diesel engines, fuel does not just combust to
create power, it also lubricates moving parts
in high pressure fuel pump and injectors. Fuel
that is inadequately filtered of contaminants
can cause catastrophic problems for the fuel
system in the long run.
Without correct filtration, water can corrode
components within the pump and injectors.
Hence, Blue Print diesel fuel filters are made
with a hydrophobic coalescing material which
allows fuel to pass through whilst retaining
the water. The separated water forms droplets
that collect at the bottom of the filter canister
which should be drained periodically as part
of routine maintenance.
Fungi tend to grow in warm and humid
conditions and the modern fuel system
provides optimum conditions for fungal
growth. Many diesel systems today
continually circulate and filter fuel between
the tank and the engine, returning warm
diesel to the tank and create a perfect
environment for fungal bloom. This leads to
fungal waste products that clog fuel lines.
The best solution to this issue is regular
maintenance using a quality filter that will
remove water molecules from the fuel and
prevent fungal formation in the long run.
TINY PART OF A BIG PROBLEM
Impurities from service station refills and
corrosion in metal fuel tanks are ever-present
and can ruin a modern fuel system. With such
tiny tolerances, even the smallest particle can
cause damage to the injector pintle causing a
distortion in spray pattern. This in turn affects
combustion efficiency, fuel consumption, idle
stability and emissions.
OE QUALITY PROMISE
Fungal spores can contaminate a diesel system if not properly
filtered out
UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS
Diesel fuel systems need additional filtration
on top of removing abrasive contaminants.
As condensation can take place in the fuel
tank, water molecules may be suspended in
the diesel or form an emulsion which can be
problematic for the system.
NOTHING FUN ABOUT THE FUNGI
Diesel is an organic liquid that provides
nutrients for certain species of fungi. As
fungal spores naturally occur in air, they can
contaminate the diesel system if not properly
filtered out.
Blue Print’s range of petrol and diesel fuel
filters are manufactured to OE standards to
ensure the correct fuel flow and efficiency,
whilst offering maximum engine and fuel
system protection. Available from FPS
via same/next-day delivery, please speak
to your local FPS representative for more
information.