26
4. Fuel System
Diesel Fuel Specification
All diesel fire pump drivers manufactured by Clarke are designed, tested and warranted for use only with No. 2-
D Diesel Fuel conforming to ASTM International D-975-11b or British Standard BS2869:2010+A1:2011 Fuels
oils for agricultural, domestic and industrial engines and boilers - Specification.
Although the above referenced fuel specifications allow limited amounts of Biodiesel, 100% petroleum fuel is
preferred and should be used whenever possible. Biodiesel in any amount greater than that allowed by the
above referenced specifications should not be used. The use of fuels not referenced above, or Biodiesel in
amounts greater than allowed in the above referenced specifications, may affect performance and reliability,
and may result in a non-warrantable engine condition.
To insure engine reliability and performance, the fuel provided for Clarke fire pump drivers must be maintained
in a quality condition. Refer to NFPA 25 2014, reprint provided below, for guidance to the minimum
requirements for fuel maintenance for all Clarke fire pump engine installations.
The following is reprinted from the “NFPA 25 2014 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and maintenance of
Water-Based Fire Protection Systems,” Copyright © 2013 National Fire Protection Association®. All Rights
Reserved.
8.3.4 Diesel Fuel Testing and Maintenance
8.3.4.1 Diesel fuel shall be tested for degradation no less than annually.
8.3.4.1.1* Fuel degradation testing shall comply with ASTM D975-11b Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel
Oils, or ASTM D6751 -11b Standard Specification for Biodiesel Fuel Blend Stock (B100) for Middle Distillate
Fuels as approved by the engine manufacturer, using ASTM D 7462 -11 Standard Test Method for Oxidation
Stability of Biodiesel (B100) and Blends of Biodiesel with Middle Distillate Petroleum Fuel (Accelerated Method).
8.3.4.2* If diesel fuel is found to be deficient in the testing required in 8.3.4.1.1, the fuel shall be reconditioned or
replaced, the supply tank shall be cleaned internally, and the engine fuel filter(s) shall be changed.
8.3.4.2.1 After the restoration of the fuel and tank in 8.3.4.2, the fuel shall be retested each 6 months until
experience indicates the fuel can be stored for a minimum of one year without degradation beyond that allowed
in 8.3.4.1.1
8.3.4.3 When provided, active fuel maintenance systems shall be listed for fire pump service.
8.3.4.3.1 Maintenance of active fuel maintenance systems shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
8.3.4.3.2 Maintenance of active fuel maintenance systems shall be performed at a minimum annual frequency for
any portion of the system that the manufacturer does not provide a recommended maintenance frequency.
8.3.4.3.3 Fuel additives shall be used and maintained in accordance with the active fuel maintenance system
manufacturer’s recommendations.
A.8.3.4.1.1 Commercial distillate fuel oils used in modern diesel engines are subject to various detrimental
effects from storage. The origin of the crude oil, refinement processing techniques, time of year, and
geographical consumption location all influence the determination of fuel blend formulas. Naturally occurring
gums, waxes, soluble metallic soaps, water, dirt, blends and temperature all contribute to the degradation of the
fuel as it is handled and stored. These effects begin at the time of fuel refinement and continue until
consumption. Proper maintenance of stored distillate fuel is critical for engine operation, efficiency, and
longevity.
Storage tanks should be kept water-free. Water contributes to steel tank corrosion and the development of
microbiological growth where fuel and water interface. This and the metals of the system provide elements that
react with fuel to form certain gels or organic acids, resulting in clogging of filters and system corrosion.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
