Government / Military

Diesel fuels used within the Military can be used in both diesel engines and gas turbines that have been modified to run diesel fuel. Diesel fuel, however, remains an often forgotten commodity although it can be one of the most critical components within an operating engine. If treated in a poor manor, it can contribute to the failure of the engine and the overall military machine. Such failures can put lives in danger.

 

Diesel Fuel and the Government/Military

In the case of the Navy, diesel fuel is often transported via sea and thus exposed to water and other contaminants. Additionally, it can sometimes be left unattended for many months during refit or maintenance periods. It is only when something goes wrong do we understand how critical the fuel is to the reliable operation of the military machine.It is a well-known fact that poorly maintained diesel fuel is directly responsible for greater than 80% of fuel system failures and even higher in new advanced HPCR fuel injection systems. As such, the diesel fuel must be maintained in a pristine condition and as close to an “as refined” condition as possible to ensure ultimate reliability.The diesel engines used within today’s Military systems must maintain peek performance whilst burning fuel at economic levels once thought to be impossible. The latest advanced High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) injection systems and exhaust gas recirculation and purification technologies have certainly assisted in these advancements. Due to these extreme levels of performance, the diesel fuels required to run these engines must be of the same premium quality.AXI International understands not only the criticality of your industry, but also that the diesel fuel is one of the most critical “components” of the engine. Our engineering and sales teams design “solutions” not “products” to ensure the most critical component in your engine (the fuel) is available for use as required and in a condition that ensures ultimate reliability.

Common Government/Military Diesel Issues

Diesel fuels, by their very nature, are unstable organic hydrocarbons, which degrade over time depending on a multitude of factors. As a fuel breaks down over time, gums and insoluble contaminants are formed within the fuel stock. These factors, along with solid particulate and water contamination, contribute to the majority of fuel system component wear and failures.Diesel fuel that is not maintained correctly as close to “as refined” as possible can cause the following common problems:

  • Poor starting or failure to start
  • Low power from the engine
  • Poor or rough idle
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Excessive Smoke
  • Hunting
  • Vibration
  • Increased emissions

Resolution to Government/Military Diesel Issues

Diesel fuel that is maintained in a condition as close to “as refined” as possible will outperform a diesel fuel that is under, or poorly, maintained. In order to achieve optimal fuel quality, the contaminants in fuel must be filtered out, water must be separated from the fuel, and the fuel must be conditioned.  This process of filtration, separation, and conditioning is the foundation for achieving the quality of fuel necessary for ultimate reliability.