Transcript Howard Chesneau – Fuel Quality Issues

GTEC 2016 Management &
Compliance Assistance Seminar
August 25, 2016
Crowne Plaza – Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia
Presented By:
Howard Chesneau
President
Fuel Quality Services, Inc.
July 2016
During that time a firm, Warren Rogers
Associates, had developed a computer
model to determine the probability of
service station tanks developing a leak.
They looked at several factors concerning
the tank type and the tank environment.
This was important because of the
magnitude of the tank numbers and which
tanks to examine first.
The investigation only involved
the exterior of the fuel storage
systems. The computer model
categorized the
of a
tank developing a leak within 5
years. This allowed the Oil
Companies and private owners
the ability to work out a 5 year
replacement plan based on the
study.
There were also many presentations at
various petroleum industry Conferences
and meetings such as ASTM and IASH
about the burgeoning recognition of
Microbial Influenced Corrosion (now
known as MIC). The down stream industry
as a whole (except for Aviation) took this
position.
7 Years ago
In late 2009, the failure of a
dispenser pump at a fuel site
near a marine environment
led to the discovery of what
appeared to be extreme
corrosion.
Information from a Presentation by Dan Liang Virginia DOT
The pump was only three months old and
remarkably, what appeared to be rust
coated some of the aluminum and plastic
parts.
Information from a Presentation by Dan Liang Virginia DOT
Information from a Presentation by Dan Liang Virginia DOT
Note date

TRosfelder:

Posted - 12/24/2007 : 08:55:56

I have heard from a number of Pump & Tank contractors and
maintenance technicians that they have experienced rusting and
corrosion of submersible extractors and pump castings. In addition,
they state they are experiencing STP check valve and dispenser
shear valve seating problems due to the corrosion and impact to
other materials. Pumping systems are losing pressure and thus

causing slow pumping similar to thermal contraction.
Has anyone else experienced this ASTM Fuel
Presented by:
Bob Renkes
Petroleum Equipment Institute & Lorri Grainawi, Steel Tank Institute
At an ASTM Fuel Corrosivity Workshop, Kansas City, MO July 1, 2010

•
Problems reported from all
regions of the country
•
•
•
That means it’s not one refinery
And it’s not one pipeline
And it’s not one brand of fuel
Presented by:
Bob Renkes
Petroleum Equipment Institute & Lorri Grainawi, Steel Tank Institute
At an ASTM Fuel Corrosivity Workshop, Kansas City, MO July 1, 2010
THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPA
INVESTIGATION
•
Corrosion of Metal Components in UST Systems
Storing Diesel Appears to be Common
•
Many Owners Are Likely Not Aware of Corrosion in
their diesel UST Systems
•
The Corrosion is geographically widespread,
Affects UST systems with Steel Tanks and with
fiberglass Tanks, and Poses A Risk to Most
Internal Components
THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPA
INVESTIGATION
•
Ethanol Was Present in 90 Percent of the 42
samples tested, Suggesting Cross Contamination
of Diesel Fuel with Ethanol is Likely the Norm, Not
the Exception
•
The Quality of Diesel Fuel Stored in UST’s was
Mixed
•
Particles and Water Content in the Fuel Were
Closest to Being statistically Significant Predictive
Factors for Metal Corrosion, but Causation Cannot
be Discerned
THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPA
INVESTIGATION
•
MIC Could be Involved as Hypothesized by Previous
Research
The data do not contradict the hypotheses suggested by
CDFA’s 2012 study and EPA ORD’s research that MIC is
occurring in UST’s when bacteria oxidize biofuels or
residuals from biodiesel production found in diesel fuel.
Previous research suggested that acid-producing bacteria,
including those of the genus Acetobacter , and other acidproducing bacteria, can metabolize ethanol from switchloading fuel delivery or biodiesel components of diesel such
as glycerol and FAME breakdown products. In addition to
bacteria, there are also a number of other microorganisms
that could cause or contribute to the corrosion attacks
including fungi, archaea and eukaryotic organisms.
THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPA
INVESTIGATION
Preventing and treating MIC
is recognized throughout
industry as a standard
recommended approach to
maintaining UST systems
RECOMMENDATIONS

Regularly monitor and remove WATER
present in the UST.

If possible filter fuel for water and
particulates before it is delivered into the
UST. or into a vehicle. Corrosion can occur
there as well.

Use biocides to kill or prevent microbial
colonies from actively attacking your fuel
system.
Preventive
Maintenance does
NOT mean fixing it
after it breaks
https://www.epa.gov/ust/investigationcorrosion-influencing-factorsunderground-storage-tanks-diesel-service
Questions?
remediation
biological
biocide
water
MIC
corrosion
fuel
testing