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Not Another Newsletter!?
While this is our 5th Newsletter and we have received a lot of compliments, we know that not everyone wants to read another newsletter. We think these newsletters contain a lot of relevant information. But if you don't agree...
Just unsubscribe at the bottom of this page. Or, if you wish, contact us using the Quick Links on the right hand pane.
On the other hand, if you are finding this publication useful, we would like to send it to all your key people. Contact us now and give us any appropriate names & email addresses. We'll add them to the list for future mailings.
Comments always welcome! |
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Is My Diesel Fuel Still OK?
 Fuel studies have shown that diesel fuel starts to deteriorate and form solids within 60-90 days after refining. As this change occurs, naturally accumulating particulates increase in size & mass. Heavy deposits are soon to be found in filtration equipment and sludge forms in tanks & other fuel system components. This sludge or "algae" is the most common cause of clogged filters, loss in engine rpm, excessive exhaust smoke, and damaged fuel injectors.
Additionally, water condensates inside fuel tanks wherever there is open space. Correspondingly, it is highly advised that tanks be maintained at full levels.
So what should I do to manage my diesel fuel properly? You have a couple of choices...
1. Use up your fuel within 2 years.
Why 2 years? It takes approximately that long for the deterioration of the fuel to become serious. If you "turn over" your fuel within that period, you should be OK. This means... if you have a 100 gallon tank, you should burn 100 gallons in 2 years.
But what if you can't? Then you should...
2. Recondition Your Fuel.
What does this mean?
It means you remove the contamination from the fuel every 2 years. This process is called fuel polishing. Fuel polishing systems use multi-stage filtration, enabling sludge and water to be removed from the fuel tank. In addition, fuel additives are added. These additives work in conjunction with the filtration process to ensure the fuel is free of particulates, sediment and water. Typically, the cost for this service is about 1/2 the cost of new fuel. 3. Drain & Refill With New Fuel.
This is the easiest and quickest approach. But it is the most expensive. The net result of active fuel management is clean tanks, enhanced combustion, elimination of carbon deposits, reduction in harmful emissions, and lower fuel consumption. |
Using Biodiesel... Not A Good Idea!
Part 2
Last month we started this topic with the strong statement that you should not use Biodiesel to fuel your generator set.
Why do we not recommend Biodiesel? Isn't Biodiesel just as good as "regular" diesel fuel oil?
No, it's not. Here's why...
- Impact on engine components: Biodiesel can cause deterioration of seals, hoses, etc.
- Lubricity problems: Biodiesel doesn't lubricate as well as standard diesel fuel oil.
- Cold starting issues: Starting problems can be an issue.
- Emissions: Biodiesel can cause variability in the composition of emissions, which can be a problem for the air quality authorities.
- Instability & separation in the tank: A common problem.
- Lack of product uniformity: There are not yet any real standardization of the product. You never know what you are getting.
- Environmental concerns: It takes more energy to produce than standard diesel fuel oil, it increase food costs & reduces food supplies, etc.
Biodiesel may eventually solve most of these problems. Until then, we advise...
Biodiesel In Generator Sets... Not A Good Idea! |
The 10 Biggest Maintenance Mistakes:
No. 5: Not Performing a Load Bank Test Every Year
What is a Load Bank test?
A Load Bank test is run to determine the ability of the engine to perform properly and to remove unburned fuel deposits from the combustion chambers & the exhaust system.
How is it performed?
An electrical load (usually portable) is connected to the generator set so the engine can be run at its rated capacity (100% load). This test is usually run for a minimum of 1 hour at full load. 2 hours is preferred.
Why are Load Bank tests important?
Engines, particularly diesel engines, run "dirty." The unburned deposits left behind can damage the engine and degrade performance. Therefore, these deposits must be removed periodically. In addition, the Load Bank test verifies the engine can still produce 100% of its rated load & can take a full power transfer without pause or delay.
Why does this test have to be done every year?
Deposits can build up rapidly when engines are run under light or no-load conditions. In addition, degradation of performance capability can happen very quickly under certain conditions. The annual Load Bank test confirms your equipment is in peak condition, ready for the next power outage.
Note: Mistakes 1-5 can be reviewed here
Mistake No. 6 in Next Issue |
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Featured Client: ______ Surgery Center
We have placed a "blank" in the above to reflect that we actually work with 4 Surgery Centers with common management. They are Bascom Surgery Center, Waverly Surgery Center, Silicon Valley Surgery Center, and Campus Surgery Center. We have supported these important businesses for several years. The nature of these businesses makes it imperative they have a strong & successful maintenance program. They do! Because...
Arjun Reddy, Director, Biomedical Engineering, personally authorizes & coordinates all our work. His knowledge of this equipment is extensive and he has personally designed the strong program they have. We are pleased to continue our support for Arjun and his outstanding program(s). |
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Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."
Seneca |
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Quick Links
phone: 650-321-6169
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Quick Tip #5
Where Do I Get Fuel?
Here are your choices...
1. Fuel Supplier: We strongly suggest you contract with a local industrial fuel supplier to deliver fuel to you when you call.
Call us for a recommendation.
2. Electro-Motion: We can arrange for deliveries from a fuel supply company for a small mark-up. Or, for smaller tanks, we can deliver the fuel ourselves--during our regular visits or during a special visit for this purpose alone.
3. Gas Station: This is not a good idea! Their fuel is inferior to that supplied by an industrial fuel company.
Use this source only in an extreme emergency! |
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"Emergency power and fire protection in a hotel setting is very important. Also, we are trying to save funds and cut costs; Electro-Motion helps us do this by maintaining our fire pumps and emergency power generators at all times, correcting problems on the spot and report on anything which may need to be corrected in the future. Keeping equipment in top working order saves us emergency repairs and costly down time."
Scott W. Varady
Director of Engineering
~ San Ramon Marriott Hotel |
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Contact Information
We are in the process of updating our contact information for your company. This is important to us both. Why?
To effectively serve you, we must be able to contact the correct individual...to schedule work, to send proposals, to send invoices, etc.
We intend to make this process as painless as possible by sending you a PDF file with as much of your current information filled in as possible. You will be able to enter or correct information directly on this PDF file and send it directly back to us.
Please help us complete this project quickly. The information you provide will allow us to serve you better!
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Next Issue
Maintenance Mistake #6
Featured Client
Quick Tip #6 |
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Electro-Motion has been maintaining emergency power (generator set) equipment since 1967. We are now one of the largest generator maintenance/service companies in the Bay Area. We are also the oldest generator service/maintenance company in the Bay Area...enjoying our 43rd anniversary in 2010!
We are particularly known for 3 things:
First, we are the only generator company that also provides maintenance of the Automatic Transfer Switch, which is crucial for a comprehensive program. This means all the equipment in your emergency systems will be taken care of...reducing the anxiety of having only a partial job done. Second, we are committed to being close & responsive to our customers. This means we will, if called upon, respond quickly when you call. And arrive quickly in an emergency. This is difficult for other companies located in San Leandro, Stockton, etc. who, perhaps, have a lesser commitment to serving. Third, we tailor our maintenance programs to the specific needs of our clients. We do not try to "sell" them a "cookie-cutter" program that may, or may not, be suitable for their unique needs. This means you get exactly what you want and need...no more and no less. |
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