Is it true that the Fuel Mag will save fuel? If it does, how is this achieved?
Fuel Mag™ makes no claims that a magnetic field has any effect on fuel economy. There are too many unsubstantiated and ridiculous claims made without any scientific proof to support these conclusions.
However, bearing in mind that the Fuel Mag™ controls the growth of microbiological contamination in the fuel, then the answer is yes, it will save fuel. This is because uncontrolled contamination will result in
- sludge causing fuel
flow restrictions and fuel starvation
- Secretions of organic acids into the fuel and consequential damage to fuel injection equipment
- Conversion of fuel molecules into new cells and metabolites such as surfactants which assist in the emulsification of water in the fuel, carbon dioxide, high density polymers.As well as the conversion by cellular enzymes of fuel into these various by-products, the by-products themselves adversely effect combustion conditions.
Several trials and test programs with large fleet operators showed a distinct reduction in black smoke and improved engine response. These are all related to clean fuel vs. dirty fuel.
Please have a look at
Problems with modren diesel engins - Dave Quirk
What is bio contamination?
Have you ever changed a fuel filter and it looked black?This is fuel contamination caused by microbes or ‘fuel bugs.’ Microbes in fuel tanks can be devastating.
Several types of microbes live in hydroscopic fuels. The microbes use the mix of fuel and water found in the tanks to make ‘new bugs’, quickly forming a colony. This is easily observed as black slime or sludge and produces by-products, such as Carbon Dioxide and Organic Acids which, in addition to blocking the filter, causes corrosion in fuel tanks and systems.
These byproducts also cause the engine to lose power, smoke excessively and increase the fuel consumption, ultimately damaging more of the environment than we can afford. Getting around the problem until now could only be achieved through the use of hazardous and poisonous biocides, banned by several major Oil Companies because of the dangers with handling and storage.
What About Biofuels?
Having tested a variety of biofuels we found the results the result is the same. The organisms that will contaminate biofuel is of a greater variety and include a higher level of anaerobic material which will be very expensive for the operator.Anaerobic material, often called SRBs, produce sulphurous acid which in itself is corrosive but will, in the presence of a suitable catalyst, be converted into sulphuric acid which is extremely corrosive and destructive.
What is Microbes or Fuelbugs?
Think of these microbes as minuscule machines that convert fuel into non-fuel products. If left unchecked and under the proper conditions, your tank will contain more byproducts than pure fuel. These bugs can produce so much slime because they contain enzymes. The enzymes cut, reshape and join molecules. Each enzyme performs a very specific step in converting a hydrocarbon molecule into either new cell components or metabolitesHow do I know if this is my problem?
Here are a few methods you can use to determine if you have microbes. Check the filters and filter housings first because the microbes that are flushed by the fuel tanks will be trapped here. Once they are trapped, they multiply and form the slime that plugs the filter. If this slime smells yeasty or like rotten eggs, you have extremely heavy microbial contamination. It is really crucial to get the fuel tested before it reaches this point so you can save money and avoid damage to injectors and other fuel system components. Now, when you pull the filter, drain the fluid from the housing into a glass jar or clear sample bottle. If you see water, invert-emulsion, large suspended particles, or it just looks suspicious, get the sample tested immediately. If your results come back positive for microbes, it is advised that you take a sample from the bottom of the tank at about mid-depth.Why not use Biocides?
Firstly it is extremely toxic and secondly it is a single treatment with published averages of 100ml per 60 liters of fuel. It is a known fact that the microbes will start growing again after just four weeks if it is not completely destroyed. Everytime you fill up or top up you introduce new microbes starting the process all over.Further more, any positive enviromental impact form the use of biofuels is immediately detryed by biocides that will linger in nature for up to 30 years.
Why can the fuel suppliers not fix the problem?
To keep water out of fuel systems and starage units is impossible. unless you operate a sealed system with absolutely no contact with the atmosphere.What makes Fuel Mag™ diffrent?
I not only destroys the Microbes but also allow it to be flushed out whereas boicides still require you to change all the filters and clean the whole system with more chemicals.How does Fuel Mag™ work?
Fuel Mag is not a biocide; it does not kill the bug. It is a bio-control unit. It affects the living organism by disrupting its environment and breaking the biomass down into individual plasmolized cells of less than 1 micron in size. These pass through the fuel filter and burn up in the engine.
What about the fuel returned to the tank?
The treated cells remain dormant and inactive for long periods. The time frame depends on the environmental conditions, but it is long enough for the for the cells to be consumed by the engine. The fuel tank is slowly cleaned up in the process.
How do you know the effectiveness of FuelMag™?
Studies School of Ocean Sciences in the
University of Wales at Anglesey, UK to prove the
effectiveness of Fuel Mag. The methodology of the test was devised by The School
of Ocean Sciences in conjunction with Lloyds Register of Shipping Type Approval
Department of Engineering Services, Reference TA/40397/67488/94REL.
What form did the experiment take?
The
experiment was devised to determine the effect on a magnetically protected
filter compared with an unprotected one when circulated with microbiologically
contaminated fuel.What was the result?
The
result was that the unprotected filter became an ideal environment for
microbiological growth and the filter became blocked. The protected one remained
unblocked. The filter life was increased by a factor of 10. The results were so
impressive that the University submitted them to the leading journal in the
field of biological contamination for publication. The article was accepted and
was published in Volume 14(3) 1999 of BIOFOULING.Is Fuel Mag™ a
cost-effective ?
Yes. The continual use of expensive and toxic biocides and the
associated hazards are eliminated.What is the life of the magnets?
The magnets are made from a strontium ferrite material, which, we are informed, has an indefinite life span.Will the unit affect electronic engine
components?
No. The field is depleted after it moves about 80mm
from the unit. In addition, the field is absorbed by adjacent ferrite
materials.Would a more powerful magnet be more effective?
No. The result would be the same but the cost greater.Can Fuel Mag be used to protect fuel storage
tanks?
Yes. By periodically circulating the fuel through a Fuel
Mag the microbial matter can be maintained in a controlled, dormant
condition.Can Fuel Mag be used with other fluid systems ?
Yes, most definitely.Why does Fuel Mag reduce engine smoke emissions?
Quite simply the biological contamination is removed and fuel quality is improved. If the system is contaminated then as it becomes cleaner the combustion process improves, giving cleaner, faster and more complete combustion of the fuel injected into the combustion spaces.Why should I fit a Fuel Mag to my engine or system?
Well, it depends on the circumstances. If your system is biologically fouled the Fuel Mag™ will deal with the contamination, clean the system up and keep it clean.If your system is not contaminated, then the aim is to keep it that way. You never know when you are likely to receive contaminated fuel.
Think of it in terms of your computer. Why do you install a virus protection programme?
- To deal with any existing virus contamination.
- To protect your files from any virus that gets down loaded from an external source.
- The same principle applies with the installation of Fuel Mag.
- To deal with existing contamination.
- To prevent any introduced bug from making a comfortable home for itself and degrading your engine system.