Nigel is correct in regard to using a clamp rather than Jubilee clips when clipping small diameters. I used jubilee clips because they were available, I will be replacing them as soon as I get a chance.
The jury seems to be out in regard to using magnets to stop Diesel Bug. The magnets may only temporarily stop the growth of the bug. "Yachting Monthly" has published a number of articles over the years and results of testing Biocides and Enzymes to control Diesel Bug.
I had Startron ( an enzyme) in my tank the last time I had an attack of Bug. The engine had little use over the previous 4 months. I installed the In-Line Strainer after the attack and got a big blob of gunk in the strainer within 1 hour of using the engine. However, after a 9 hour trip under motor, the Startron had broken down the gunk. I checked the primary filter and also found it to be clean. I think the Startron only works when the diesel is heated by the return flow and does not appear to work in cold diesel over winter in European climates.
. I also understand that Volvo have discontinued their use of magnets in the systems they supply.
My view is that Biocides, Enzymes and possibly magnets may only partially work. We also need a way of capturing the gunk, seeing what is forming and having a quick easy system to rectify the problem at sea. I have spare filters, a spare strainer, a dinghy pump with a nozzle that I can use to blow fuel lines clean and an enzyme. I can "fix" any blockage within minutes if I get a problem.
The following article refers to some of the tests on magnets. I should state that magnets were tried on swimming pool systems with limited success. UV light and electric current systems have also been used in swimming pool systems. The electric current devices work but are not practicable for boats.
November 29th, 2012
Are magnets a reliable way to treat fuel problems?
We have many fuel polishing systems keeping diesel in prime condition for back up power applications in many data centres, hospitals and other critical applications. But we are often asked ?why don?t you fit fuel magnets??
There is actually very little hard, trustworthy data to support the claims that magnets effectively treat any form of diesel contamination. Some were originally introduced claiming that they ?killed diesel bug? others were developed with the aim of altering the molecular structure of fuel. There is plenty of opinion and anecdotal evidence but we have yet to see a study that proves any lasting, positive effect.
What we do know, is that a study by the Australian Department of Defence found that a particular brand of fuel magnet had no discernible effect on diesel bug and other contaminants, and actually introduced more contamination into the fuel as the magnets eroded, causing an increased risk of filter blockage.
Other studies have suggested that, while magnets can slightly disrupt the growth of microbes, this is only a temporary state and once clear of the magnet field they revert to normal growth and multiplication ? none are killed. The same is true of the formation of wax crystals ? when subjected to a magnetic field there is some softening of the crystals but once free of the magnetic effect for 14 seconds the effect is gone.
More worryingly, from our own experience we also know that, where fuel deliveries have high quantities of iron ? which can be common ? magnets can actually induce filter and fuel system blockage by causing iron particles to agglomerate together. Certainly not what you want in a critical back up power application.
We recommend ? Efficient fuel polishing, using world class filtration, to remove particles and water. Keep the water out and you keep the bug out. If you do get diesel bug, clean the tank or use a biocide ? and keep polishing!
If you would like to know more about IPU Fuel Conditioning Solutions, call us on 0121 511 0400 or email ipu@ipu.co.uk
