When you have a fuel storage tank, you’re likely to face the issue of heating oil sludge. If that’s the case, it’s crucial to take quick measures and address the problem.
For people who don’t know about it: it’s when physical contaminants gradually accumulate over the passage of time. Not to mention, as the problem grows severe, sludge can cause slogs in filters and pipes. This leads to a loss of heat. This is a similar problem as when you plug in your water pipes after not cleaning them in so long.
This problem is preventable and treatable. Let’s have a look at how you can avoid buildup in your heating oil tank.
Maintenance
Try to get prevention maintenance each year from highly-skilled professionals. This will help you prevent the sludge problem before it grows worse.
Amount of Heating Oil
If your oil tank is empty, it is more likely to promote condensation accumulation on the walls. This provides sludge-forming bacteria with an ideal environment.
Quality of Oil
It’s crucial to buy high-quality oil from good brands. Low-quality oil can cause contamination.
Change Oil Storage Tank
You can also consider replacing the tank or draining the oil. Excessive sludge can build up at the bottom of your tank slowly over the years. A contractor with a waste oil license will only take a couple of hours to remove all the sludge. If you want, you can also remove the previous tank and install a new one. It’s important to hire experts to install the tank.
Reputable Supplier
It’s not uncommon that people opt for any heating oil supplier as long as it’s cheap. Mostly, discount fuel companies provide fuel with a high level of contaminants, i.e., a less-refined product. These types of oil contain substances that contaminate your tank once they get into it.
Position of Tank
If you have placed your tank outside, it’s better to move it inside or enclose it. A change in temperature from hot to cold can encourage the growth of condensation inside the oil tank. This condensation interacts with bacteria in the tank to develop into sludge. Moving your tank or enclosing it in a shed prevents the effects of a drastic shift in temperature.
Consider Using Sludge Emulsifiers
An emulsifier helps in limiting the development of heating oil sludge. When you add them to the tank, it decomposes the sludge. However, it’s better to contact experts who can suggest the best emulsifier for your tank.
Contact Arlex Oil
These are some common methods to prevent heating oil sludge. But it’s best to consult professionals like Arlex il, who can suggest better prevention techniques. According to the situation of sludge, they will provide services to limit future sludge growth. Call Arlex Oil today at (781) 862-3400