Frequently Asked Questions - F.A.Q
Q.How does it work?
A. De Bug Fuel Treatment Units are static magnetic inline devices that
create an optimum magnetic flux field density directly responsible for
destruction of the cell membrane. Exposing the microbes to a strong, changing
magnetic field will ensure maximum destruction of the cells. The debris stays
randomly suspended in the fuel and due to their sub-micron size easily pass
through engine components and burned with the fuel.
Q. Is
De Bug a Filter?
A. No. The De Bug Fuel Treatment Unit is not a filter nor does it supply
any chemicals to destroy micro-organisms. It is a static magnetic
device.
Q. How
cost effective is it?
A. De Bug is a cost effective, one time, permanent installation
solution, with no moving parts, no electrical hook-up, and maintenance that may
require only an occasional cleaning. And unlike chemical biocides,
micro-organisms which have been destroyed by the De-Bug unit do not collect at
the bottom of fuel tanks. Instead, the debris stays randomly suspended in the
fuel and due to their sub-micron size easily pass through engine components.
They are then burned with the fuel and leave no build-up in tanks. Remember, if
you have to clean the fuel tanks once, you will most likely pay more than
installing a De Bug. Think about that the next time you consider using an
expensive biocide!
Q. What
about pressure drop?
A. Through careful design, De Bug units show no pressure drop across the recommended
unit for a
specified flow rate.
Q. What kinds of diesel fuel can De Bug units used
with?
A. The De Bugs can be used with diesel fuel, marine diesel, light oil, gas oil
and heavy diesel fuel
Q. Will
the fitting of a De Bug unit save on fuel
costs?
A. Anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that the effective control of
microbial contamination through a De Bug unit will save on fuel
costs.
Q. Will
the fitting of a De Bug unit reduce engine smoke
emissions?
A. Yes. If microbial contamination is removed from the fuel then
combustion improves reducing engine smoke emissions.
Q. What
is the maximum temperature in which a De Bug unit will
operate?
A. Rubber 'O' Ring - maximum 107?C.
B. Internal washers - maximum 90?C. (Polyethylene - YUCLAIR
JL210)
C. Magnet spacers - maximum 170?C. (Acetal Copolymer LUCEL
N109-02)
D. Ceramic magnets - recommended
maximum temperature is around 230?C.
In general we do not recommend our units in any situation where
heated fluid enters the unit beyond the maximum temperature tolerance level of
the Magnet Spacers which are fully exposed to any high temperature fuel.
In our view the Rubber 'O' Ring between the top and bowl housing, and the PVC
internal washers have very limited exposure to heat and are therefore adequate
for the purpose.
However some customers may wish to receive our Model L5000 units
modified to include components able to withstand higher operating
temperatures. In these circumstances the following components would be
used.
Models L5000 modified for Heavy Fuel requirement on
request:
A. Viton 'O' Ring - +200?C.(BS453 V80)
B. Internal washers - maximum 121?C. (Nylon
66)
or Durethan? BKV 30 - Maximum
200?C (30% Glass fiber reinforced)
C. Magnet spacers - maximum 170?C. (Acetal Copolymer LUCEL
N109-02)
D. Ceramic magnets - recommended
maximum temperature is around 230?C.
Q.Other
systems use a single magnet and claim similar success. What makes your product
using a three magnet stack different?
A. Put simply, the patented Tri-Mag? stack through its design of
strategically spaced magnets and spacers allows for the required turbulence and
maximum exposure to a changing magnetic field necessary to kill these organisms.
When the fuel and microbes flow between the magnets and through the centre of
the middle magnet in the Tri-Mag? pack, the flow path causes the microbial cells
to experience the maximum levels of magnetic flux density from several different
angles, and 24 changes in polarity of the magnetic field. This overwhelming
attack from all directions, combined with the oscillating field strength can
eliminate microbial contamination when used in a fuel system where fuel is
re-circulated through the De-Bug unit either on a periodic or continuous
basis.
Q. What
are these Micro-organisms?
A. Once bacteria, moulds and yeasts in fuel have grown to be visible
their colonies consist of millions of individual cells. Very simply stated, all
micro-organisms are single-celled with a membrane surrounding them. The unit
membrane physically contains the cell and the proteins needed for survival while
maintaining separation between the internal cell and the external environment.
Ions, which are electrically charged, travel across this membrane and their
movement is essential for the organism's life.
Q. What
is Microbial Contamination?
A. Microbial contamination of petroleum products is a serious
problem
especially in the marine industry. Many bacteria, moulds and yeasts are able to
degrade hydrocarbons and yet more are able to feed on the intermediate
by-products of the degradation. Given the right conditions, a single cell
weighing one millionth of a gram can grow to a biomass of slimy algae weighing
10 kilograms (22 pounds) within 24 hours.
Q.What
is the effects of Microbial Contamination?
A. The physical effects of microbiological contamination are the
formation of biological sludge, bio films (slimes) and surface or interfacial
scum. These mainly occur in the fuel tank and also manifest themselves as
material which blocks filters.
A
number of microbial and chemical processes produce corrosive by-products
including strong organic acids and sulphides. These can degrade protective
coatings such as paints, rubber, some plastics and metal oxide films as well as
destroy or inactivate chemical corrosion inhibitors and cause hydrogen
embitterment of metals. Black deposits on copper or copper containing alloys in
pipe work and bearings as well as pitting are evidence of microbial induced
corrosion.
Engines rely on high quality fuel that has been properly filtered
and separated (from water), with no flow restrictions, to achieve proper
atomisation, combustion, engine performance and fuel efficiency. Fuel that is
infected with bacteria is not reliable and there are many and varied
consequences of using contaminated fuel.
These include:
1. encouraging growth of further
contamination
2. Fuel filter clogging and blockage
3. coalesce
malfunctions
4. engine wear due to variations in fuel flow
5. corrosion
of the fuel system
6. corrosion of engine fuel injectors
7. damage to
in-line instruments
Engine fuel injection equipment and fuel pumps are most susceptible
to the effects of microbial contamination resulting in corrosive
damage.
Ultimately, performance suffers and fuel consumption and maintenance
costs increase, but perhaps the most critical concern is the real potential for
blockages in the fuel system which cause engine failure while underway - with
potentially devastating consequences.
Q. What
are the effects of using Biocides?
A. Biocides are frequently used to treat severe contamination, however
many of them are hazardous chemicals and require careful handling. Although some
are marketed as being "environmentally friendly", many are harmful to the
environment and waste disposal contractors may need to be called in if waste
containing dead microbes and biocide are to be removed.
Adding biocides to the fuel system can actually cause more
problems. The fallout of dead cells
collecting on the
bottom of the tank forms a sludge material (known as dead bug sludge) that can
still find its way into the fuel system, clogging fuel lines and filters,
potentially leading to performance problems and possibly engine damage. This can
be especially true in rough weather when the contents of the tank are
effectively shaken into suspension.
Furthermore, over time biocides lose their effectiveness as microbes
build up immunity to the chemicals. Occasional dosing can actually accelerate
this action and some owners have reported bio-mass growth in systems despite
regular treatments with biocides.
Thus biocides can actually contribute to the problems of microbial
contamination; not only by causing a large amount of sludge to build up but by
also giving a crew a false sense of security.
Note:
We suggest you read the following article
(Proceedings Marine Safety Council ¡°How Technology is Affecting the Maritime World¡± July-September,
1996 Vol.53 (2)) - PDF
Q. What
is the Kill Rate?
A. The patented design of multiple ceramic permanent magnets located
within the unit, when properly sized and strategically placed, have been shown
to have a 97.5% efficiency in destroying the damaging micro-organisms within a
single pass.
Q. Are
there microbial bugs in lubrication oil?
A. Oil has bacteria therefore the answer is Yes. This extends
to palm oil, coconut oil, fish oil, Emu oil, etc. If you encounter
evidence of contamination, you can be reasonably sure that it
is contamination.
Q.Where
in the fuel line should I install my De-Bug
unit?
A. The De-Bug Fuel Treatment Unit should be mounted as close as
possible to the main fuel supply source (fuel tank) and in the fuel line after
any strainer or water separator but before the primary filter. Full installation
instructions are included with each unit.
NOTE:
If you are installing De Bugs in an engine using heavy diesel fuel, a
basic configuration diagram is available as a guide.
Q. Is De-Bug Easy To
Install?
A. Yes. De-Bug is designed for D.I.Y especially the smaller units
(i.e. L140, L500, L1000 and L2000), like those for the trucks, buses, tractors,
gen sets and 4x4 vehicles. For the
larger unit (i.e. L5000) which is installed in marine vessels such as tugboats,
container ship or large oil tankers, bulk carriers, a technically competent
person is able to install the De Bug.
For the L5000, you will require the appropriate bronze gate valves,
mast steel elbows and mast steel flanges etc¡ Most of these items are available
off the shelf. The piping can be done earlier and there must be bypasses. Once these are done, you can install the
De Bugs anytime even when the ship is sailing.
We had a customer who installed the De Bug while the container ship
was sailing between Port Kelang and Kota Kinabalu
Q What Is De-Bug Effective Life Span?
A. The effective life
expectancy of the ceramic magnets is approximately 8 ¨C 10 years. The brain of
the De Bug is the ceramic magnets. The effective life span of De Bugs depends on
the life expectancy of the ceramic magnets. Once the ceramic loses its
magnetism, it is time to replace the De Bug unit. For a one time investment, you
get a very long payback period.
De-Bug is designed for heavy duty and high tolerance applications and
is made from special high quality non-corrosive materials that can withstand the
pressure of diesel fuel up to 50 psi, and the fuel flowing at a rate between 140
LPH to 50,000 LPH without compromising its performance.
Q Is Regular Maintenance
Required?
A. There are no moving parts for servicing. You simply unscrew the bolt
below the unit to drain out any sediment that may have been collected at the
bottom if there are any ¨C whenever the diesel engine or vessel is down for
maintenance. For the L5000, you can install a tap on the drain hole for easy
drainage.
Q.
Can I Disassemble De-Bug For
Maintenance?
A. Yes and no, depending on the model type, whether you know what you
are doing, are technically competent and whether you have the instructions and
maintenance guide. Generally, you do not need to disassemble De-Bug unless
absolutely necessary as there are no moving parts for servicing. There is a
potential risk of damaging the complex magnetic cone arrangement and O-rings and
seals. This will adversely affect performance and causes leaking fuel. Instruction guides and expert advice for
disassembling and assembling model L1000 and L5000 are available. As a general
rule, we do not encourage the disassembling the De Bugs. Any unauthorised
disassembling will void the manufacturer¡¯s warranty.
Q. Can I Install De-Bug on My
New Engine?
A. There is no
reason why you can¡¯t. De Bug can be
installed on new and existing diesel engines. It should not have any negative
impact on the engine performance, provided the De-Bug is correctly installed,
the fuel pipeline is the correct size as the existing one, without constraining
the rate of fuel flow and the engine output is also correct. Unlike additive
chemicals such as biocide, De Bug does not add chemicals to change the fuel
composition or modify the engine functions. The De Bug unit only kills the
diesel bugs.
However, it is important that you first discuss the matter with the
engine manufacturer or its representative to avoid any misunderstandings. If
possible, give them a copy of De Bug product brochure, product information;
visit our De Bug website for additional information or for your engine
manufacturer or its representative to communicate with our
manufacturer.
Engine Manufacturers Warranties from GEC Alstrom and MTU
GmbH
We have official letters from GEC-Alstrom, the manufacturer of Ruston
engines to confirm they have no objection for the Singapore Navy to install
De-Bugs to their new Ruston marine engines, GEC-Alstrom also confirmed that the
Navy installing De Bugs to the Ruston engines will not invalidate the engine
manufacturer¡¯s warranty as long as the size of the fuel pipe is the same as the
existing one.
We also have official letter from MTU GmbH of Germany, manufacturer
of MTU diesel engines confirming that installing De Bugs to MTU engines will not
invalidate the MTU engine manufacturer¡¯s
warranty.
NOTE
We suggest you refer to the letters from the following engine manufacturers:
Go To Next Chapter
