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 TB 55-1900-231-15
APPENDIX G
APPLICATIONS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING USE OF
DIESEL FUEL STABILIZER ADDITIVE
I.
PURPOSE
This section describes the applications and procedures governing use of stabilizer additive meeting the
requirements of Military Specification MIL-S-53021. Personnel responsible for using stabilizer additive should be
thoroughly familiar with this manual.
II.
BACKGROUND
A.
Storage stability and cleanliness requirements are imposed on military fuels at the time of purchase as well
as use. These requirements are necessary because of a need to ensure that fuels will be satisfactory for use
regardless of the time interval between refinery production and ultimate use. Fuel stability becomes very
critical in cases of pre-positioning of fuel stocks, either in bulk storage or in the fuel tanks of pre-positioned,
stored, or infrequently used vehicles and equipment.
B.
The concept of an additive stabilizer for diesel fuel originated as a result of fuel-related problems, severe fuel
system malfunctioning (i. e. , injector sticking, nozzle fouling, filter plugging, etc. ), increased fuel system
maintenance problems, equipment vulnerability, decreased operational readiness and numerous other
engine-related problems, the most frequently reported problem occurring in the field is fuel filter plugging.
C.
Each of these problems may be the result of one or more factors. Watercraft diesel fuel delivery systems
recirculate the fuel as a means to cool and lubricate the fuel injectors during operation. Upon return to the
fuel tank, the hot fuel is exposed to oxygen in the fuel tank air space. Under these conditions, the fuel can
undergo both thermal and oxidative degradation to form gum, insoluble particulates, and acids. The
products of this degradation cannot only plug filters and fuel injectors but also increase corrosion of fuel-
wetted surfaces.
Water can collect in fuel tanks for several reasons (i. e. , condensation, leaking, manhole or filling
connection gaskets). Fuel tank design usually prohibits complete fuel usage which means that water bottoms
cannot be completely removed. The presence of water bottoms in any fuel system, particularly during
dormant periods of fully fueled watercraft during storage, may lead to microbiological growth in the fuel
system or allow generation of large amounts of water-in-fuel emulsions and sludge. The microbiological
organisms will not grow in the absence of water, but may remain in a dormant state and grow later if water
enters the system. This microbiological growth and its metabolic by-products can plug filters, degrade fuel
quality, and corrode fuel system surfaces.
D.
Based upon knowledge of mobility fuel requirements and recognition of several types of fuel deterioration
processes, the need surfaced for a multi-functional additive to retard deterioration and extend the storage life
of the fuel. Military specification MIL-S-53021, titled Stabilizer Additive, Diesel Fuel, was developed.
III.
DESCRIPTION OF THE STABILIZER ADDITIVE
A.
MIL-S-53021 requires that the additive perform five functions; namely, antioxidant, metal deactivator,
dispersant, corrosion inhibitor, and biocide. The purpose of each function is summarized as follows:
1.
antioxidant-this retards the tendency for autooxidation to occur. Diesel fuels will normally undergo
autooxidation and deterioration which causes formation of particulates (i. e. , insoluble organic
compounds), gums, and acid complexes.
G-1
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