STS Series Advanced, Enclosed and Automated
Fuel Management Systems
In any application where diesel powered engines provide the horsepower to get the job done, the horsepower must be ready to run on call and for the duration of the critical times. Many installations of emergency back-up power must have 100% reliability when the lights go out, and anything less is just not acceptable. The STS Series Automated Fuel Management Systems lead, while all the rest follow.
The diesel-powered engines used in equipment may sit without operation for long periods of time until that horsepower is needed to perform. To ensure these engines and generator components operate at optimum efficiency, AXI® (formerly Algae-X) has developed Automated Fuel Management and Tank Cleaning Systems that address a wide range of fuel storage installations.
The following list provides basic characteristics of the STS Series of Automated Fuel Management and Tank Cleaning Systems to allow for your initial identification of a system that may meet your needs. Power supply and flow capability (relates to fuel tank size) is the most critical for your considerations. The STS Series Fuel Maintenance Systems feature NEMA Rated Enclosures suitable for interior or exterior installations, and option equipment, such as enclosure heaters, that address cold weather operation issues. If your requirements are towards single fuel tanks up to 20,000 gallons and the system will be located where it is protected from harsh weather elements (such as indoors or within a larger protective cabinet or enclosure), include in your evaluation the FPS Series Compact Fuel Polishing and Tank Cleaning Systems as they are very capable of performing within your requirements with a lower up-front cost.
Do not be overly concerned about the flow capacity of the system as compared to the size of tank or tanks that you are managing. A lower flow rate simply means the system must operate for a longer cycle to perform the periodic tank maintenance. Of course, a system that is so small that it must operate constantly will, itself, require more maintenance. A rule of thumb is a tank should be circulated three times under a preventative maintenance program, and the treatment should be completed in less than 75 operating hours (not necessarily continuous).
How often your Fuel Treatment and Tank Maintenance System operates will depend on a number of factors. Fuel that is stored for an emergency may need to be circulated three times once each year in certain climates and conditions. Areas with more humidity and temperature variances would require more frequent treatments. Where fuel is used more often and new fuel is taken on regularly, treatments may need to be performed whenever new fuel is taken on, circulating the entire tank. If a quarantine tank is used (one where all new fuel taken on is placed), only the new fuel would require treatment and, upon completion, transferred into the more permanent storage tank.
Several of the systems are capable of treating multiple tanks based on programmable options. Some can handle up to two tanks, while others can manage up to four tanks located in close proximity to one another.
System Integration
All systems listed are equipped with an automatic controller system. These Automated Fuel Management Systems are designed to run automatically at predetermined times to treat the fuel and filter water, sludge and tank sediment from fuel storage tanks. The automation provides extensive control and notification functions to advise the operator of alerts, such as the need to drain water from a fuel / water separator or to change a filter element. Alerts will also shut down the system in the event of fluid flow interruptions or a leak is detected within the enclosure. Advanced capability includes advising system status and alerts by email or text messages. Power configurations vary with system capability, and 110V/220V/480V systems.
STS 6000 Series Automated Fuel Filtration Systems:
Includes a Filtration Controller that provides automated and programmable operation and unique safety and alarm features. The STS 6010 system provides multiple tank management capabilities, and systems can handle tanks up to 60,000 gallons.
STS 7000 Series Advanced Automated Fuel Management Systems:
Includes Touch Screen Controller with advanced capabilities including text and email messaging of system status and alerts. All models include multiple tank management capabilities, and four models can manage up to four tanks. Systems can manage tanks up to 60,000 gallons, and options include enclosure heaters and automated water draining from fuel / water separators.