AFC Series Diesel and Gasoline Fuel Treatment
and Tank Cleaning Additives




Active Ingredients:
How They Work
Cleans up and prevents carbon deposits, protecting engines from power loss and preventing filter plugging caused by thermal stressing.
Available In: AFC-705 Liquid, & AFC-710 Liquid
Stabilizes fuel up to 12 months, maintaining fuel quality for longer periods of time, eliminating the need to drain fuel before storage
How it works:
Fuel instability results in the formation of harmful particulate that can damage injection systems and clog filters. The fuel stabilizer prevents instability by interrupting a chain of reactions that often leads to the formation of particulate. This is achieved through the addition of anti-oxidants that actively combat oxidation, a chemical reaction that occurs when small amounts of dissolved oxygen reacts with the fuel often leading to fuel instability.
Available In: AFC-705 Liquid & AFC-710 Liquid
Prevents the development of corrosion in the fuel tank and engine to reduce maintenance and increase overall longevity
How it works:
Corrosion can occur in the fuel tank and corresponding plumbing when water present in the fuel reacts with the metal to form rust. To prevent this, corrosion inhibiting compounds attach to the metal surfaces and form a protective barrier, preventing the effects of corrosive agents.
Available In: AFC-705 Liquid & AFC-710 Liquid
Extends engine life by reducing wear on moving parts through the addition of lubrication compounds in the fuel
How it works:
The lubricity enhancer contains polar molecules that bind to the metallic surfaces of the engine components to form a thin surface film. This film acts as lubricant when two metal surfaces come into contact. By virtue of lubrication, the lubricity enhancer reduces wear, extending the life of engine components.
Available In: AFC-705 Liquid, & AFC-710 Liquid
Enhances breakdown of fuel contaminants such as sludge that develop in the tank
How it works:
Unlike a fuel stabilizer that aims to prevent the formation of fuel contaminants, a dispersant works to keep these particulates from clustering into larger clumps that can plug fuel filters and injector tips. By the same mechanism, dispersants can also help breakdown clusters of particulate that have already formed making it a good reactionary measure for contaminated tanks.
Available In: AFC-705 Liquid
Emulsifies water to inhibit the proliferation of microbial (“algae”) contamination in the fuel
How it works:
Surfactants consist of polar compounds that actively emulsify or “pull” separated water molecules into the fuel. By effect, water molecules will remain in solution to later be sent through the engine and safely out the exhaust (in non tier-4 engines). By keeping the water from separating below the fuel you prevent favorable conditions for microbial growth.
Available In: AFC-705 Liquid
Frequently Asked
Questions
AFC Series Mix Ratios
Known
Contaminated
Tank
Preventative
Maintenance
All Liquid Additives
Treatment Ratio
1:2500
1:50000
8-oz Bottle
160 Gal.
320 Gal.
1-Gallon Jug
2,500 Gal.
5,000 Gal.
55-Gallon Drum
2,500 Gal.
5,000 Gal.
One gallon of AFC-705 or AFC-710 cleans a full 5,000-gallon fuel tank for a regular preventative maintenance treatment. If you are treating a tank that is more than five years old for the first time, or you are treating a tank that you know is contaminated, it is recommended that you use a double dose, using one gallon of fuel to 2,500-gallons (see other treatment ratios below). This full spectrum additive package cleans the entire diesel fuel system, restores diesel fuel quality and provides Optimal Diesel Fuel Quality for engines and storage tanks, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and lowering operating cost, maintenance and down time.
It is generally agreed that most engine failures originate in the fuel tank. Frequent fuel filter changes, fuel dialysis and tank cleaning are generally viewed as good house keeping, and have become accepted as standard periodic maintenance.
The normal aging process of the fuel is often accelerated by microbial contamination, chemical incompatibility and condensation of water in the system. Oxidation, polymerization and stratification will lead to darkening of the fuel, the build up of tank sludge, filter plugging, corrosion, and fuel breakdown. We will see a slimy, jelly like layer develop in the water-fuel interface, while a bio-film is growing on the bottom, walls and baffles of service and storage tanks, inside fuel lines and delivery systems.
The process of fuel breakdown is most severe in the bottom of our tanks. Every time we fill our tanks, we mix and contaminate the fresh fuel with our residual fuel, and add new oxygen, which accelerates the problem. Because we primarily use the higher and therefore dryer layers of the diesel fuel, it is easy to overlook the symptoms of this continuous process of fuel breakdown.
Suddenly we get a wake up call, and experience some or all of these symptoms:
- Clogged filters
- Fouled and Corroded Injectors
- Smoking Engines
- Loss of Power and RPMs
- Fuel Pump Problems
- COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE
All of this can be prevented by simply monitoring fuel quality, and using the available AXI technology.
The surfactants and dispersants in AXI Fuel Catalyst completely break down and dissolve the tank sludge and bio-film. It eliminates clogged filter elements and recovers the BTU value that would otherwise be lost.
Traditionally tank cleaning meant filtering the fuel in the tank, or removing the fuel for filtration, or complete fuel disposal often in conjunction with opening the tank and physically removing tank sludge and bio-film. All these techniques are time consuming, costly and only partially effective, in particular when we realize that filtration will only remove the suspended debris and has no effect on the bio-film growing on tank walls, bottom and baffles, or on the process of fuel break down. At best we can expect only temporary relief at an extremely high price.
We recommend the use of AXI Fuel Catalyst to completely decontaminate and clean the entire fuel system, with the simultaneous installation of an In-line Fuel Conditioner to insure continuous Optimal Fuel Quality, enhanced combustion, and reduced emissions.
The AFC catalyst enhances and complements the effects of the In-line Fuel Conditioner. You would also use AFC Series Additives if you are beginning a Fuel Maintenance Program that would involve periodically treating a tank with a TK Series Portable, and MTC Series Mobile, or an STS Series 6000 or Series 7000 Automated Fuel Conditioning and Tank Cleaning System. Review the process for using AFC with a circulation system in Guide #5 “Cleaning a Fuel Tank also available at the Guides Menu along the left side of any page on this web site.
When the EPA mandated the switch to 15 ppm of sulfur content in diesel fuel in 2007, introducing the era of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) Fuel, the agency allowed for a phase-in period, but by 2015, all diesel fuel both on-road and off sold in the U.S. had transitioned to ULSD. This sulfur removal has caused a major problem with microbial growth in diesel tanks, both storage tanks and operating equipment tanks, because the natural biocide provided by the sulfur in the fuel has been substantially eliminated.
Sulfur acts as a natural biocide that had helped prevent microbial growth in diesel fuel tanks. This microbial growth is not algae, although many people think it is. The slimy debris that clogs fuel filters and is visible floating around in fuel is actually a bio-mass that is a byproduct of the reproduction of the microbes that utilize the water in the tank bottom as a habitat, feeding off the additives in the diesel fuel at the fuel-water interface in the tank bottom. Removing the sulfur made the fuel much less resistant to fuel microbes, including fungus, mold, and bacteria.
Microbes, mold and bacteria may be introduced into a fuel tank with a fuel fill-up, but it is more common for this contamination to come in through the air vent. As fuel is used, it is replaced with air drawn into the tank through a vent, and this air contains both moisture and the microbes and fungi that, over time, develops into a real problem. Storage tanks, especially above ground tanks, “breath” as the tank warms during the day and the heated fuel expands, pushing air out of the tank. At night the fuel contracts as the fuel cools, drawing moisture and contaminants in through the vent.
It may take up to nine months for the microbial growth to develop before the fuel starts showing the symptoms of microbial growth:
- Clogged and slimy filters
- Dark hazy fuel
- Floating debris in the tank
- Sludge build-up in the tank bottom
- Loss of power and RPM
- Excessive exhaust smoke
- Corroded, pitted fuel injectors
- A foul odor emitting from the fuel tank
Any of these symptoms indicate a serious fuel problem.
Preventing this situation is critical. The use of an air vent breather that prevents the drawing in of moisture and microbes in through the vent is an absolute must. Desiccant Fuel Tank Breathers contain material that absorbs moisture as the air is drawn into the tank, and filters dust, pollen and other organic components, as well as dirt, grit, and other particulates that carry the micro-organisms, bacterial growth, fungal growth, enzyme activity, yeast, mold, and pollen into your fuel tank. Stopping this flow should be the first step to stopping the problem.
The most critical steps you can take in controlling microbial growth is in robbing the microbes of their habitat. Checking for water on a regular basis (every 30 to 60 days) using Kolor Kut Water Finding Paste and removing any water that is detected will reduce the likelihood of an infestation in your tank, but will not absolutely prevent it as even residual water left behind when a tank bottom is pumped to remove water can harbor an infestation.
Using a device known as a Water Eliminator, available for smaller tanks in a 12″ size and a 31″ version for use in storage tanks, crystals in the Water Eliminator absorbs the water but will not absorb diesel fuel. The water in the bottom of the tank will be held in the device and not spread over the bottom of the tank. At periodic inspections at fuel fills, when the device has absorbed its full capacity of water remove it and replace with another for ongoing protection.
Periodic treatment of fuel with AFC dissolves the bio-mass, and periodic circulation of the fuel is necessary to assure the tanks are clean, free of water, and any microbes left behind is not reproducing. The LG-X Series In-line Fuel Conditioner sees to that.
Unfortunately, by the time you realize you have a problem, the effectiveness of biocides are limited. If a heavy bio-film has accumulated on the inside surface of the tank or other fuel system components, the biocide may not be able to penetrate this film to reach the organisms living deep within the film. You may see short term relief, but the problem quickly returns as the remaining organisms further reproduce.
Frequently, the application of a biocide aggravates the situation and converts what bio-film that is treated into solids, creating a real fuel filter nightmare. The introduction of a biocide into a fuel tank results in the organic materials turning into a grit that settles to the tank bottom. Then, each time you re-fuel, these materials are stirred up and find their way into your fuel line. As a further complication in the use of biocides, the removal of water from a tank bottom that was treated with biocides must be disposed of appropriately because biocides are toxic.
As diesel fuel ages and it is exposed to air, water, and other factors, its heavy-end asphaltene content will become unstable and start to drop out of suspension in the fuel. When old fuel appears dark or even black, this is caused by the agglomeration of the asphaltene component. As these solids grow in size, they drop to the tank bottom and add to the sludge and debris. They clog your fuel filters and the filters turn black. If you have ever looked inside a fuel tank, and the tank bottom appears to be painted with roofing tar, this is what the accumulation of the asphaltene debris looks like.
This asphaltene component is present in all fuels. In the refining process, crude oil is separated into its components based on mass. Lighter components become gasoline, while heavier components of the crude oil becomes diesel fuel, kerosene and other fuels. Heavier still are the components that are the basis for lubricating oils and other petrochemical products, with the heaviest component becoming asphalt that paves our roads (hence the name “asphaltene”)
The AFC will, over a period of time with regular use, clean this accumulation in your tank, and with ongoing circulation through the LG-X Series In-line Fuel Conditioner, either mounted on your fuel line or, with periodic treatments utilizing a TK Series Portable, MTC Series Mobile, FPS Compact or an STS Series Automated Enclosed Fuel Conditioning and Tank Cleaning Systems, will go back into solution, allowing the fuel to regain its “clear and bright” appearance. This returning dark fuel to bright fuel is where the term “Fuel Polishing” originated.
According to Caterpillar, ULSD has a shelf life, even when all basic fuel storage maintenance practices are followed by the distributor, of one year beginning when the diesel fuel leaves the producer, and six months for bio-diesel and blended bio-diesel. At temperatures above 86 deg. F (30 deg. C), diesel and bio-diesel fuel storage life is cut in half.
However, Cat contends that diesel fuels can deteriorate rapidly when fuel is “stressed”. The high pressure (in excess of 30,000 psi) and high temperatures (fuel is used as a coolant for high-pressure fuel injection systems) that the fuel endures as it is repeatedly recirculated back to the fuel tank is responsible for much of fuel degradation. Gums and resins that occur in diesel fuel under these stressful conditions are the result of dissolved oxidation products in the fuel that do not evaporate easily and do not burn cleanly. Excessive gum in the fuel will coat the inside of fuel lines, pumps and injectors and interferes with the close tolerances of the moving parts of fuel systems (Caterpillar’s publication SEBU6251-17 “Cat Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations”, Page 45). Google the above publication number, although there may be more recent versions available online.
In today’s low sulfur fuel, many of the fuel components that contribute to the lubricating properties of the fuel have been removed. The components used to formulate the lubricity enhancers in AFC Series Fuel Catalyst work to offset the lower lubricating properties in two different ways, and over two different temperature ranges.
- The first component works by coating the surfaces with a protective lubricating film. This film also acts as a corrosion inhibitor, which keeps the parts clean and free of pits. The film works best at lower temperature up to about 300 deg. C , and is constantly being replenished as it is broken down by friction and heat.
- The second component breaks down large abrasive particles into smaller smoother particles. This component works at temperatures higher than 200 deg C, and continues to work in conjunction with the combustion catalysts once it enters the combustion chamber.
The two components together address corrosion, lubrication and friction problems over the entire engine operating temperature range, and inhibit the formation of acids. AFC lubricity enhancers will not change the fuel specifications in any way. The sulfur content, BTU value and other specifications will remain unchanged.
The principle benefit of AFC lubricity enhancers is the extended life of engine parts that rely on the fuel for lubrication. Keeping these parts operating normally solves many of the problems related to switching from a regular to a low sulfur diesel fuel. A small increase in available power will be noticeable due to lower friction.
Engine parts will be more resistant to acid corrosion and will show less wear due to carbon grit. As a result, engine lubricating oil will stay cleaner much longer. The mineral content, carbon grit, and acid forming compounds in the oil will be much lower. AFC lubricity enhancers will not interfere with crankcase oil additives. Instead, they may actually help them to do a better job.
As in any maintenance situation, the effectiveness of AFC lubricity enhancers does not replace good maintenance practices. However, its use will significantly reduce maintenance requirement and down time, while extending equipment life.
The use of AFC is highly recommended, in particular in situations with low sulfur, or low lubricity fuel. The lubricity enhancer and corrosion inhibitor package in the catalyst are designed to improve engine performance and increase the life of key engine parts while saving in fuel and reducing harmful emissions.
Review the Article on this web site “AFC Series Fuel Catalyst, Fuel Stabilizer and Tank Cleaning Additive — A Technical Discussion —” for a more complete and technical discussion of AFC Series Diesel Fuel Additives
See The Article under the Articles Link to understand how Blessey Marine Cut Costs and Cut Emissions
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The AFC Fuel Treatment and Tank Cleaning Additives are High Performance concentrate additives that Improve Diesel and Gasoline Engine Performance while Providing Tools Critical for Fighting Common Engine Performance and Maintenance Concerns as well as Fuel Storage Problems the Result of Water Accumulation, Microbial and/or Fungal Contamination, or Sludge Formation in Fuel Tanks.
AFC Additives are available in two formulations, both for use in either gasoline or diesel fuel powered vehicles and equipment. AFC-705 Fuel Additive tackles common fuel related issues that can be traced to the fuel tank:
- power loss under load the result of carbon deposit accumulation in engines,
- increased frequency of Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) plugging and regeneration,
- instability of stored fuel that results in compromised combustion of fuel and formation of oxidation in engine components and the fuel tank, along with gum formation,
- corrosion caused by oxidation in the engine and fuel tank,
- lack of adequate lubricity in fuel that compromises engine life,
- accumulation of water in the fuel tank,
- evidence of microbial and/or fungal growth in the fuel tank evidenced by visible debris suspended in fuel and/or in shortened life of fuel filters, or
- signs of fuel breakdown (fuel becoming dark brown or black in appearance) associated with the agglomeration of the asphaltene component of fuel held for long term storage (for additional information, see the Frequently Asked Questions on the left side of this page).
AFC-705 is formulated with specific chemical components that address these observable problems with diesel fuel, as discussed in more detail below. However, AFC-705 does not meet Tier 4 regulatory requirements (as mandated by the EPA for diesel engines that were manufactured after 2006).
AFC 710 Fuel Treatment is formulated to meet the Tier 4 regulatory requirements, but, in so doing, does not contain certain components contained in the AFC-705 formulation. See the below specifics of each Fuel Treatment product for additional information.
What’s Inside AFC-705
Detergent – Cleans the engine of existing carbon deposits, restoring lost power caused by carbon deposit formation in and around various components (i.e. injectors). Protects the engine from new carbon deposit formation, preventing gradual power loss, rough engine operation, and engine start problems. In addition, it works to prevent DPF plugging caused by thermal stressing.
Fuel Stabilizer – Stabilizes fuel for up to 12 months, preventing fuel oxidation and gum formation.
Corrosion Inhibitor – Increases the pH level in the fuel, preventing tank and engine corrosion caused by oxidative degradation. Prevents the development of corrosion in the engine and fuel tank, reducing maintenance and increasing overall longevity.
Lubricity Enhancer – Extends engine life by reducing wear on moving parts through the addition of lubrication compounds in the fuel.
Surfactant – Reverses phase separation of water and fuel. This process encourages residual free water in the fuel tank to be emulsified up into the fuel, allowing the water to be vaporized in the engine and sent out the exhaust. Prevents phase separation of water and fuel for up to 6 months, mitigating engine and tank corrosion, octane reduction, and microbial contamination.
Dispersant – Enhances breakdown of fuel contaminants, such as sludge, that develop in the tank.
AFC-705 is formulated for use in fuel (both diesel fuel and gasoline) that will supply engines that are not required to meet Tier 4 requirements for diesel engines of the U.S., generally those diesel engines manufactured prior to 2007. Tier 4 requirements were phased in between 2006 and 2015 for various applications. AFC-705 is Registered with the EPA (see below for link) for Off and On-Road applications.
What’s Inside AFC-710
The same Detergent, Fuel Stabilizer, Corrosion Inhibitor, and Lubricity Enhancer are all components of AFC-710 as listed and described above as being contained in AFC-705 Fuel Additive. However, the Surfactant and Dispersant components described above are not included in the formulation of AFC-710 in order to address the regulatory requirements of being Tier 4 compliant.
As a result, AFC-710, while an excellent fuel additive for both Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Engines, does not address problems associated with mid- to long-term diesel fuel storage, including fuel breakdown resulting from the agglomeration of the asphaltene component of diesel fuel that causes diesel fuel to turn dark in color, formation of tank sludge in the fuel tank, the growth of microbial or fungal organisms in the fuel tank, the breaking down of tank sludge, or removal of residual water from fuel tanks.
If fuel tank problems mentioned above is a concern to your equipment operation and you require a Tier 4 compliant additive, consider adding an LG-X Series inline Magnetic Fuel Conditioner to the fuel line to address the microbial contamination and asphaltene agglomeration concern, and consider a Desiccant Breather to the breather vent of your diesel fuel storage tank to address the drawing into the tank of air and moisture as the tank is drawn down. These vent breathers prevent moisture from entering your fuel tank that would condense on the sides of the tank and, over time, allow a significant amount of water to collect in your tank. They also filter air being drawn into the tank removing particulates and will help stop pollen and organic debris from being drawn into your fuel tank, often the beginning a microbial growth. If you have water in the tank, have it pumped out or use a Water Eliminator to absorb the residual water that has accumulated in your tank bottom.
Recommended Dosage
AFC-705 and 710 is a concentrate that has a Treatment Ratio of 1:5000 (1 ounce treats 39 Gallons (or 5,000 ounces). However, when preparing for using a Fuel Polishing System, such as the TK-240, the FPS Compact, the MTC Mobile Tank Cleaning, or any of the STS 6000 or 7000 Series Fuel Maintenance Systems, for the initial tank cleaning treatment of a tank that has been in service but has not been serviced by a Fuel Polishing System in the past, we recommend the initial treatment with AFC-705 be at a Treatment Ratio of 1:2500 (1 ounce treating 19.5 gallons).
AFC-705 and 710 is available in the following packaging:
8-oz Bottle (Treats 320 Gallons)
1 Gallon Jug (Treats 5,000 Gallons)
55 Gallon Drum ** (Treats 265,000 Gallons) – Available by Special Order only.
** 55 gallon drums are only filled with 53 gallons of product to allow headspace for thermal expansion.
Frequency of Use
AFC-705 or 710 should be added to your fuel upon refueling. For fuel that is in long term storage, such as reserve power generators, re-dose annually.
Shelf Life
Provided that the AFC container is stored out of the sun, is not subjected to temperature extremes, and the cap remains sealed, two years is generally accepted as the shelf life of AFC. However, with a sealed container, five years would be an outside limit. It is recommended that containers that have been in storage for an extended period be shaken before pouring to assure any suspended particles are in solution.
How Using AFC-705 Will Contribute to Your Tank Cleaning Program
The formulation of AFC-705 Diesel Fuel Additive includes surfactant and dispersant components that break down and dissolve sludge and organic debris. Prior to adding AFC-705 to your tank as part of a fuel conditioning and tank cleaning undertaking, it is recommended that the circulation system or other means be used to remove free water from the tank bottom for proper disposal. However, it is difficult to be assured that all water is removed during this initial phase of the tank cleaning process regardless of the means used. The surfactant that is a component in the AFC-705 will emulsify this residual water that remains in the tank bottom after an active water removal process up into the fuel for removal in the subsequent circulation process with the use of water block coalescing filters, returning the fuel to a “clear and bright” state from the cloudy, foggy looking fuel that has water mixed with the fuel (for more information on the circulation process, see the “Cleaning a Fuel Tank” Guides at the top of this page). However, the Surfactant and Dispersant components of the formulation are not in compliance with the requirements of Tier 4 additives.
AFC-705 will accelerate the tank cleaning and fuel conditioning process when used with the TK Series Portable, MTC Series Mobile, the FPS Compact, or Advanced Automated Fuel Conditioning and Tank Cleaning System. It will effectively decontaminate and clean the entire fuel and injection system and continues to work in storage tanks cleaning and stabilizing fuel for up to one year.
Registration
AFC Additives are registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Click Here to review the list of Registered Gasoline and Diesel Additives (use “control F” and type “AFC” to go to the listing for AFC Additives).
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- AFC Series Fuel Additives
AFC-705 Diesel and Gasoline Fuel Treatment & Tank Cleaning Additive
- $40.70 – $10,415.80
- Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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- AFC Series Fuel Additives
AFC-710 Diesel and Gasoline Fuel Treatment
- $39.43 – $10,415.80
- Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page