Critical System Maintenance – Is My Fuel Oil Delivery System Ready for an Emergency?

Danbury, CT — An extremely important, but often overlooked component of the back-up generator system is the Fuel Oil Delivery system. Like a silent sentinel, the fuel oil delivery system’s mission is to supply and constantly replenish diesel fuel to the generator day tank(s). It is therefore critical to perform regular maintenance and inspections in order to ensure reliability and trouble-free operation.

The modern Automatic Fuel Oil Transfer Pump Sets, such as the Preferred Utilities Semi-Automatic Fuel Oil Transfer Pump Set, are state of the art systems which incorporate microprocessor-based controllers that monitor and control transfer pumps, return pumps, fuel tank level gauges, and tank leak detectors.
A typical system consists of a bulk fuel oil storage tank, duplex fuel oil transfer pump set (two 100% pumps, one for back-up) with control panel and fuel oil day tank(s).
In addition, many systems incorporate a fully automatic Fuel Oil Filtration system such as the Preferred Model PF to remove water, suspended rust, dirt and other contaminants in order to maintain the quality and purity of stored diesel fuel.

Each component of the system requires a regular maintenance routine for optimum performance and longevity.
The optimum maintenance frequency would depend on the owner requirements, however the following is a suggested inspection and maintenance guidelines. It is highly recommended to obtain a service agreement from the equipment manufacturer (if available) to perform maintenance at regular intervals. As always, refer to the manufacturer’s operation manuals for specific information on performing routine maintenance.
Weekly
Check | Day Tank Fuel Level |
Check | Fuel Sentry Level Monitor for main storage tank |
Check | Storage tanks for water |
Test | Day Tank Level Switches |
Test | Automatic Pump System operation |
Monthly
Check | Pump set fittings and connections check for leaks |
Check | Pump set motor and pump mounts |
Check | Pump set strainer baskets |
Check | Fuel Oil Filtration set strainers and filters |
Test | All System Leak Detectors |
Annually
Perform | Complete Fuel Oil Handling System Preventative Maintenance, Inspection and Systems Check |
Ashley Maxwell says:
Thanks for your comment about how a fuel delivery system should always be replenishing fuel to your tanks. I like how you said that they should control pumps and tanks. If someone was considering oil burner or a fuel delivery service, I would assume that they would keep this post in mind.
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James says:
This opened my eyes. Fuel can be critical factor in long drives.