Gulf Coast Filters Specializing in Bypass Oil filters, Fuel filters, Hydraulic filters and Custom filtering

 
 

 

Gulf Coast Filters

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FUEL POLISHING

 

Optimum Fuel Quality At All Times:

Fuel quality on board pleasure craft has always been a “Growing” problem.  Fungi growth and moisture contamination within fuel tanks is a common and annoying problem that can lead to fuel system damage and costly downtime and disposal problems.  The GCF Fuel Polishing Systems (FPS) can eliminate these problems by offering the means to routinely polish the fuel on board your vessel to remove the contamination that leads to fungi growth.

   


Without GCF Filters


With GCF Filters

Diesel fuel can easily become contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeast, mold, and to a lesser extent algae. Diesel fuel in the presence of water and nutrients makes conditions ripe for high bacterial growth. In classical microbiology, microbes will generally need water (H2O), Carbon (C) source, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), trace minerals, and some form of oxygen (free or bound to other atoms) to grow.  Most of these conditions are met in fuel tanks and fuel lines. Water and microbes can be introduced from the outside air or other environments. Water can also form from changes in storage temperatures, which causes condensation to occur.

Water allowed to remain in fuel will culture a microorganism or bacteria that feeds on the hydrocarbons in the  fuel, therefore degrading the fuel quality. Water is the worst and most common form of fuel contamination.
 
 

Click here to see Photos of Fuel Polishing Installations

 
     
 

Click Here For Testimonials

 

“I purchased my Gulf Coast Filter System (for my Grand Banks 42 Classic) two
years ago and assembled and installed it myself  (between the supply from
the tanks and the Racors.) It's an outstanding system.....Racors stay almost
clean "as a whistle" and get changed only once a year as part of seasonal
decommissioning in the fall.“   

Name:  Robert F. Preti  (Bob) Boat: Grand Banks '42  "ZEPHYR"

Click here for photos of the Gulf Coast Filter installed on Mr. Preti’s Trawler

 

Fuel Polishing

 

The Need for Fuel Polishing

The most common reason for marine diesel engines in general, and recreational trawler diesel engines in particular, to fail to run is associated with "bad diesel fuel." The things that make the diesel fuel bad generally have nothing to do with the original quality of the fuel. The problems come about because of the condition of the fuel we buy and what happens to the fuel when it gets stored, sometimes at the suppliers' facilities, but most often in our own vessels.  Pleasure boats sit idle for long periods of time allowing algae time to grow in the tank.  Most of this contamination adheres to the wall of the tanks and you might not notice a problem while running the engines at the dock.  Once the boat is underway and the fuel begins moving around the contamination tends to start breaking away from the wall of the tank and entering the fuel.  This contamination can clog your filters and shut down your engines.  Having your engines shut down from clogged fuel filters can really ruin an otherwise enjoyable outing, but it could really get bad if you have them shut down while trying to navigate in high seas or critical situations.

Fuel Polishing can help eliminate your Fuel Problems

Gulf Coast Filters offer a Fuel Polishing Kit that once installed will be able to polish your fuel while the boat is not in use.  You can also hook this system up to polish the fuel while the engine is running.  This system uses its own independent fuel pump and continuously pulls fuel from the tank, through the filter, and back to the tank.  The GCF Fuel Filter will remove particles below 1 micron and by using this system for hours at a time can polish your fuel to a much cleaner level than standard factory filtration.  The GCF Fuel Filter has one of the largest water traps on the market at 64 oz.

Components

We offer Fuel Polishing Kits to fit your needs depending on your application.  Our most popular kits are the GCF-FPS-DELUXE-MAGNUMRATED AT 120 GPH (Recommended for vessels with over 500 Gallon Capacity) and the GCF-FPS-DELUXE-MAGNUM-2XF-1M – RATED AT 240 GPH (Recommended for vessels with over 1000 Gallon Capacity) 

THE GCF MODEL FPS 040B CUSTOM BOARD MOUNTED SYSTEM - CALL FOR PRICING

The GCF MODEL FPS 040B CUSTOM BOARD MOUNTED Includes:

  • GCF Model F-1JR Fuel Filter/Water Separator
  • Below 1 Micron Filtration
  • Replacement Filters can hold up to 1/2 pound of contamination each.
  • Walbro 12 Volt DC Fuel Pump rated at 40 GPH
  • 12 Hour Timer with Marine Electrical Box
  • Stainless Steel Liquid Filled Vacuum Gauge
  • All Brass Fittings and Bronze Milwaukee Brand Ball Valves
  • System mounted on Heavy Duty 3/4" Acrylic White Board
  • System rated at 40 GPH.
  • Recommended for Vessels with under 300 Gallons (Diesel Fuel Only)
  • Made and assembled with pride in the U.S.A.
  • Dimensions:  W: 18”  H: 18”  Depth: 9”  Weight 40 Lbs




THE GCF MODEL FPS 120B
- CALL FOR PRICING

THE GCF MODEL FPS 120B includes:

  • 1 GCF Model F-1 Fuel Filter/Water Separator
  • Below 1 Micron Filtration
  • Massive Replacement Element holds up to 1 pound of contamination.
  • Oberdorfer Bronze Gear Pump with Custom White Finish 110 VAC
  • Water Detection Alarm with Marine Electrical Box
  • 12 Hour Timer with Stainless Steel Marine Electrical Box
  • Stainless Steel Liquid Filled Vacuum Gauge
  • All Brass Fittings and Bronze Milwaukee Brand Ball Valves
  • System rated at 120 GPH.
  • Recommended for Vessels with over 500  gallons (Diesel Only)
  • System mounted on Heavy Duty 3/4" Acrylic White Board
  • Dimensions:   Width: 27”  Height: 26”  Depth:  10”
  • Flag is optional (add $75.00)

 

The GCF MODEL FPS-240BCR (CHROME) –CALL FOR PRICING

The GCF MODEL FPS-240BCR (CHROME) includes the following components: 

  • 2 GCF Model F-1 Fuel Filter/Water Separators Chrome
  • Below 1 Micron Filtration
  • Massive Replacement Elements hold up to 1 pound of contamination each.
  • Oberdorfer Bronze Gear Pump with Custom White Finish
  • Water Detection Alarm with Marine Electrical Box
  • 12 Hour Timer with Stainless Steel Marine Electrical Box
  • Stainless Steel Liquid Filled Vacuum Gauge
  • All Brass Fittings and Bronze Milwaukee Brand Ball Valves
  • System rated at 240 GPH.
  • For Vessels with over 1000 gallons (Diesel Only)
  • System mounted on Heavy Duty 3/4" Acrylic White Board
  • Dimensions:   Width: 40”  Height: 30”  Depth:  10”
  • Weight Item: 160 lbs  Crate: 65 lbs  Total: 225 lbs


The GCF-FPS-DELUXE-MAGNUM-360 PRICE: CALL FOR PRICING

The GCF-FPS-DELUXE-MAGNUM-360  includes the following components: 

  • 3 GCF Model F-1 Fuel Filter/Water Separator for added Capacity
  • Below 1 Micron Filtration
  • Massive Replacement Filters can hold up to 1 pound of contamination each.
  • Oberdorfer Bronze Gear Pump with Custom White Finish
  • Water Detection Alarm with Marine Electrical Box
  • 12 Hour Timer with Marine Electrical Box
  • Stainless Steel Liquid Filled Vacuum Gauge
  • All Brass Fittings and Bronze Milwaukee Brand Ball Valves
  • System rated at 360 GPH.
  • Recommended for Vessels with over 3000 gallons (Diesel Fuel Only)
  • System mounted on Heavy Duty 3/4" Acrylic White Board
  • Dimensions:   Width: 48”  Height: 30”  Depth:  10” – You will need 14” above the unit for clearance to change filter.

 

The GCF-FPS-720 PRICE: CALL FOR PRICING



The GCF-FPS-720  includes the following components: 

  • 6 GCF Model F-1 Fuel Filter/Water Separator for added Capacity
  • Below 1 Micron Filtration
  • Massive Replacement Filters can hold up to 1 pound of contamination each.
  • Oberdorfer Bronze Gear Pump with Custom White Finish or AIR PUMP
  • Water Detection Alarm with LED Strobe Light and  Electrical Box
  • 12 Hour Timer
  • 2- Automatic Spring Wound Hose Reels including 30 Feet of 1” High Quality Fuel Hose Each.
  • Stainless Steel Liquid Filled Pressure Gauge
  • All Brass Fittings and Bronze Milwaukee Brand Ball Valves
  • System rated at 720 GPH.
  • Recommended for Stand-By Generators and remote storage tanks. (Diesel Fuel Only)
  • System Frame mounted with drip pan with skids for lifting with fork lift
  • Dimensions:   Width: 60”  Height: 48”  Length  72” – WEIGHT-  750 Lbs.

 

The GCF-FPS-1440 PRICE: CALL FOR PRICING



The GCF-1440  includes the following components: 

  • 12 GCF Model F-1 Fuel Filter/Water Separators for added Capacity capable of removing up to 60 oz of Water each.
  • Below 1 Micron Filtration
  • Massive Replacement Filters can hold up to 1 pound of contamination each.
  • 2 Each Stainless Steel Covered Oberdorfer Bronze Gear Pumps, first pump primary, 2nd pump will be valved and ready as backup. Pumps are wash down service 110VAC.
  • Water Detection Alarm with LED Strobe Light and Electrical Box
  • 12 Hour Timer
  • 2- Automatic Spring Wound Hose Reels Pre-Loaded with 30 Feet of 1 1/2” High Quality Fuel Hose Each.
  • System includes Large Particle/Water Separator Installed before Filters with 120 Gallon Capacity.
  • System will be installed with High Pressure Fuel Hose.
  • System will include Four Portable Industrial Light Stands for Night Time Operation.
  • System will include 36 Replacement Elements for the next 3 services.
  • Stainless Steel Liquid Filled Pressure Gauge
  • All Brass Fittings and Bronze Milwaukee Brand Ball Valves
  • System rated at 1440 GPH.
  • Recommended for Stand-By Generators and remote storage tanks. (Diesel Fuel Only)
  • System will include Heavy Duty 7000 Lb Capacity Trailer with Seal Welded Drip Pan.
  • Dimensions: Width: 60” Height: 48” Length 96” – WEIGHT- 3000 Lbs. -



We also offer Kits for Smaller Applications.

THESE KITS ARE NOT BOARD MOUNTED

 

The GCF-FPS120 DELUXE KIT PRICE - CALL FOR PRICING

Recommended for Vessels with 300 to 500 Gallons (Diesel Fuel Only)

The GCF-FPS-DELUXE-KIT includes the following components: 

1.  GCF Model F-1 (with Fitting Package)
2.  Oberdorfer 120 GPH Bronze Gear Pump AC or DC   
3.  Marine Electrical Box (Ready to plug and play) Includes no. 5, and no. 7
4.  Stainless Steel Liquid Vacuum Gauge
5.  12 Hour Spring Wound Mechanical Timer
6   Three Way Bronze Ball Valve
7.  Electronic Water Sensor with Computer and Strobe Light
8. (3)  3/8" Bronze ball valves
9. (2)  1/2" Bronze ball valves 
10. (1)  1/2" Bronze check valve  
11. (8)  3/8" npt X #8 JIC flare fittings 
12. (8)  #10 High Pressure Hose Fittings
13. (20 feet) #10 Aeroquip FC-234 1/2" ID Coast Guards Accepted Wire Braid Hose

 

The GCF-FPS-KIT –PRICE - CALL FOR PRICING

Recommended for Vessels with 100 to 300 Gallons (Diesel Fuel Only)

The GCF-FPS-KITincludes the following components: 

1.    GCF Model F-1
2.    12-Volt Walbro Continuous -Duty Pump 
3.    (4) 1/4" X Close pipe nipples 
4.    (2) 1/4" pipe elbows 
5.    (3) 3/8" X 1/4 pipe bushings 
6.    (6) 3/8" X close pipe nipples 
7.    (2) 3/8" X 6 pipe nipples 
8.    (5)  3/8" Pipe elbows
9.    (2)  3/8" Pipe tees
10.  (3)  1/2" X 3/8 pipe bushings 
11.  (3)  3/8" Bronze ball valves
12.  (4)  1/2" X close pipe nipples
13.  (3)  1/2" Pipe elbows 
14.  (1)  1/2" Pipe tee 
15.  (1)  1/2" Pipe plug  
16.  (2)  1/2" Bronze ball valves 
17.  (1)  1/2" Bronze check valve  
18.  (8)  3/8"  npt X #8 JIC flare fittings 
19.  (8)  #8 Push-on hose fittings 
20.  (16 feet) #8 Aeroquip FC-332 Fuel Hose
21.  (1) Stainless Steel Liquid Vacuum Gauge
22.  12 Hour Spring Wound Mechanical Timer

What does this 3 Million Dollar M-1 Abrams Tank and this 3 Million Dollar Yacht have in common?  They are both running on clean fuel through a Gulf Coast Fuel Polishing System.

Fuel Piping Basics

A basic fundamental in designing a diesel fuel system for any boat is to design the system so that the boat will not have to stop if a fuel filter gets clogged or an instrument breaks. There are many situations where not having engine power is extremely dangerous. It is so dangerous that the Rules Of The Road have a special category and rules for it, "Vessel Not Under Command." It is necessary to design the piping so that just adjusting a few valves will allow fuel to flow so the vessel can remain under command.  We recommend using Pipe Stick Compound or Loctite 242 on the pipe fittings, or any good quality plumbing sealant.

System Operation

There are 8760 hours in a year and the average pleasure boat is only used 300 hours a year.  During the 8460 hours the vessel is sitting idle, the oxygen and moisture in the fuel tank is feeding the algae growth.  During this time is when you want to routinely polish your fuel to keep it clean and dry and prevent the algae from forming.  We recommend polishing the fuel every 2 weeks year round if possible, but remember more is better than less.

Check Valve

Many times you will tee into a return line going back to a fuel tank for your return hook-up on the polishing system, when doing this make sure you install a check valve on the line going to the engine so you are not returning fuel back up to the engine.

Three-Way Valve

The three-way valve is needed for those who do not want to run the Pump underway. In that situation, turn the three-way valve to the proper position and adjust the two-way valve in the line that has the check valve.

Fuel Circuit

This is a GCF Law when using the polishing system:

Return the fuel to the same tank it came from.

Any other procedure may lead to a fuel spill. That means making sure the valves at the fuel tanks are always set properly.

Other pumping arrangements may be more efficient at cleaning up the fuel, but the risk of a fuel spill removes them from consideration.

Day Tanks

Day tanks have become a popular topic of late, and a few words are necessary about them in connection with a fuel polishing system.

The object of a day tank is to provide a "day's" quantity of fuel that is guaranteed to be clean and dry for the engine. Sometimes it is used to overcome the problem of excessive suction heads on the engine lift pump.

It is important to remember that the clean and dry fuel in the day tank will be exposed to the same conditions that cause the fuel in the main storage tank to become bad. Given enough time, the fuel in the day tank will get to the same condition as the fuel in the main tank. A filter and a water separator are still required on the outlet of the day tank.

To provide the desired results, this tank must, in fact, be a "Day Tank." That is, the fuel in this tank must remain there for only a short time. All the problems of long-time fuel storage in the main tank will be present in the day tank if fuel remains in it for long periods of time. Once it ceases to be a "Day Tank" it must be treated just like any other tank.

Wiring

All of the usual safety wiring practices should be followed and the pump should be protected with a 10 amp fuse or circuit breaker for the Walbro pumps.  The Oberdorfer AC pumps require a 10 amp, the Oberdorfer 12 Volt requires a 70 amp and the Oberdorfer 24 Volt requires a 30 amp fuse or circuit breaker.  Remember if using an AC pump that the water sensor and strobe light are 12 Volt DC.  It will be convenient to locate the switch or timer close to the helm.

The following page will show diagrams of hooking up a basic independent polishing system. These are basic drawings, and as you know all boats have different engine room configurations.  You might need to add or take away depending on your application.

The following diagram is for using the fuel polishing system isolated so you can polish one tank of fuel at a time. 

 

 

 


Gulf Coast Filters can custom build a fuel polishing system to fit your needs.  We can accommodate any fuel supply for engines and offer polishing systems with up to 3,000 gallons per hour flow rates.  Give us a call and we can design a system to fit your vessel’s needs.  We offer multiple tank systems, 115-volt systems, air operated systems and much more.   Since 1990, the U.S. Army National Guard has used Gulf Coast Filters to polish fuel in the M-1 Tanks.  The M-1’s also set for long periods of time giving them the same problems as the pleasure boats. Gulf Coast Filters has over 20 years of fuel cleaning experience to offer you.

A3.JPG (177627 bytes)

Photo of GCF Fuel Polishing System for the U.S. Army National Guard
The U.S. Army National Guard has 18 of these units in operation throughout the nation.

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Copyright © 2002-2005 Gulf Coast Filters, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.
Gulf Coast Filters
P.O. Box 2787
Gulfport, MS  39505
1-866-728-3582