Blog - AirDog

Preparing Your Fleet for Winter: The Role of High-Performance Fuel Filters

When winter hits, fleet managers and commercial vehicle operators face their toughest operational challenges. Sub-zero temperatures can wreak havoc on diesel engines, leading to issues like hard starts, fuel gelling, and frozen filters. These conditions often lead to unexpected downtime, reduced efficiency, and costly repairs. But here's the good news—taking a proactive approach to winter preparation can ensure your fleet runs smoothly, even during the harshest months. One of the most critical—and often overlooked—steps in winterizing a diesel fleet is investing in high-performance fuel filters like those offered by AirDog®. These advanced systems protect your engine from the damaging effects of cold weather, improve fuel efficiency, and extend engine longevity. This guide will explore winter's impact on diesel fuel systems, outline essential preparation steps, and explain the vital role AirDog® systems play in keeping your fleet winter-ready. Winter's Impact on Diesel Fuel Systems Winter weather isn’t just inconvenient—it poses significant risks to diesel engines. Understanding these challenges is the first step in developing an effective cold-weather strategy. The Science Behind Winter Fuel Issues Diesel fuel contains paraffin, a type of wax that can solidify when exposed to cold temperatures. This solidification process, known as fuel gelling, begins when temperatures drop below the fuel's cloud point, which is the temperature at which wax crystals start to form and become visible in the fuel. As these wax crystals accumulate, they can clog fuel filters and lines, obstructing the proper flow of fuel to the engine and ultimately causing your vehicle to stall. This situation is particularly challenging for diesel vehicles operating in colder climates, where temperatures can frequently plummet below the cloud point. In addition to fuel gelling, moisture present in the fuel system poses another risk in cold weather. Water can condense within the fuel tank and lines, and when temperatures drop, this moisture can freeze, leading to ice formation. Frozen fuel lines can severely impede fuel flow, while ice can entirely block fuel filters. These issues are compounded during cold starts, when engines require more energy to turn over and get running. The combination of gelled fuel, frozen lines, and increased engine stress reduces efficiency and sluggish performance, and can even lead to costly breakdowns or repairs. Therefore, diesel vehicle owners must take preventive measures, such as using anti-gel additives, to ensure their engines run smoothly in cold conditions. Industries at Risk Winter weather poses unique challenges, depending on the nature of your fleet, requiring tailored strategies for maintenance and operation. Active Fleets (e.g., trucking, construction): These fleets face sub-zero operational conditions that can lead to frequent gelling of diesel fuel, frozen filters, and slow engine startups. Such issues can severely impact delivery schedules and project timelines, necessitating increased maintenance efforts to ensure reliability and efficiency. Dormant Fleets (e.g., agricultural equipment): These fleets are often stored for extended periods during the winter months. This storage increases the risk of condensation build-up within fuel tanks, which can lead to fuel contamination and performance issues once spring arrives and the equipment is [...]

PF Sales2024-12-03T11:30:12-06:00December 3, 2024|

Shield Your Mining Equipment from Diesel Fuel Contamination with Robust Filtration

In the unforgiving world of mining, where every piece of machinery is a crucial cog in a massive operation, the importance of clean fuel cannot be overstated. Mining equipment is subjected to harsh conditions that can significantly impact diesel engine performance and lifespan. Enter AirDog®'s advanced fuel filtration system—a solution designed to eradicate contaminants, such as particulates and water, ensuring your mining operations run smoothly. Common Fuel Contamination Challenges in Mining Operations Dust and Particulates from Harsh Mining Environments Mining environments are notorious for their constant exposure to dust, moisture, and debris. This relentless onslaught increases the risk of fuel contamination significantly. When diesel fuel becomes contaminated with particulates, it can clog filters and injectors, leading to inefficient combustion. Over time, this can cause significant wear on engine components, resulting in costly repairs and downtime. The presence of particulates in fuel is more than just a nuisance; it's a hazard that can lead to catastrophic engine failures if left unchecked. Regular exposure to contaminated fuel can damage sensitive parts, reducing the overall efficiency and reliability of mining equipment. The cost implications of frequent maintenance and replacement of parts can quickly spiral out of control, making effective fuel filtration an absolute necessity. Water and Fuel Separation in Diesel Engines Water is another formidable foe in the realm of diesel engines. Its presence in fuel can lead to severe engine problems, including corrosion and performance loss. In the damp environments of mining operations, water can easily seep into fuel supplies, creating a cocktail of disaster. Water's corrosive nature can eat away at metal components, while its presence disrupts the combustion process, leading to suboptimal engine performance. Fuel contaminated with water reduces the efficiency of combustion, leading to an increase in fuel consumption and emissions. The engine struggles to maintain its optimal performance levels, which can contribute to significant operational inefficiencies. Addressing water contamination is crucial to ensuring that mining equipment runs effectively and efficiently. How Fuel Contamination Affects Mining Equipment Performance Reduced Fuel Efficiency and Increased Maintenance Costs Dirty fuel is a quiet saboteur that attacks efficiency from the shadows. Contaminants within the fuel reduce its quality, which directly affects how well an engine performs. When fuel efficiency drops, engines consume more fuel to perform the same tasks, leading to higher operational costs. For a large mining operation, these additional costs can quickly add up, impacting the bottom line. The inefficiencies caused by contaminated fuel don't end at fuel consumption. They manifest in increased maintenance requirements, as engines need more frequent servicing to address the wear and tear accelerated by poor fuel quality. The cumulative effect of these inefficiencies and maintenance demands can severely impact the financial health of a mining operation. Accelerated Wear and Tear on Critical Engine Components Fuel contaminants are abrasive agents that cause accelerated wear on critical engine components such as fuel injectors and pumps. This constant friction and abrasion erode the materials, leading to premature part failures. The need for frequent repairs or replacements not only increases [...]

PF Sales2024-11-07T07:36:30-06:00November 19, 2024|

Supercharge Your Construction Machinery with Advanced Fuel Filtration

Why Fuel Filtration Matters for Large Construction Machinery In the demanding world of construction, machinery must perform at peak efficiency to ensure projects run smoothly and on schedule. High-performance engines are the heartbeat of these machines, and their longevity directly impacts job efficiency and overall equipment health. However, maintaining such performance isn't just about routine maintenance; it involves addressing the very fuel that powers them. Enter AirDog® Diesel's advanced fuel filtration system, designed to remove contaminants like entrained air, moisture, and particulates, thus ensuring your diesel engines function optimally. Fuel filtration systems are often overlooked, yet they play a critical role in engine performance. By keeping out unwanted contaminants, these systems help maintain engine efficiency and reduce wear and tear on critical engine parts. The result? An increase in both the lifespan and reliability of your machinery, making fuel filtration an essential aspect of maintaining construction equipment. Understanding Diesel Engine Challenges in Construction Machinery Operating conditions for large diesel engines in construction environments are far from ideal. These engines are constantly exposed to dust, dirt, and moisture—elements that can wreak havoc on engine performance. Poor fuel quality compounds these challenges, often leading to severe issues such as fuel injector wear, reduced engine efficiency, and increased emissions. Diesel engines are robust, but even they have limits. When fuel quality is compromised, it impacts combustion efficiency. Entrained air and particulates stress the fuel system, causing inefficiencies that manifest as reduced power and increased emissions. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs and downtime, hampering productivity and profitability. The Role of Fuel Filtration in Enhancing Diesel Engine Performance Fuel filtration is not just about keeping your engine running; it's about optimizing every ounce of power it can provide. Quality fuel filtration systems effectively remove contaminants, preventing buildup within the fuel system. This not only enhances combustion but also reduces strain on engine components, leading to improved overall performance. AirDog®’s innovative technology takes fuel filtration to the next level by effectively separating entrained air and particulates from the fuel. This advanced process ensures a purer combustion experience, which not only translates to better fuel efficiency but also significantly reduces engine strain. The system works by preventing harmful contaminants from entering the engine, thereby allowing for a more consistent power output. In addition to improving performance, AirDog®’s filtration system plays a crucial role in prolonging engine life by minimizing wear and tear. This makes it an invaluable investment for those looking to maintain the health and efficiency of their engines over time. Whether for personal vehicles or commercial fleets, AirDog® offers a solution that enhances reliability and boosts overall engine performance. Key Benefits of Proper Fuel Filtration for Construction Equipment Operators Improved Engine Performance Proper fuel filtration is crucial for maintaining efficient engine performance. By filtering out impurities and ensuring clean fuel delivery, combustion is optimized, resulting in smoother operation and increased engine power. This improvement directly translates to enhanced performance on the job, where every bit of power counts, especially in high-demand environments. [...]

PF Sales2024-11-11T09:57:41-06:00November 7, 2024|

Winter Warriors: How AirDog®Keeps Diesel Engines Running Smoothly in Cold Weather

Diesel engines are remarkable in so many ways, but as with everything, they do have their weak spots. One of those is cold weather performance. Diesel fuel includes paraffin in the mixture for a variety of reasons, but when those paraffin wax crystals get cold enough, they solidify and cause fuel to gel. Fuel gelling prevention is a necessity in cold conditions to keep your fuel flowing and your engine running. At AirDog®, we are committed to ensuring reliable engine performance in harsh winter conditions. We aim to help AirDog® diesel users get the most out of their engines and we work towards that goal by providing both education and tools—including our diesel fuel heater kit. Read on to learn about the challenges diesel engines face and valuable winter diesel engine tips to keep your rig on the road no matter how cold it gets. Common Cold Weather Issues for Diesel Engines Let’s look at some of the most common issues our Canada and Northern US diesel customers encounter in winter. Fuel Gelling Once the temperature outside reaches freezing, there is a significant risk of fuel gelling in diesel engines. As we mentioned above, the paraffin wax crystals in the fuel will solidify and cause the fuel to gel. You can probably imagine how much trouble this can cause. The fuel needs to be in a liquid state to flow through the fuel system and into the engine. If it gels, it’s not flowing anymore. In fact, once it gels in the filters you have to replace them. Thickened Fuel The fuel doesn’t have to become completely solid to cause problems, either. Thickened fuel can cause your engine to stall, to idle roughly, and possibly to not start at all. Even if the engine starts, thickened fuel won’t atomize as necessary to mix with air and combust completely. That causes engine performance issues and increases the emissions you generate, which is bad for your catalytic converter and the environment. Importance of Fuel Treatment in Winter One of the most important cold-weather diesel maintenance steps you can take is to add appropriate fuel treatments to discourage fuel gelling. It’s also a good idea to use winter blend fuels to further protect your engine. Fuel Additives There are a ton of different fuel additives out there for diesel engines. For the purposes of US and Canada diesel maintenance in cold weather, we want to focus on anti-gel additives. Winter fuel additives focus primarily on lowering the temperature at which paraffin crystals solidify in cold weather. These anti-gel additives help the fuel stay in a liquid state as the temperature drops. They can also include other additives that assist with lubrication, reducing emissions, and improving fuel economy. It’s a good idea to watch the weather report to stay ahead of significant temperature drops. When the temperature gets to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, you should start adding anti-gelling additives. When it gets to 0 degrees or below you will want to add more. Each product [...]

PF Sales2024-11-06T10:39:49-06:00October 23, 2024|

Stop Fuel Contamination: Keep Your Farm Equipment Running Smoothly with AirDog®

Every farmer knows that harvest season is not just another task on the calendar—it's the culmination of months of hard work and a vital opportunity to secure your livelihood. With such a short window to get it right, the stakes are high. Reliable agricultural equipment is essential to ensure a successful harvest, and any downtime can mean significant financial loss and missed deadlines. Among the many threats to equipment reliability, fuel contamination stands out as a critical issue. Fuel contamination can wreak havoc on tractors and combines, leading to clogged filters, reduced efficiency, and even equipment breakdowns during these critical times. This is where AirDog® Heavy Duty Diesel Fuel Systems come into play, offering a solution to safeguard your equipment and keep your harvest running smoothly. Understanding Fuel Contamination Risks in Agricultural Equipment Fuel contamination is an often underestimated threat to agricultural operations. Contaminants can enter the fuel system from various sources, each posing a risk to equipment performance. Sources of Fuel Contamination In field conditions, dirt and debris can easily find their way into the refueling process. Water contamination is also common, entering the system through condensation in storage tanks. Additionally, many modern high-pressure common rail (HPCR) systems can suffer from entrained air, which can impact performance and efficiency. Impact on Equipment Performance Contaminated fuel leads to clogged filters, which reduce fuel efficiency. Engine wear and tear, particularly in fuel injectors and pumps, accelerates under these conditions, increasing the risk of breakdowns during critical harvest periods. Entrained Air in Farm Equipment Fuel Systems: A Hidden Danger Entrained air is one of the less obvious but highly damaging forms of fuel contamination, often overlooked during regular engine maintenance. What Is Entrained Air? Entrained air refers to small air bubbles that become trapped in fuel as it circulates through the system. These bubbles are introduced by fuel sloshing in the tank, during fuel transfer, or due to leaks in the fuel system. Once entrained in the fuel, air can travel to sensitive parts of the engine, like the injection system, where it disrupts the combustion processes. This disruption can result in uneven combustion, power loss, and ultimately, damage to critical engine components. How It Affects Your Diesel Farm Equipment The impact of entrained air is not immediately visible, which makes it a significant threat to engine health. Over time, entrained air can degrade engine performance, leading to increased fuel consumption and more frequent misfires. This inefficiency can cause the engine to work harder than necessary, increasing the risk of more severe damage and costly repairs. In turn, this affects the operational efficiency of your equipment and can have a direct impact on your bottom line, particularly in industries that rely heavily on machinery, like agriculture or construction. The Importance of Removing Entrained Air Removing entrained air from the fuel system is crucial to ensure consistent fuel delivery and prevent wear on high-precision injection systems. The presence of air in the fuel can significantly impact the accuracy of fuel injection, affecting the [...]

PF Sales2024-11-07T11:49:36-06:00October 15, 2024|

How to Know When to Change Your AirDog® Fuel Filter

If you use an AirDog® fuel system, chances are you understand the importance of getting clean fuel to your engine. That’s why you invested in the best diesel fuel filtration system out there. But if a filter is working correctly, it’s removing contaminants from the fuel—which means it will eventually clog. […]

PF Sales2024-11-06T10:36:48-06:00September 24, 2024|

Boosting Performance: How AirDog® Enhances Fuel Pumps for Class 8 Heavy Duty Diesel Engines

Fuel pumps play a critical role in the operation of Class 8 diesel engines. These heavy duty fuel pumps take fuel from the fuel tank and bring it to the fuel injectors and on into the engine. Without a fuel pump, diesel engine fuel systems can’t operate. AirDog® diesel fuel filtration systems include a positive pressure fuel pump that operates in addition to the gear-driven fuel pump on your Class 8 diesel engine. Our pump helps improve gear pump efficiency by providing constant positive pressure so the factory fuel pump doesn’t have to work so hard. Having our system’s fuel pump supporting the factory pump is a great way to minimize truck fuel pump and injector maintenance. It’s also an integral part of the AirDog® system, helping to improve engine performance, fuel economy, and more. The Role of Gear Pumps in Class 8 Diesel Engines If you have a Class 8 diesel engine, you have a gear pump that keeps the fuel flowing to your engine. Let’s look at how these pumps work and some of the challenges that are common with this type of pump. Gear Pump Fundamentals Gear-driven transfer pumps pull fuel from the fuel tank using suction. Several different types of pumps fall into this category but they all essentially do the same thing. They pull fuel from the tank and bring it onward to the high-pressure fuel injection pump and into the engine. Common Diesel Fuel System Challenges The standard gear-driven fuel pump works as intended. It keeps the engine running and is fundamental to the operation of the fuel system. However, it does not create the ideal conditions for optimal engine performance. Because these pumps operate under suction, periodically, that suction creates cavitation, pulling air into the system. The pump has an efficiency range where it works well through a certain RPM band, but it will often run outside of that efficiency curve as engine RPM varies, pulling entrained air in with the fuel. Pulling air in with fuel causes a range of issues, including loss of efficiency, damage to fuel injectors, and drops in performance. How AirDog® Assists the Class 8 Diesel Truck’s Fuel Pump AirDog® includes an integrated fuel pump in its system to solve the problems created by the standard gear-driven fuel pump. Integration with Existing Systems AirDog®’s pump is installed between the fuel tank and the gear pump. It’s not a replacement for the gear pump. Instead, it’s an addition that supports the existing pump and smooths out the flow of fuel throughout the system. Operational Improvements Standard fuel pumps on Class 8 diesel engines have to work hard to do their job. All of that pulling the fuel from the tank and the cavitation that results is tough on the pump and the system. That hard work means the fuel pump can and will fail over time, leading to expensive maintenance and replacement of the pump. AirDog®’s fuel pump seeks to reduce the workload of the gear-driven fuel pump by [...]

PF Sales2024-11-06T10:37:54-06:00September 10, 2024|

Top Social Influencers Talking About AirDog®

At AirDog®, our goal is to help diesel engine owners get the most out of their rigs. We love hearing about how our products have provided genuine benefits for our customers. That’s why we are excited to see the wide range of social influencers heading online to talk up AirDog. We greatly appreciate the positive feedback and the way these customers get the word out about the AirDog system! To try and give back a little, we want to talk about some of the top influencers currently endorsing AirDog. Let’s take a look at who they are and what they have to say about us! AirDog Influencer Endorsements Here are four of the leading influencers who love AirDog: Cody Davis, Best of Show Winner at the Mid-America Trucking Show 2024 - with Jay Armistead and Lance of AirDog. Cody Davis Cody Davis on Facebook Cody Davis on Instagram Cody Davis on TikTok The owner and operator of Davis Trucking, LLC, Cody has over 24 thousand followers on Facebook. He posts about the trucking life and the trials and tribulations of operating big rigs out of Wyoming. You may have seen pictures of his gorgeous Mojito, a lime-green semi, pulling cattle or just sitting and looking pretty in various locations around the West. Cody recently reviewed the AirDog and Champ system after running it on Mojito for approximately 30,000 miles. He insisted on getting in that many miles so he could give an honest review of the product—something we really appreciate! Cody noted three things about the product: Smooth, quiet ride. He said that the first thing he noticed was how Mojito was running smoother and quieter when the engine idled. It was a big deal for him and made a huge difference in the feel of the truck. Improved fuel economy. He starts out by noting that he pulls a cattle pot that’s 14 feet tall and works a lot like a giant parachute dragging behind the truck. Before he installed the AirDog, he was getting around 4.0 – 4.1 mpg over 30k miles. After the AirDog, he was averaging 4.9 – 5 mpg—a huge savings over the course of the 200k miles he averaged over the year. Customer experience. Cody takes the time to shout out how great it is working with Jay Armistead and the team at AirDog. BullSnot BullSnot on Facebook BullSnot on Instagram BullSnot on TikTok BullSnot on X BullSnot on YouTube The BullSnot product line is used by professional truckers and car and truck enthusiasts. The company offers a wide variety of products including detail wax, detail cleaner, glass cleaner, odor eliminator and more. It’s a trusted company that has tens of thousands of followers and many more satisfied customers. In a post on Facebook, BullSnot chose to give a shout-out to AirDog and share the benefits the company had seen using our products. The BullSnot team was driving a Duramax with over 470k miles on it and [...]

PF Sales2024-09-13T11:21:05-05:00August 24, 2024|

Understanding the Difference Between Primary and Secondary Fuel Filters

Modern diesel engines are true marvels of technology, capable of powerful performance, improved fuel economy, and durable enough to run for decades. Like any engine, diesels require clean fuel to operate properly. However, the more refined the engine—like today’s cutting-edge diesels—the cleaner the fuel needs to be.Most diesel engines have a primary fuel filter and a secondary fuel filter to ensure that the fuel is clean before it enters the engine. Filtration systems typically use a measurement system based on micrometers or microns. That’s how you know the level of filtration they offer. A grain of salt is around 100 microns in size. Diesel fuel filters are designed to filter out particles anywhere from 50 microns down to 2 microns.Drivers are often confused about which filter is which and why they even need two filters. Let’s look at what each filter is for, so you know exactly what you are looking for when choosing among diesel engine fuel filtration systems.What is a Primary Fuel Filter?As the name indicates, a primary fuel filter is the first line of defense among truck fuel filters.LocationThe primary fuel filter is typically located on the truck frame. It is plumbed between the fuel tank and the engine’s gear pump.FunctionThe primary fuel filter is designed to remove larger particulates from diesel fuel. These first-line filters can be designed to catch particulates ranging from 50 microns to 7 microns. Many primary filters can also remove free water from the fuel. This filter helps clean up the fuel before it goes into the fuel pump to be sent to the injectors.What is a Secondary Fuel Filter?The fuel quality in diesel engines can vary quite a bit depending on where it comes from. The primary filter cleans out the larger particles while the secondary filter takes care of the smaller particles.LocationThe secondary fuel filter is mounted directly onto the engine. It receives fuel after it has passed through the engine’s gear pump.FunctionThe secondary filter is responsible for finer filtration. It uses filter mediums with tighter micron ratings, typically 5 microns to 2 microns. These filters need to get the fuel as clean as possible before it reaches precision components like the fuel injectors. They also operate at much higher pressures than primary fuel filters.Differences in Function and ImportanceWhy don’t diesel engines just use one filter? Multiple benefits come with the two-filter approach, which is why it’s the go-to design for most engines. The primary filter and the secondary filter are each located at different stages of the fuel system and need to accomplish specific things at those stages. A one-size-fits-all approach would also sacrifice performance and be highly inefficient.There are several components that filtration protects, including:Rubber tubes and metal fuel lines. These lines operate at intense pressure and are damaged by particulates in the fuel. Effective filtration removes those particles so that they don’t corrode the tubes and lines in the system.Fuel tank. Water and other contaminants will always make their way into the fuel and therefore must be [...]

PF Sales2024-08-17T16:03:59-05:00August 13, 2024|

Superior Fleet Performance Begins with AirDog® Fuel Systems

In the high-stakes world of fleet management, every decision can significantly impact your bottom line. From fuel efficiency to vehicle uptime, the choices you make determine your fleet's performance and profitability. Enter AirDog® Diesel Fuel Systems—an innovative solution designed to transform your fleet operations. In this blog post, we'll break down the benefits of AirDog® systems, explain the technology behind them, and show you how they can save you time and money. The Game-Changer for Fleet Operations AirDog® Diesel Fuel Systems are not your average fuel filters. These advanced systems are engineered to remove contaminants, moisture, and air from diesel fuel, delivering cleaner fuel to your engines. This results in better fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and increased vehicle uptime. Enhanced Fuel Efficiency One of the most compelling reasons to invest in AirDog® systems is the improvement in fuel efficiency. Studies show that AirDog® systems can boost fuel economy by up to five percent compared to standard fuel systems. This means more miles per gallon and significant cost savings over time. Reduced Maintenance Costs AirDog® systems are designed to keep your engine components in peak condition. By removing contaminants and moisture, these systems reduce wear and tear on vital parts like fuel injectors and emission systems. This leads to fewer breakdowns and longer intervals between maintenance checks, saving you both time and money. Increased Vehicle Uptime In fleet management, time is money. Every hour a vehicle is off the road for maintenance or repairs is an hour of lost revenue. AirDog® systems help extend the life of your engine components, leading to fewer unplanned downtimes and keeping your trucks on the road where they belong. The Technology Behind AirDog® What sets AirDog® systems apart is their advanced filtration technology. Unlike traditional fuel filters that only remove particulates down to ten microns, AirDog® systems go further. They eliminate particulates as small as six microns and remove entrained air and moisture, ensuring your engine receives the purest fuel possible. Microglass Media Filtration AirDog® systems utilize superior quality Microglass media in their filters. This material captures finer particulates than standard filters, protecting your engine from harmful debris. Cleaner fuel means better combustion, improved fuel spray patterns, and increased horsepower, especially noticeable at higher elevations. Fuel Preporator Technology One of the standout features of AirDog® systems, originally known as the Fuel Preporator, is the patented air separation technology, engineered to remove entrained air from the fuel. Air-free fuel at consistent pressure optimizes the burn of fuel, thereby enhancing throttle response and power delivery, making your trucks more efficient and powerful. Integrated Fuel Pump AirDog® systems come with an integrated fuel pump that regulates fuel pressure, reducing the likelihood of vapor formation and cavitation. This ensures your fuel injectors are always lubricated, preventing metal-on-metal contact and extending their lifespan. Addressing Efficiency and Preserving Your Investment Investing in an AirDog® system is about more than just immediate gains in fuel efficiency and performance. It's about preserving your investment in your fleet. By protecting critical engine components, [...]

PF Sales2024-09-13T11:18:32-05:00July 30, 2024|

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