PMX145 Fuel Biocide Treatment

PMX 145 Fuel Biocide: How It Works to Protect Diesel and Biodiesel Tanks

Microbial contamination is one of the most common (and most expensive) issues in diesel and biodiesel storage. If you’ve ever dealt with blocked filters, sludge build-up, corrosion, or unexplained fuel system failures, there’s a good chance microorganisms were quietly growing inside your tank.

PMX 145 is designed to stop that problem at the source — inside the fuel itself.

In this post, we’ll break down how PMX 145 works, what happens after treatment, and why it’s a long-term solution for diesel and biodiesel users.

The Problem with Water in Diesel

Microbial contamination in diesel and biodiesel doesn’t happen randomly — it happens when water gets into the tank. Even small amounts of condensation, rain ingress, or poorly sealed storage can create the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi.

  • Microbes can’t live in fuel alone. They grow at the fuel–water interface, where they can feed and multiply rapidly.
  • Biodiesel holds more water than regular diesel. Bio-blends are naturally more hygroscopic (water-attracting), so they absorb and retain moisture more easily, increasing risk.

Once microbes establish themselves in that wet zone, they form colonies that produce:

  • Sludge and slime
  • Acids and corrosive by-products
  • Blocked filters
  • Fuel degradation
  • Tank corrosion and component wear

Over time, this contamination spreads through the whole system — turning clean fuel into a costly maintenance problem.

What PMX 145 Does Differently

PMX 145 is a fuel biocide that stays suspended throughout the fuel. That matters because instead of settling out or treating only part of the tank, PMX 145 provides full additive coverage across all fuel volumes.

This suspension effect means it can reach microorganisms wherever they are forming — in fuel layers, tank walls, water zones, and filters.

How PMX 145 Works (Step-by-Step)

1. PMX 145 Attaches to Microorganisms

When added to contaminated fuel, PMX 145 binds to active microbes and kills them. This immediately stops growth and breaks the contamination cycle.

2. Heavy Contamination Drops Out

As microorganisms die off and clump together, heavy contamination settles to the bottom of the tank. This makes it much easier to remove via draining or tank cleaning.

3. PMX 145 Remains in the Fuel

Even after contamination is removed, PMX 145 stays suspended in the remaining fuel. So the tank isn’t just “cleaned” — it’s protected going forward.

4. Becomes a Biostat for Ongoing Prevention

PMX 145 continues acting as a biostat inside the tank and filters, helping stop colonies from re-forming long after treatment.

What You’ll See After Treatment

After PMX 145 treatment, the fuel tank goes through a clear improvement cycle:

  • ✅ Active microbial growth is killed
  • ✅ Contamination settles for removal
  • ✅ Fuel remains protected with biocide present
  • ✅ Risk of repeat contamination drops dramatically

This is why PMX 145 is often used not only as a fix, but as part of a prevention program.

✅ Non-Hazardous to Handle and Store

Unlike many conventional diesel biocides that carry harsh dangerous-goods classifications, PMX 145 is non-hazardous, making it safer and easier to use on site.

  • Simpler storage
  • Fewer handling risks for staff
  • No complicated transport requirements

For workshops, fleets, farms, mines, marine systems, and remote storage tanks, this is a major advantage — you get powerful microbial control without introducing a high-risk chemical into your operation.

In short: effective fuel protection with safer day-to-day handling.

ASTM D975 Compliance (Diesel Fuel Spec)

PMX 145 is engineered to protect fuel quality without pushing diesel outside specification. It meets ASTM D975 diesel fuel specification requirements, meaning treated fuel stays compliant with standard diesel performance and safety benchmarks.

Standard Test Result Spec Reference Status
ASTM D975 Diesel Fuel Specification Compliance Meets All Requirements Standard Diesel Fuel Specification PASS

So you can treat fuel confidently, knowing it remains inside diesel compliance standards.

Proven Long-Term Protection

Fuel testing has confirmed PMX 145 delivers long-lasting contamination avoidance:

  • 5+ years protection in regular diesel
  • 2+ years protection in biodiesel applications

That makes it ideal for:

  • Long-term fuel storage
  • Fleet tanks
  • Mining & construction sites
  • Backup generators
  • Marine fuel systems
  • Farms & rural storage

Extra Storage Benefit: Pair With FTC Decarbonizer

For customers storing fuel long term, Cost Effective Maintenance recommends pairing PMX 145 with FTC Decarbonizer to improve combustion performance and overall fuel stability during storage.

Think of it as a one-two punch:

  • PMX 145 kills and prevents microbial growth in diesel and biodiesel
  • FTC Decarbonizer supports cleaner burning fuel, helping reduce deposits and improve storage reliability

Used together, they protect fuel quality in storage and help ensure smooth, efficient performance when that fuel is finally used.

Need help with treatment rates?

Contact the team at Cost Effective Maintenance:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +61 7 3376 6188
Address: Unit 1, 18 Boron Street, Sumner QLD 4074
Website: costeffective.com.au