Specialist Fuel Polishing Expertise
Our experienced OFTEC and CompEx-certified engineers use specialist fuel polishing equipment to remove contamination and restore the quality of stored diesel fuel.
Fuel Polishing Services
Whether you manage backup generators, bulk fuel storage or MOD facilities, BMS Group's proactive fuel polishing keeps your fuel in prime condition year-round. Our OFTEC- and CompEx-certified engineers restore diesel to an industry-best micron 1 absolute filtration level, meeting ISO 4406 and EN590 standards, and deliver it anywhere in the UK with zero downtime to your operations.
- UK-wide, on-site fuel cleaning with zero downtime
- OFTEC & CompEx-certified engineers
- Restores fuel to ISO 4406 & EN590 standards
- Eco-friendly process
Benefits of BMS Group Fuel Polishing
Reduce Fuel Waste & Replacement Costs
Contaminated fuel does not always need to be disposed of and replaced. Fuel polishing filters and restores existing fuel, providing an environmentally responsible solution that can help reduce unnecessary fuel replacement and disposal costs.
Protect Critical Equipment
Water, sludge, sediment and microbial contamination can block filters and damage fuel system components. Professional fuel cleaning helps protect generators, pumps, engines and other fuel-dependent equipment while improving overall system reliability.
UK-Wide On-Site Fuel Cleaning
BMS Group provides professional fuel polishing services across the UK. Our on-site process is designed to clean and restore stored fuel while minimising operational disruption and helping keep critical fuel systems ready when required.
What Is Fuel Polishing?
Fuel polishing, also known as fuel cleaning or diesel filtration, is a filtration process using finer filters to remove water, microbes, harmful contaminants and sludge from stored fuel. Our fuel polishing unit pumps out dirty fuel, filters it to a micron 1 absolute level, and tests it before it’s returned to the tank — all without disrupting your machinery.
Why Fuel Polishing Matters
Fuel naturally degrades over time, oxidising and absorbing water soon after leaving the refinery. Left in storage, this creates ‘diesel bug’ — sludge that clogs filters and fuel lines, alongside rust and grit that accelerate engine wear. Fuel polishing is a vital preventative maintenance process that restores fuel, avoiding costly breakdowns, internal tank corrosion and non-compliance with ISO 4406 and EN590 standards.
Our Fuel Polishing Process
We follow a straightforward, four-step process: sampling and analysis to identify contamination levels; filtration and treatment using an advanced portable fuel polishing unit to remove water, sludge and microbial growth; fuel testing and certification, with a full report issued on completion; and a maintenance plan from our OFTEC and CompEx-certified engineers to guide your ongoing fuel care.
Industries We Serve
Our fuel polishing service suits any sector that relies on stored fuel, including MOD, aviation, home delivery, hospitals, industrial facilities, emergency services, marine operations and fuel storage sites — anywhere continuous, compliant fuel supply is critical.
UK-Wide Coverage & Flexible Scheduling
With UK-wide coverage and flexible scheduling, BMS Group ensures minimal disruption to your operations, keeping your critical systems protected, compliant and ready for when you need them most.
Industries We Support
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is fuel polishing?
Fuel polishing is a specialist filtration process used to clean stored fuel by removing water, sediment, sludge, microbial contamination and other unwanted particles. The fuel is circulated through a filtration system to restore its cleanliness and help maintain reliable performance.
Why does diesel fuel need polishing?
Diesel fuel can deteriorate while being stored for extended periods. Water, condensation, sediment and microbial growth can accumulate over time, potentially creating sludge, blocked filters, corrosion and problems with fuel-dependent equipment. Fuel polishing removes these contaminants and helps restore the quality of the stored fuel.
What contaminants does fuel polishing remove?
Fuel polishing can remove contaminants including water, sludge, sediment, solid particles and microbial contamination. Removing these contaminants helps protect filters, pumps, injectors, generators and other components within the fuel system.
What are the benefits of fuel polishing?
Fuel polishing can help improve fuel quality, increase fuel system reliability, reduce the risk of equipment breakdowns, extend the life of stored fuel and reduce unnecessary fuel disposal. It can also form an important part of a preventative fuel system maintenance programme.
What is diesel bug?
Diesel bug is a commonly used term for microbial contamination that can develop where microorganisms grow within a fuel system, particularly where water is present. The resulting contamination can contribute to sludge, blocked filters and reduced fuel system reliability.
Can fuel polishing remove water from diesel?
Yes. Water removal is an important part of the fuel polishing process. Specialist filtration equipment can remove accumulated water alongside sediment, sludge and other contaminants from stored diesel.
How does BMS Group fuel polishing work?
BMS Group begins by sampling and assessing the fuel to identify contamination. The fuel is then circulated through specialist filtration equipment to remove water, sludge, debris and contamination. Following polishing, fuel testing is carried out to confirm its condition and a fuel service certificate is provided.
Does fuel polishing require the tank to be emptied?
Fuel polishing works by circulating the existing fuel through specialist filtration equipment and returning the cleaned fuel to the tank. This means contaminated fuel can often be treated without disposing of the entire contents of the storage tank.
What is the difference between fuel polishing and fuel tank cleaning?
Fuel polishing primarily cleans the fuel itself by filtering out water and other contaminants. Fuel tank cleaning focuses on removing accumulated sludge, dirt and debris from inside the storage tank. Depending on the condition of the fuel and tank, one or both services may be required.
Can BMS Group provide fuel polishing anywhere in the UK?
Yes. BMS provides on-site fuel polishing and fuel cleaning services across the UK for organisations that rely on stored fuel, including critical infrastructure, industrial facilities, emergency services, aviation, marine and other commercial operations.
Do you test the fuel after polishing?
Yes. Following the fuel polishing process, BMS can test the fuel to confirm its condition and provide a fuel service certificate and supporting report.
How often should stored diesel be checked?
The appropriate testing and maintenance frequency depends on factors such as storage conditions, fuel turnover, tank condition and how critical the fuel supply is to your operation. Regular fuel sampling and preventative maintenance can identify contamination before it develops into equipment failure or operational downtime.
How do I arrange a fuel polishing service?
Contact BMS Group to discuss your stored fuel, contamination concerns or preventative maintenance requirements. Our team can advise on the appropriate fuel testing, polishing and maintenance solution for your site. Call 0345 230 7887 or email sales@bms-ltd.com