Mercedes Mullins
Diesel fuel can be stored for future use, but it does not have an indefinite shelf life. When exposed to air, diesel fuel can undergo oxidation, which causes the formation of harmful deposits that degrade the quality of the fuel. Additionally, if diesel fuel is not stored properly, it can become contaminated with water, particulate matter, rust, and other foreign debris. Water contamination is particularly detrimental as it promotes microbial growth, which can lead to the production of acids that corrode tanks and clog filters. To prevent contamination and prolong the shelf life of diesel fuel, it should be stored in a cool, dry, and clean environment, with measures such as water absorbers, stabilizers, and biocides implemented to maintain fuel integrity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry, and clean environment without contact with water |
| Temperature | Should not exceed 85°F; fluctuating temperatures can contribute to diesel fuel degradation |
| Contamination | Can be contaminated by water, particulate matter, rust, and foreign debris; water promotes microbial growth |
| Maintenance | Tanks should be cleaned and emptied every ten years; water absorbers, stabilizers, and biocides can be used to prevent contamination |
| Additives | Biocides and stabilizers can extend shelf life by preventing microbial growth and oxidation |
| Shelf Life | 6-12 months on average; can be extended beyond a year with proper maintenance |
| Signs of Spoilage | Black smoke, rotten smell, gel-like consistency, sludge formation, clogged filters, corrosion |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel can last 6-12 months
Diesel fuel can last for 6 to 12 months on average when stored correctly. However, this timeframe can vary depending on several factors, and proper storage and maintenance practices are crucial to ensure the fuel's longevity.
Firstly, it is essential to maintain the right temperature to prevent degradation caused by fluctuating temperatures. Keeping the tank cool, ideally around 20°F, is essential to delay oxidation, one of the primary causes of fuel degradation. Underground tanks, canopies, or enclosures can help shield the tank from direct sunlight and reduce exposure to water sources.
Secondly, contamination is a significant concern for diesel fuel. Water contamination, in particular, can lead to microbial growth, including algae, which produces an acid that clogs fuel tanks and pipes in machinery. To prevent this, tanks should be kept clean and dry before storing diesel, and water absorbers can be used to mitigate any water contamination. Additionally, stabilizers and biocides can help prevent diesel from being contaminated and fight microbial growth.
Oxidation is another critical factor in diesel fuel degradation. When diesel is exposed to oxygen, it thickens into a gummy or sludge-like form, clogging machine filters. To prevent oxidation, fuel additives such as antioxidants and fuel stability treatments can be used, specifically those designed for diesel fuel.
By following these practices and regularly monitoring and maintaining the diesel fuel, you can expect it to last for 6 to 12 months before serious degradation occurs.
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Contamination from water, rust, and debris
Water in diesel fuel is inevitable, and it will inevitably cause serious problems within your engine. Water can enter the fuel during transit, storage, or handling. Water accumulation in diesel tanks is a widespread issue, with any stored diesel likely to have water settled at its base. Water can enter the tank through vents, with ambient air carrying water vapour that circulates in and out of tanks. As temperatures drop, water condenses and slides down the tank walls.
Water in diesel fuel can cause engine failure and costly repairs. Water is a breeding ground for bacteria and microbes, which need water to grow. These microbes multiply rapidly and create acids. Acid formation leads to fuel tank rust and corrosion, as well as clogged fuel filters. The first visible signs of these issues are clogged filters and rust on the filler cap. If left alone, these organisms will continue to grow, and your generator may shut down.
To prevent water contamination, keep the tank cool and out of direct sunlight. A cool tank, around 20°F, is ideal, but the temperature should not go above 85°F. Underground tanks are best, but if that is not possible, a canopy or enclosure can be used to reduce exposure to the sun and water sources. Regularly inspect your fuel for cloudiness, which indicates the presence of water.
In addition to water, diesel fuel can become contaminated by debris during transit. As fuel travels, it can collect particles, even as it is transferred from one pump to another. The wear and tear of the fuel system can also release debris into the fuel. To maintain fuel cleanliness, manufacturers demand ISO cleanliness levels of 13/9/6 or better by the time the fuel reaches the injector. This represents a drastic reduction in contamination from pump to injector.
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Oxidation causes harmful deposits
Diesel fuel can be stored for approximately 6 to 12 months on average if maintained and stored correctly. However, one source suggests that diesel can last beyond a year if proper care is taken to clean the tank and maintain fuel quality.
Oxidation is one of the factors that can affect diesel fuel's shelf life. This occurs when diesel is exposed to oxygen, causing it to thicken and turn into a gummy, sludge-like form. This, in turn, can clog machine filters and cause corrosion.
Oxidation causes the formation of harmful deposits, which accelerate the degradation of diesel fuel. This process can be slowed down by keeping the tank cool, ideally around 20°F, and should not exceed 85°F. A cool temperature can be maintained by investing in an underground tank or providing an enclosure to reduce exposure to the sun and water sources.
Additionally, fuel additives, such as antioxidants and biocides, can be used to treat the diesel and prevent oxidation. However, it is important to choose additives specific to diesel fuel and not general fuel sources. Regularly emptying and cleaning the tank every ten years is also crucial to maintaining fuel quality and preventing oxidation.
By understanding and mitigating the factors that contribute to oxidation, such as temperature control and the use of appropriate additives, the harmful effects of oxidation on diesel fuel can be effectively reduced.
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Additives can extend shelf life
Diesel fuel can be stored for six to twelve months on average. However, the use of additives can extend its shelf life.
Additives like biocides or stabilizers can help fight microbial growth and oxidation, which are two of the main causes of diesel degradation. For instance, Biobor®EB is a multi-purpose gasoline additive designed to combat the harmful effects of ethanol in gasoline. It stabilizes the fuel and prevents chemical breakdown. Diesel fuel treated with biocides or stabilizers can last longer, although these additives can lose their effectiveness over time.
Another additive, Biobor DC, contains a stabilizer, cetane improver, lubricity improver, detergents, and water dispersants, which help increase shelf life for long-term storage. Fuel stabilizers prevent the chemical breakdown of diesel fuel and oxidation, which occurs when diesel fuel is exposed to air, causing the formation of harmful deposits that degrade the quality of the fuel. Antioxidants are also used as additives to maintain the quality of diesel fuel by stabilizing it and preventing chemical breakdown.
To further extend the shelf life of diesel fuel, it is important to store it correctly. This includes keeping the tank cool, ideally around 20°F, and reducing exposure to the sun and water sources. Additionally, regular monitoring and maintenance of the fuel tank are crucial. This involves cleaning the tank every ten years and ensuring that it is as clean as possible before use.
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Diesel degradation and sludge
Diesel sludge is a build-up of substances at the bottom of a fuel tank. It can block up fuel lines, filters, and even the engine itself. Sludge can vary in viscosity, colour, and amount, but it tends to form over periods of inactivity and usually in larger tanks.
Sludge is often black, but it can also vary in colour. It can be caused by a number of factors, including diesel being an organic compound that is liable to degrade due to environmental conditions. The main causes are oxidative, thermal, or acidic degradation, mixing of fuels (and fuel qualities), contaminants, asphaltenes, and the "Diesel Bug".
Oxidative degradation occurs when diesel fuel is exposed to air, causing the formation of harmful deposits that degrade the quality of the fuel faster than expected. This is why a cool tank, ideally around 20°F, is key to delaying oxidation.
Thermal degradation can occur due to fluctuating temperatures. Extreme heat can cause the lighter components of the fuel to evaporate, while extreme cold may lead to paraffin wax crystallization.
Acidic degradation, mixing of fuels, contaminants, and asphaltenes are other factors that can contribute to sludge formation. Water is a particular contaminant that can cause problems by promoting microbial growth and can enter fuel tanks through condensation, leaks, or improper handling.
The "Diesel Bug" is an algae-like microorganism that grows between water and diesel. It can quickly become a problem as it attracts water and can double in size every 20 minutes. It can also vary in viscosity and colour, but all types are problematic as they can clog up fuel lines and filters, leading to engine issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel can last for around 6 to 12 months when stored properly.
Diesel fuel that has gone bad may exhibit the following signs: black smoke, a rotten smell, a gel-like consistency, sludge, or rust.
Diesel fuel can degrade due to various factors such as contamination, temperature fluctuations, oxidation, and microbial growth.
To prevent diesel fuel from going bad, store it in a cool, clean, and dry environment. Regularly clean and maintain your fuel tanks, and consider using fuel additives, stabilizers, and biocides to maintain fuel quality.
