Regan Brown
Diesel fuel has a finite shelf life and can begin to degrade within 28 days of storage. The shelf life can be extended beyond the standard six to twelve months with the use of stabilizers, biocides, water controllers, and other additives to prevent microbial growth and oxidation. However, the effectiveness of these additives may decrease over time, and without proper storage and maintenance practices, diesel fuel is susceptible to contamination and degradation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage Life | 1.5 to 2 years |
| Degradation Period | 28 days |
| Average Storage Period | 6 to 12 months |
| Contamination Sources | Water, particulate matter, rust, foreign debris |
| Temperature Effects | Extreme heat causes evaporation; extreme cold causes paraffin wax crystallization |
| Fuel Additives | Biocides, stabilizers, water controllers |
| Storage Practices | Quality fuel containers, cool and dry conditions, biocides and stabilizers |
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Contamination
Diesel fuel is susceptible to contamination, which can cause serious issues for engines and fuel tanks. The shelf life of diesel is limited, and it can start to degrade within 28 days of storage and last for around 6 to 12 months on average before serious degradation occurs. Modern refining processes have made diesel more unstable and susceptible to contamination.
One of the main causes of diesel fuel contamination is water, which can enter fuel systems through various means, including condensation, rainwater penetration, or adsorption from the air. Water accumulation in diesel tanks is a widespread issue, and modern biodiesel is especially hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and holds water. This creates an ideal environment for microbial growth, which can lead to the formation of biomass, sludge, and the production of dangerous acids that can damage fuel systems and tanks.
Microbial contamination, also known as diesel bug or diesel fungus, can include bacteria such as Clostridium and Pseudomonas, and fungi such as Aspergillus and Candida keroseneae. These microbes produce acids that degrade diesel fuel, clog tank filters, restrict fluid flow, corrode tanks, and damage engines. The reduction of sulfur in diesel fuel, while beneficial for the environment, has also made it less stable and more prone to microbial growth.
Particle contamination is another issue, with diesel fuel collecting particles during transit or through the tank vent when fuel levels drop and ambient air is drawn into the tank. These particles can include road dust, engine rust, and wear particles, contributing to the degradation of diesel fuel over time.
To prevent and manage diesel fuel contamination, it is important to restrict water infiltration, maintain the structural integrity of tanks, and treat the fuel with additives and stability treatments. Regular testing for diesel bug using test kits is also recommended to detect and address contamination issues promptly.
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Temperature
To prevent temperature-related degradation, it is recommended to store diesel fuel in a cool, dry, and shaded area. Underground storage tanks are ideal as they keep temperatures cooler and help maintain fuel quality. Buildings and structures that shield the tanks from external weather conditions are also suitable.
Additionally, temperature fluctuations can impact the water content in diesel fuel. At higher temperatures, petroleum fuels dissolve more water. During the day, as the fuel warms up, water builds up in the tank. When temperatures drop at night, the fuel cannot retain as much dissolved water, leading to free water accumulation at the bottom of the tank. This creates an environment conducive to microbial growth, as microbes require water to multiply and thrive.
To mitigate the effects of temperature on diesel fuel ageing, it is crucial to maintain stable temperatures and control water content in the fuel. Proper storage conditions and regular maintenance can help extend the shelf life of diesel fuel.
Furthermore, the presence of biodiesel in diesel fuel can also influence its sensitivity to temperature changes. Biodiesel increases the fuel's ability to hold water, making it more susceptible to microbial growth. The removal of sulfur from diesel fuel, implemented to meet ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel) standards, has further contributed to its reduced ability to repel water. As a result, temperature fluctuations can have a more pronounced effect on diesel fuel with higher biodiesel content.
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Fuel additives
Diesel fuel does not last as long as one might think, with an average shelf life of six to twelve months. However, with the correct use of additives, it can last for around 12 months before serious degradation.
The refining process assigns diesel fuel a cetane number, which indicates the fuel's combustion speed and necessary compression for ignition. A higher cetane number indicates better-quality fuel. One of the jobs of a fuel additive is to raise this cetane number, thereby improving ignition speed and acting as a lubricant, which protects fuel system components.
There are two main types of fuel additives: multi-functional additives and single-function treatments. Detergents are a common ingredient in nearly all diesel additives, designed to clean out sludge, unclog injectors and filters, and liquefy gunk. Additives with stabilizers are sought after by classic car enthusiasts and marine vehicle owners as they prevent fuel from breaking down and drawing moisture, enabling it to remain usable for longer. Anti-gels are another crucial ingredient, especially in winter, as they prevent the paraffin wax from solidifying in extreme cold, which can block fuel filters.
Some popular diesel fuel additives include Lucas Oil Diesel Deep Clean, which is designed to clean lines and particulate filters, and Peak's Blue Agri-Clean, a fuel stabilizer that boosts cetane and improves injector performance.
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Storage practices
Diesel fuel can be stored for six to twelve months on average. However, under the best conditions, it can be stored for longer than a year. Here are some storage practices to ensure the longevity of diesel fuel:
Storage Containers
Use quality fuel containers that are well-constructed, sturdy, secure, and double-walled for added protection. Cube-style tanks are preferable to cylinder-style tanks, but both styles should offer adequate protection. Only use portable tanks, safety cans, or containers approved by the Department of Transportation. Label your containers with the date they were filled so you know when the diesel fuel expires.
Storage Location
Store diesel fuel in a cool, dry, and shaded area, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keep the fuel away from heat sources such as heaters and furnaces and at least 50 feet away from anything flammable. Consider storing the fuel underground or in a building to insulate it from temperature-related issues.
Fuel Additives
Use fuel additives like biocides or stabilizers to fight microbial growth and oxidation, increasing the shelf life of the diesel fuel. Add a fuel stabilizer to stored fuel after 30 days to prevent microbial growth and compound contamination. Additionally, add new fuel to this supply.
Filling and Maintenance
Do not fill your diesel fuel storage container past the 95% full mark to allow space for the fuel to expand. Keep your tank full during long-term storage to reduce condensation. Regularly inspect your fuel system and address any issues with fuel quality or the fuel system to reduce maintenance costs and fuel waste. Services like fuel polishing and tank cleaning can help reclaim usable fuel if contamination occurs.
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Microbial growth
The microbes that contaminate diesel fuel include bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. They thrive at the interface between the oil and water, where they create thick mats known as biomass or biofilm. Biofilms are complex structures of microbes that adhere to the walls of the fuel tank and each other, producing a protective slime that can also corrode metal tanks. The presence of water encourages microbial growth, and even small amounts are enough for these microbes to proliferate.
The risk of diesel fuel contamination is higher in regions with high humidity. Biodiesel blends, in particular, are more prone to microbial growth due to their low oxidation stability and high lubrication ability. The degradation and risk of contamination tend to increase with a higher percentage of biodiesel in the blend. However, the growth patterns of microbes are dynamic and depend on various factors such as nutrient availability, storage environmental conditions, and tank materials.
The effects of microbial contamination on fuel systems and tanks can be severe. The microbes produce biomass and acidic byproducts that clog filters, corrode fuel systems, and cause operational issues. Over time, the fuel can degrade to the point of becoming a slimy sludge that is unusable. Microbial growth can also lead to the formation of gums and resins, which stick to the side of fuel tanks and injectors, and cause layers of sediment to build up inside the tank.
Preventing microbial growth in diesel fuel is crucial. Good housekeeping practices, regular testing, and the removal of water from fuel systems are essential to controlling microbial contamination. Anti-microbial treatments and fuel conditioning programmes can also help maintain fuel quality and prevent the growth of microbes.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, diesel fuel can last between six to twelve months when stored correctly. However, diesel fuel #2 begins to degrade and become contaminated within 28 days of storage.
Oxidation, contamination, temperature fluctuations, and microbial growth can all contribute to diesel fuel degradation. Oxidation occurs when diesel is exposed to oxygen, resulting in the formation of harmful deposits. Contamination can occur if diesel comes into contact with water, particulate matter, or foreign debris. Temperature extremes can also affect the fuel, with heat causing evaporation and cold leading to paraffin wax crystallization.
The use of additives such as biocides, stabilizers, water controllers, and other treatments can help extend the shelf life of diesel fuel by inhibiting microbial growth and oxidation. Proper storage practices, such as using quality fuel containers, maintaining cool and dry conditions, and regular tank cleaning, can also prolong the life of diesel fuel.
Clogged filters and rust on the filler cap are often the first visible indicators of diesel fuel degradation. Other signs include a change in colour, the presence of sludge or sediment, and an increase in microbial growth, which can be observed through water contamination or acid formation.
Using expired or contaminated diesel fuel can lead to premature engine shutdown, reduced performance, and damage to engines and fuel tanks. Degraded fuel can cause clogged filters, corrosion, and the formation of harmful deposits, resulting in decreased fuel efficiency and potential equipment failure.
