Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel is an important resource for many industries, powering vehicles, machinery, and generators. However, it has a finite shelf life and can be prone to contamination and degradation over time. The longevity of diesel fuel in a car depends on various factors, including the type of diesel, storage conditions, and the presence of additives. On average, diesel fuel can last between 6 to 12 months, but this duration can be extended with proper care and maintenance. Understanding the factors that influence diesel fuel's longevity is crucial for effective planning and resource management, especially in critical applications such as backup generators in hospitals and emergency management.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average storage time | 6-12 months |
| Time taken to start degrading | 28 days |
| Contamination time | 28 days |
| Storage life | 1.5-2 years |
| Time to empty and clean the tank | Every 10 years |
| Additives to increase longevity | Biocides, stabilizers, water controllers |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel storage life
The storage life of diesel fuel, or how long it takes for the fuel to degrade and change beyond use, is a pressing issue for many industries that rely on diesel-powered vehicles, machinery, and generators.
On average, diesel fuel can be stored for 6 to 12 months, with some sources claiming it can last between 18 to 24 months or even longer if proper care is taken. However, one source states that within 28 days of storage, diesel fuel begins to become contaminated and degrade.
The storage life of diesel is affected by various factors, including oxidation, microbial growth, and contamination. Oxidation occurs when diesel fuel is exposed to air, leading to the formation of harmful deposits that degrade the fuel quality. Microbial growth and contamination can also degrade diesel fuel, but this can be mitigated by using biocides or stabilizers as fuel additives. These additives can increase the longevity of diesel fuel by fighting against microbial growth and oxidation. Additionally, storing diesel fuel in cool, dry, and shaded conditions can help prolong its storage life.
To ensure the longevity of stored diesel fuel, it is recommended to invest in underground storage tanks, as they are safer and maintain cooler temperatures, which help preserve the fuel quality. Regular maintenance and monitoring of the fuel and storage tanks are also crucial. This includes periodically testing the fuel for viability, removing water, and monitoring for microbes. Additionally, establishing a timeframe to use up old, stored fuel and replacing it with fresh diesel is essential for maintaining the quality of the fuel and the tank.
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Prolonging diesel fuel life
The lifespan of diesel fuel depends on various factors, and it is important to know how long it will last in storage before it is no longer usable. Generally, diesel fuel has a shelf life of 6 to 12 months on average, with studies showing that it begins to degrade and become contaminated within 28 days of storage.
Use Fuel Additives
Biocides and stabilizers can be used as fuel additives to eliminate microbial growth and oxidation, increasing fuel longevity. These additives restore lubricants missing from modern ultra-low-sulfur diesel and can boost the cetane rating of your fuel, improving mileage and performance.
Maintain Your Fuel Tank
It is important to regularly clean and maintain your fuel tank to prolong the life of your diesel fuel. This includes removing any sediment and sludge that may have accumulated over time. Underground storage tanks are ideal as they keep the tank safer and maintain cooler temperatures, prolonging fuel quality.
Store Fuel in Optimal Conditions
Diesel fuel should be stored in cool, dry, and shaded areas, such as in buildings or under structures that shield them from the elements. This helps to prevent oxidation, which occurs when diesel fuel is exposed to air and forms harmful deposits that degrade fuel quality.
Regular Engine Maintenance
Professional engine maintenance, including the air filter, radiator, and coolant, is beneficial in prolonging the life of your diesel fuel. A dirty air filter can choke your engine, causing it to use more fuel, while a clean air filter can help heavy diesel engines save fuel. Additionally, keeping your engine clean can prevent premature rust, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather and road salt.
Use Diesel Engine Tuning
Diesel engine tuning by a specialist can help improve speed, fuel consumption, and overall power. Routine weekly checks of fuel levels and mileage can also help maximize fuel economy and save on your fuel budget.
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Diesel fuel contamination
Diesel fuel lasts between six to twelve months on average, sometimes longer under the best conditions. However, within 28 days of storage, diesel fuel begins to degrade and become contaminated.
One of the first signs of diesel fuel contamination is frequently clogged fuel filters. The filters are designed to capture particles in the fuel before they pass into the engine, and these particles can include sludge, metallic particles, or other unwanted particulates. If the fuel filter needs to be replaced often, it could be because the fuel is of poor quality and contains too many contaminants. This contamination could be coming from the fuel source itself or from internal corrosion of the fuel tank.
Contaminated fuel can also lead to fuel pump failure and deterioration and corrosion of the metal surfaces in injectors. Injectors can deviate from their specific functional tolerances, which affects the fuel spray trajectory within the combustion chamber. This can lead to a snowball effect of internal engine damage, resulting in full functional engine failure.
Other common contaminants found in diesel fuel include water, microorganisms, wax, hard particles, debris, and other sediments. Water suspended in diesel fuel is a common problem, and it can be addressed by using a fuel additive with a lubricity booster and a demulsifier, which causes the water molecules to cling to each other and form larger droplets that can be caught by the fuel filter.
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Diesel fuel stabilizers
The use of diesel fuel stabilizers is an effective way to prolong the lifespan of diesel fuel. Diesel fuel stabilizers are additives that are mixed with diesel fuel to prevent degradation and maintain optimal performance. One such stabilizer is STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer, which is designed to be used with all diesel engines and fuels. It helps prevent sludge and sediment formation, cleans and lubricates fuel injectors, and improves engine performance. The product also acts as a protective shield against water and bacteria, ensuring that the engine operates in a clean and moisture-free environment.
STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer is available in a 32 fl. oz. (approximately 946 ml) bottle, which is sufficient to treat up to 320 gallons (approximately 1211 litres) of diesel fuel. The manufacturer recommends using the stabilizer at every fill-up, with a treat rate of 1 oz to 10 gallons of diesel fuel. With regular use, this product can keep diesel fuel fresh for up to 12 months, and it also offers a storage fuel stabilizer that keeps fuel fresh for up to 24 months.
The effectiveness of STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer has been positively reviewed by customers, who have noticed improved idle quality and fewer issues with injectors. The product is particularly valued for its protective properties, preventing problems caused by water and bacteria, and its ability to maintain engine performance by preventing sludge and sediment formation.
In addition to STA-BIL, there are other diesel fuel stabilizers available on the market that can help prolong the lifespan of diesel fuel. These products work by inhibiting the oxidation process and preventing microbial growth, which are the main causes of diesel fuel degradation. By using these stabilizers, individuals and businesses can ensure that their diesel fuel remains usable for extended periods, reducing the need for frequent refuelling and minimizing the risk of fuel-related issues.
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Diesel fuel oxidation
Diesel fuel is susceptible to oxidation when exposed to air, which causes the formation of harmful deposits that degrade the quality of the fuel faster than expected. This process of oxidation can be combated with the use of biocides and stabilizers, which eliminate microbial growth and increase fuel longevity. Fuel additives that are treated with biocides or stabilizers can also help diesel fuel last longer, as they fight microbial growth and oxidation. However, these additives can lose their effectiveness over time.
Oxidation stability tests have been developed to estimate the long-term storage stability of diesel fuels. These tests often involve elevated temperatures and the addition of oxygen or air to accelerate the oxidation of the test fuel. While these tests are useful, it is debated whether they accurately represent real-life conditions. The Rancimat (EN15751), PetroOXY (EN16091), and ENISO12205 tests are commonly used to evaluate the long-term storage stability of diesel fuels. However, the Rancimat test is not applicable to FAME-free fuels, and the PetroOXY test should be limited to fuels containing more than 2% FAME.
In a comparative study, diesel fuels were exposed to high temperatures and pressure in an engine's injection system, and no signs of oxidation or deterioration were observed. The PetroOXY, delta TAN, and hydroperoxides results improved during the engine test, indicating that the fuels performed better in the oxidation stability tests after exposure to extreme conditions. This suggests that the stability of diesel fuel may be higher than previously thought, even when exposed to high temperatures and pressure.
Overall, diesel fuel oxidation is a significant concern for those storing diesel fuel long-term, as it can degrade the quality of the fuel and reduce its shelf life. The use of biocides, stabilizers, and fuel additives can help to mitigate the effects of oxidation, but proper storage and maintenance practices are also crucial to ensure the fuel remains usable. By understanding the factors that contribute to diesel fuel oxidation, businesses and individuals can take the necessary steps to prolong the lifespan of their diesel fuel reserves.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel in a car will last 6 to 12 months on average. However, this depends on the type of diesel and the conditions it is stored in.
The shelf life of diesel fuel can be shortened by oxidation, microbial growth, and exposure to air. To prevent this, diesel fuel should be stored in a cool, dry, and shaded area, in quality fuel containers.
To prolong the life of diesel fuel, you can use additives such as biocides, stabilizers, water controllers, and other stabilizers. Additionally, it is recommended to clean the tank every ten years and establish a monitoring and maintenance plan.
