Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel is prone to degradation when stored for long periods, which can lead to equipment failure when it comes to using it. Modern diesel is ultra-low-sulphur, which means it has lower emissions but also a shorter shelf life. To keep diesel fuel fresh, it is important to prevent water contamination, which can cause microbial growth and damage machinery. Keeping the tank cool and using fuel treatments can also help maintain the quality of the diesel fuel by stabilising it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage Life | 1.5 to 2 years |
| Average Storage Time | 6 to 12 months |
| Ideal Storage Temperature | 20°F to 85°F |
| Water in Tank | Zero tolerance |
| Tank Filling | Full to prevent water contamination |
| Tank Placement | Underground or covered to maintain temperature |
| Fuel Treatment | Stabilizes diesel and prevents chemical breakdown |
| Fuel Type | Ultra-low sulfur diesel is more unstable |
| Fuel Rotation | Use oldest first, mixed with fresh if over a year old |
| Tank Maintenance | Regular cleaning to prevent sludge and microbial growth |
| Fuel Filtering | Removes water, impurities, and prevents clogging |
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What You'll Learn
Keep the tank cool
Keeping your diesel tank cool is essential for maintaining the quality of your fuel. The ideal temperature range for storing diesel fuel is between 20°F and 85°F. Storing your tank underground or in a shaded area can help achieve this. Additionally, regular maintenance and monitoring of the tank's temperature are crucial.
To maintain the desired temperature, it is recommended to keep the tank full, as air inside the tank can affect the stored temperature. Air can also carry bacteria and allow water to enter, leading to microbial growth and potential fuel system damage. Therefore, keeping the tank full minimizes these risks and helps maintain a cool temperature.
Another way to keep the tank cool is by using fuel treatments. These treatments stabilize the diesel and prevent chemical breakdowns, including oxidation, which is accelerated by higher temperatures. When choosing a fuel treatment, ensure it is suitable for diesel fuel, as different formulas are required for gasoline.
Water contamination is a significant issue that can impact the temperature of your diesel tank. Even a small amount of water can cause microbial growth and fuel system damage. Regularly check for water, especially after rain, and remove any water found. Water-finding paste can be used to detect water in the tank; it changes colour when it comes into contact with water, making it easy to identify water intrusion.
By following these steps and maintaining a cool tank temperature, you can effectively delay fuel oxidation and prolong the lifespan of your diesel fuel.
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Use fuel treatment
Fuel treatments are essential for maintaining the quality of your diesel fuel. They stabilise the diesel, preventing chemical breakdowns such as oxidation. Diesel fuel treatments have become increasingly popular as they improve engine performance, efficiency, and longevity.
There are several types of fuel treatments available, each with its own unique benefits. Fuel injector cleaners, for example, are designed to remove deposits and contaminants that can clog fuel injectors and reduce engine performance. They often contain detergents and additives that break down and prevent the buildup of deposits. Cetane boosters increase the cetane rating of diesel fuel, improving combustion efficiency and reducing emissions. Anti-gel additives are another type of treatment designed to prevent diesel fuel from gelling in cold temperatures, which can also clog fuel filters.
Fuel stabilisers are a treatment designed to prevent diesel fuel from breaking down and losing effectiveness over time. They contain antioxidants and other additives that work to prevent fuel oxidation. Anti-microbial treatments are also available, which are necessary if your fuel system is prone to bacterial contamination.
When choosing a fuel treatment, it is important to consider the specific needs of your vehicle and the conditions in which it operates. For instance, if you frequently operate in cold temperatures, an anti-gel additive may be required. Additionally, always choose a high-quality fuel treatment from a reputable manufacturer to ensure the product's safety and effectiveness and to prevent any potential damage to your engine or fuel system.
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Prevent water contamination
Water contamination is a serious issue that can cause multiple problems, including microbial growth, plugged filters, fuel flow problems, increased rates of corrosion, and injector malfunctions. To prevent water contamination of your diesel fuel, follow these steps:
Firstly, keep the diesel fuel storage tank full. This leaves no excess space for air, which can carry bacteria and affect the stored temperature, and also allows less surface area for condensation to accumulate and drip into the diesel.
Secondly, use treatments to separate water from the diesel. Today's tanks are most likely equipped with a Fuel Water Separator (FWS) filter, and demulsifying treatments can boost the performance of these.
Thirdly, cover your tank to keep water out, especially after rain. Check the tank for pooled water after rainfall and regularly remove any pooled water on top of the tank.
Fourthly, regularly check for water contamination. Check the tank bottoms for water every month at first, and if no water is found, you can reduce the frequency to twice a year. Use water-finding paste to detect water; if the paste comes into contact with water, it will change colour. If water is detected, it must be pumped out and properly disposed of.
Finally, keep the tank cool, ideally around 20°F, and no higher than 85°F. A cool tank delays oxidation, which is a natural occurrence that degrades the properties of the fuel.
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Store underground or with a roof
One of the ways to maintain the temperature of your diesel fuel tank is to store it underground or with a roof to keep the sun off. This helps to keep the tank cool, which is essential for delaying oxidation and maintaining the quality of the diesel fuel.
Oxidation is a natural process that occurs when fuel is exposed to oxygen, causing it to degrade and lose its original properties. By storing the tank underground or in a shaded area, you can reduce the temperature and slow down the oxidation process.
Additionally, maintaining the correct temperature of the tank is crucial for preventing microbial growth. Water is the primary cause of microbial growth in diesel fuel, and microbes thrive when the temperature is favourable. By storing the tank underground or in a shaded area, you can maintain a cooler temperature, making it less conducive for microbial growth.
To further prevent microbial growth, it is essential to keep your diesel fuel storage tank full. This minimizes the exposure of diesel to oxygen, reducing the risk of contamination and degradation. Regularly check the tank for any signs of water, especially after rain, and remove any pooled water immediately.
By combining the practice of storing the tank underground or with a roof with other maintenance techniques, such as regular cleaning and the use of appropriate fuel treatments, you can effectively extend the lifespan of your diesel fuel and maintain its quality.
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Use a hydrophobic filter
Water contamination is one of the main factors that can degrade diesel fuel quality. Water can cause issues in storage and when the diesel is used. Water mixed with diesel can promote microbial growth, which can create slimes that dirty your fuel and acids that corrode your tank and fuel system. Even a single drop of water could damage the injection system, preventing the engine from starting.
To prevent water contamination, you should keep the diesel fuel storage tank full, use treatments to separate the water, and use a water separator filter. You should also cover your tank to keep water out. To check for water contamination, you should regularly inspect the tank bottoms for water and drain any water found.
A diesel filter with a hydrophobic coating can be used to prevent water from passing through to your machines. As water is denser than fuel, it collects at the bottom of the filter, making it easy to remove.
It is important to note that even if you use a hydrophobic filter, you should still follow the other recommendations to prevent water contamination, such as keeping the tank full and covered.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, diesel fuel can be stored for 6 to 12 months. However, under optimal conditions, it may be able to last longer.
To keep diesel fuel fresh, it is important to prevent water contamination, which can cause microbial growth and damage machinery. Additionally, keep the tank cool, with temperatures around 20°F to 85°F, and use fuel treatments to stabilise the diesel and prevent oxidation.
Clogged filters and rust on the filler cap are usually the first signs of degradation. Visible inspection of the fuel can also indicate issues, such as discolouration or the presence of sludge.
