Katerina Swanson
Water in an underground fuel tank can lead to serious problems, so it's important to check for its presence and remove it as soon as possible. While fuel is pulled up from the tank, it can be run through a fuel conditioner to remove water, but this is not always effective. Another option is to use a pump with a hose to reach the bottom of the tank where water accumulates, but this can be challenging for large underground tanks. A new solution is the HydrX™ Fuel Conditioning System, which continuously removes water and polishes fuel before returning it to the tank. This system can remove water from all along the tank bottom, not just directly below the pump, and includes a water removal nozzle that connects directly to the Fuel Conditioner.
How to remove water from an underground fuel tank
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Top off fuel tanks before parking vehicles at night to reduce the amount of warm, moist air in the tanks |
| Avoid human error, e.g. leaving storage drums open in the rain | |
| Ensure diesel tanks have functioning seals to prevent humid air and water from getting inside | |
| Follow good fuel handling procedures | |
| Water removal methods | Use a pump with an extended hose to reach the bottom of the tank where water accumulates |
| Drain the tank and use fuel-water separators to remove water | |
| Use fuel additives that involve emulsifying or demulsifying | |
| Use isopropyl alcohol to solubilize small amounts of water | |
| Use the HydrX Fuel Conditioning System to continuously remove water and polish fuel before returning it to the tank |
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What You'll Learn
Using a pump with a hose
If you have an underground fuel tank, it is important to regularly check for water and remove it to prevent corrosion and other issues. Water can enter fuel tanks through human error, such as leaving a drum open during rain, or through faulty seals that allow humid air and water to enter.
To remove water from an underground fuel tank using a pump with a hose, follow these steps:
Firstly, allow the fuel to settle without being moved or shaken. This will cause the water to sink to the bottom of the tank, as fuel is less dense than water. Then, you can use a pump with an extended hose to reach the bottom of the tank and remove the water. Ensure that the hose is long enough to reach the bottom of the tank, as this is where water accumulates.
If you are unable to find a pump with a long enough hose, you may need to consider an electric fuel pump, as suggested by one source. However, be cautious when working with electric pumps due to the risk of sparks.
Additionally, when using a pump with a hose, you may want to use a funnel with a raised pipe to separate the water from the fuel. Since water sits below gasoline, it won't be able to pass over the raised pipe, allowing the fuel to flow through.
After removing the water, consider adding fuel additives or using a fuel conditioning system like HydrX to polish the fuel before returning it to the tank. The HydrX system can continuously remove water and has a flexible Water Intake Device that can reach multiple points along the tank bottom.
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Fuel-water separators
One such system is the HeliCepter® Fuel-Water Separator by ParkUSA. This separator is designed for use on heliports and helipads, where it can isolate and retain flammable fuel and AFFF fire suppression foam from stormwater runoff. The system can be tied into a rooftop or building stormwater drainage system, with a tank-mounted fuel-water interface sensor that notifies the operator when the fuel level reaches maximum capacity. The HeliCepter® uses a patented coalescing media to separate hydrocarbon droplets and fine solids from the runoff, with a fuel-stop valve preventing the release of harmful fuels.
Another fuel-water separator system is the HydrX™ Fuel Conditioning System, which removes water from fuel tanks and polishes the fuel before returning it to the tank. This system is unique in that it can remove stagnant water from along the entire bottom of the tank, not just directly below the Submersible Turbine Pump (STP). The HydrX system includes a water removal nozzle that connects directly to the Fuel Conditioner to pump out wastewater, and it also features proprietary technologies to combat corrosive environments.
In addition to these specialised systems, there are also fuel and water separator brands such as Wix, Dorman, Sierra, and Cummins that may be useful for removing water from fuel tanks. These separators can be used to separate water from fuel before disposal or reuse. For example, residual water can be added to your car's tank a little at a time, or used in a lawnmower.
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Fuel Conditioners
Water in a fuel tank can lead to serious problems, so it's important to remove it as soon as possible. While some recommend pumping out the liquid, adding fresh fuel, and sloshing it around to "rinse" the tank, this may not be a practical solution for a large, underground fuel tank.
Another way to remove water from fuel is through the use of additives. For example, ISO-HEET is an additive that can remove water from gas tanks and also acts as a gas antifreeze. It can be used with normal gas, 2-cycle engines, and diesel systems. Similarly, STP and BG are additive brands that help suspend water in your gas tank, resulting in better starting and longer fuel life during storage. However, it is important to note that if there is a large amount of water in the fuel, it may be necessary to first lower and manually drain the tank before using additives.
While some sources claim that treatments cannot remove water from fuel, others suggest that isopropyl alcohol can help solubilize small amounts of water into the larger gasoline fuel phase, making it easier to burn the water through the engine. Additionally, emulsifiers can be used to combine water with fuel, while demulsifiers can be used to separate water from fuel so that it sinks to the bottom of the tank.
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Additives
Water in a fuel tank can be a common issue for owners of cars, boats, trucks, motorcycles, and generators. The two most common ways water collects in a fuel tank are from condensation and contaminated fuel. Water can enter the tank from "bad gas" pumped into the vehicle from the filling station, or from condensation if the engine is unused for a while.
Water in a fuel tank can be removed by using water remover additives, which are mostly alcohol-based. Alcohol is water-based and flammable, so it mixes with the water and makes it flammable. This means the water can be burnt once it passes through the fuel pump to the injectors. However, the gas and water will still separate, so the additive will not solve this issue.
ISO-HEET is a popular additive used to remove water from fuel tanks. It is a gas anti-freeze and can remove up to 5 times the amount of water as other additives. It can be used with normal gas, 2-cycle engines, and diesel systems.
Other methods to remove water from a fuel tank include using a water pump to pump out the liquid, then pouring in new gas and an additive to get rid of residual water. Alternatively, water-absorbing socks can be put into the tank to absorb water, and then an additive can be used to clear the rest.
The HydrX Fuel Conditioning System is a new solution to the problem of water ingress. It continuously removes water and polishes the fuel before returning it to the fuel tank.
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Temperature control
To mitigate condensation, you can modify the temperature of your underground fuel tank by reducing the temperature differential between the interior and exterior of the tank. This can be achieved through proper insulation and, in some cases, active temperature control systems. Ensure that the tank's air vents are not letting in moist air, as this can contribute to condensation. Regularly inspect the tank for any signs of damage, as groundwater can seep into underground tanks through perforations, and in such cases, professional help should be sought to fix or replace the tank.
In addition to temperature control, it is important to periodically drain water from the tank to prevent water accumulation. Water can enter the tank through various means, such as faulty seals, human error, or natural condensation. Draining the water can be challenging for large underground tanks, and it may be necessary to engage companies that provide maintenance services for fuel storage. These companies may employ fuel additives, such as emulsifiers or demulsifiers, to manage water ingress. Emulsifiers combine water with fuel, while demulsifiers separate the water, allowing it to sink to the bottom for easier removal.
To detect water ingress, you can use water-finding paste by coating the bottom of a probing stick or string and lowering it into the tank. Another method is to extract a small amount of fuel and let it sit in a clear container in a dark place for about 24 hours. Water, being denser than diesel, will sink to the bottom, indicating its presence. If water is detected, it is important to address the issue promptly to prevent microbial growth, corrosion, and damage to the fuel system.
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Frequently asked questions
Water in a diesel fuel tank can lead to serious problems, including corrosion in your gas station's fueling system.
Regularly removing water from diesel fuel tanks is a crucial part of the maintenance process. How often this needs to be done will depend on factors such as temperature fluctuations and humidity.
One option is to use a pump with an extended hose to reach the bottom of the tank where water accumulates. Another option is to use a fuel-water separator to drain off any accumulated water. If you are not going to save the fuel, you can simply pump out all the liquid and then pour in fresh fuel.
Yes, there are fuel additives that can be used to emulsify or demulsify water in fuel. Isopropyl alcohol, for example, can help to solubilize small amounts of water, making it easier to burn the water through the engine.
Yes, there are companies that provide maintenance services for fuel storage, including the removal of water and other contaminants from fuel tanks.
