Ameer Randolph
Diesel fuel is prone to degradation when stored for long periods, which can lead to equipment failure. The shelf life of diesel is around 6 to 12 months on average, with the possibility of longer storage under ideal conditions. To ensure effective long-term storage, it is crucial to maintain the right temperature, use appropriate additives, and perform regular maintenance. This includes keeping the fuel cool and dry, utilizing fuel stabilizers and biocides, and monitoring for water buildup. Additionally, the storage tank's condition impacts the fuel's longevity, with recommendations to minimize empty space in the tank to reduce condensation and water accumulation. Proper treatment and maintenance of diesel fuel are essential to prevent degradation and maintain its quality during storage.
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What You'll Learn
Keep fuel cool and dry
Keeping diesel fuel cool and dry is essential for maintaining its quality and prolonging its storage life. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve this:
Firstly, it is important to understand the impact of temperature on diesel fuel. Even a slight change in air temperature can cause water vapour condensation within the fuel tank. Therefore, maintaining a cool temperature is crucial. Ideally, the fuel should be stored below 70 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure optimal stability. One effective way to achieve this is by investing in an underground storage tank. Underground storage helps maintain cooler temperatures, thereby prolonging the life of the diesel fuel.
Secondly, keeping the fuel dry is equally important. Water is the main enemy of diesel fuel as it provides the necessary environment for microbial growth. To combat this, keep your tank full to minimise condensation space. Regularly test for water every 30 days and address the issue promptly by pumping out the water or using water-removing chemicals. Additionally, consider using desiccant breathers, which help keep the diesel fuel dry and clean during long-term storage.
Furthermore, the use of fuel stabilisers and biocides is essential for maintaining fuel quality and preventing degradation. Fuel stabilisers slow down the degradation process, protecting the combustion quality of the fuel. Biocides, on the other hand, kill active diesel fuel bacteria and prevent microbial growth. It is important to note that stabilisers and biocides need to be replenished over time as they get "used up".
Additionally, pay attention to the design of your fuel storage tank. Above-ground and underground tanks have different regulatory requirements to prevent leaks and spills. Ensure that your tank is properly maintained and compliant with federal and state regulations. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the tank are crucial to prevent corrosion and other issues that may develop over time.
By following these instructions, you can effectively keep your diesel fuel cool and dry, thereby prolonging its storage life and ensuring its quality when you need it.
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Use fuel stabilizers and biocides
Diesel fuel can be stored between twelve and eighteen months under ideal conditions. However, to extend its life beyond twelve months, it must be treated with fuel stabilizers and biocides and monitored for any water buildup. Biocides are essential for effectively preserving fuel and fuel systems. They are chemical additives that control and prevent microbial contamination in fuels by killing microbes, including bacteria and fungi. This contamination is caused by the higher water content in diesel fuel due to the blending of biodiesel. Water not only creates an environment for fungus and bacteria to grow but also accelerates fuel ageing and reduces fuel stability.
Fuel stabilizers are particularly useful when storing diesel fuel for longer periods. They interrupt the chemical reactions in the fuel that result from exposure to water and air, preventing the breakdown of the fuel by chemical reaction with outside influences. Antioxidants, a type of fuel stabilizer, can effectively interrupt these chain reactions early on. When choosing a stabilizer, look for a fuel antioxidant. Additionally, using a fuel stabilizer alongside a biocide will provide the best protection for stored diesel fuel.
When using a biocide, it is important to remember that it should be added to the fuel in the tank, and then the tank should be filled up to capacity with more fuel. This ensures that the biocide makes contact with all the tank surfaces up to the top, as bacteria and microbes can easily live on these surfaces. It is also crucial to use the correct amount of biocide, following the recommended concentration. For example, Bellicide recommends a concentration of 1 ounce per 40 gallons to kill existing microbial contamination.
To maintain the quality of stored diesel fuel, regular treatment with a biocide is necessary, especially when storing for lengthy periods. This treatment should be done every six months, according to BP. Additionally, using desiccant breathers can help keep diesel fuel dry and clean, while diesel filters can improve fuel quality through aggressive filtration.
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Monitor for water build-up
Water contamination in diesel fuel systems can cause significant problems, including engine power loss, plugged filters, fuel part corrosion, and injector wear. Therefore, it is essential to monitor stored diesel fuel for water build-up.
Water can enter diesel tanks through condensation, poor handling of the fuel, or leaks in filler caps and fuel filler systems. While small amounts of water in diesel fuel are normal and typically managed by a water separator, excessive water can cause issues.
To monitor for water build-up, regular inspections of the fuel system are crucial. This includes checking the water separator to ensure it is not gathering large amounts of water. Additionally, visually inspecting the fuel can provide clues about water contamination. Clear and bright fuel is generally an indication of good quality, while cloudy or dark fuel suggests a problem.
Using a water detection kit is another effective method for testing the presence of water in your fuel system. These kits can quickly identify water, and regular use can help prevent water-related issues.
If water is detected, addressing the issue promptly is essential. Depending on the amount of water, options include using a fuel additive or draining the tank and cleaning the inside to remove rust and corrosion. Regular maintenance and proper fuel handling practices can help prevent water build-up and maintain the integrity of your diesel fuel system.
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Use diesel filters for fuel quality
Diesel fuel filters are an essential component of fuel storage and maintenance. They play a critical role in ensuring fuel quality and engine performance. Here are some key considerations and guidelines for using diesel filters to maintain fuel quality during storage:
Choose the Right Filter for Your Needs
It is important to select the right type of diesel fuel filter for your specific application. Filters come in various types and sizes, and the right choice depends on factors such as the engine type, fuel quality, and storage conditions. Consult with fuel filtration experts or refer to reliable resources to determine the most suitable filter for your needs.
Understand Filter Ratings and Standards
Diesel fuel filters are rated and standardised to ensure their effectiveness. Familiarise yourself with filter ratings like Nominal and Absolute Ratings. The Nominal Rating is a size value assigned to a filter, but it may not reflect its actual performance. On the other hand, Absolute Ratings indicate the largest particle that can pass through, giving you a better idea of the filter's capabilities. Additionally, ISO 4406 sets standards for particle counts in fuels, and you may need to use filters with specific Beta Ratings to meet these standards.
Regularly Change and Maintain Your Filters
Fuel filters should be changed and maintained at regular intervals to ensure optimal performance. It is recommended to change diesel fuel filters every 10,000 to 25,000 miles, depending on vehicle usage, type, and driving habits. However, it is important to monitor the filter's condition and be aware of signs of a clogged or failing filter, such as trouble starting the engine or difficulty in acceleration. Regularly examine the fuel filter for swarf, as it indicates fuel contamination and potential fuel pump issues.
Combine Filters with Other Fuel Treatment Methods
While diesel fuel filters are essential, they are just one aspect of fuel treatment. Combine their use with other methods such as fuel stabilisers, biocides, and water buildup prevention. Biocides, for example, kill bacteria in fuel storage tanks, while stability treatments prevent the breakdown of fuel due to chemical reactions with outside influences. Additionally, consider using desiccant breathers to keep the fuel dry and clean, as moisture can lead to contamination and degradation.
Store Fuel Under Optimal Conditions
The effectiveness of diesel fuel filters is enhanced when fuel is stored under optimal conditions. Maintain a consistent temperature below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, as higher temperatures accelerate degradation. Minimise the amount of space left in the tank to reduce water accumulation from condensation. Additionally, consider investing in an underground storage tank, as it helps maintain cooler temperatures and prolongs fuel life.
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Store in an underground tank
When storing diesel fuel, one option is to use an underground tank. Underground storage tanks (USTs) are defined as having at least 10% of their combined volume underground, including connected piping and ancillary equipment.
USTs have several advantages over above-ground storage tanks (ASTs). They are less likely to suffer damage from weather conditions or vandalism and have a higher level of protection as they are sheltered underground. They are also less susceptible to interactions with people, reducing the risk of contamination from human error or malicious intent.
However, there are also some important considerations when using USTs. Underground leaks can be difficult and expensive to detect and clean up, and they pose a higher risk of contaminating freshwater sources. USTs are also harder to inspect and maintain, and they are not mobile or easily relocated. Federal, state, and local regulations may also apply to USTs, particularly if they are storing petroleum or hazardous substances.
To maintain diesel fuel quality in a UST, it is important to minimize the amount of space left in the tank to reduce water accumulation from condensation. Using fuel stabilizers and biocides can also help prevent fuel breakdown and microbial growth, respectively. Regular cleaning of the tank is also important to remove sludge and residue buildup, which can increase the risk of fires or explosions.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel can be stored for 6 to 12 months on average, and sometimes longer under the best conditions.
The key to storing diesel fuel is keeping it cool and dry. To extend the life of diesel fuel past 12 months, it must be treated with fuel stabilizers and biocides and monitored for any water buildup.
Diesel STA-BIL® is a recommended treatment for diesel fuel. It helps remove water from fuel and prevents gumming, corrosion, and bacterial growth. It also helps reduce oxidation caused by thermal breakdown.
