Ameer Randolph
Diesel fuel is commonly used in engines, transportation, agriculture, and construction. It is known for its efficiency, reliability, and safety due to its lower flammability compared to gasoline. However, improper storage of diesel fuel can lead to fuel degradation, contamination, and performance issues, resulting in costly repairs. To maintain diesel fuel quality and prevent equipment damage, it is crucial to follow best practices for long-term storage, including using the proper fuel can. While the colour-coding of fuel cans is not a strict requirement, it is considered best practice to use containers marked appropriately for the fuel type. Red cans are typically associated with gasoline, yellow with diesel, and blue with kerosene. Additionally, factors such as temperature, humidity, exposure to oxygen, and contamination can impact the quality and longevity of diesel fuel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Yellow |
| Material | Plastic, aluminium, treated steel, or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Container Type | No permanent vent, sealed, corrosion-resistant |
| Fill Opening | Larger diameter than gasoline cans |
| Location | Safe, secure, cool, dry, shaded, away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes |
| Maintenance | Regular monitoring, keeping the tank full |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel cans are yellow
Diesel fuel is commonly used in diesel engines, which power heavy-duty trucks, machinery, generators, and various industrial equipment. It is a popular choice for many industries due to its efficiency, reliability, and safety. Diesel fuel has a higher energy density than gasoline, is less refined, and is made from crude oil. It is also less flammable than gasoline, which makes it safer for storage and transportation.
However, improper storage of diesel fuel can lead to fuel degradation, contamination, and engine performance issues. Diesel fuel is highly susceptible to contamination from water, microbes, and particulates, which can enter the fuel through condensation or improper sealing. These contaminants can cause engine failure and excessive wear on engine components, leading to costly repairs and maintenance. Therefore, it is important to store diesel fuel in clean, sealed containers or tanks made from corrosion-resistant materials such as aluminium or treated steel.
Additionally, the size of the fill opening differs between diesel and gasoline cans. Diesel pumps have larger diameter fill spouts, so it is recommended to use a diesel can with a wider opening to facilitate easy filling. This practical consideration further emphasizes the importance of using the proper yellow diesel fuel cans.
In summary, diesel fuel cans are yellow to distinguish them from gasoline cans, which are typically red. This colour-coding system helps ensure the safe and efficient use of diesel fuel, which is crucial for maintaining engine performance, fuel efficiency, and equipment longevity. Proper storage and handling of diesel fuel are essential to prevent fire hazards and environmental contamination.
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Diesel is less flammable than gasoline
Fuel cans are typically colour-coded to indicate the type of fuel they are designed to store. Red cans are used for gasoline, yellow for diesel, and blue for kerosene. These colours are not a strict requirement, but rather a suggestion, as the cans are usually made of the same plastic. However, it is still best practice to use containers that are marked properly for the type of fuel they will store.
Diesel fuel is a petroleum product, like gasoline, but with some distinct differences. Diesel is heavier, more stable, and less flammable than gasoline. It has a higher flashpoint, typically between 100-140°F (38-60°C), which is why it is considered a Class II combustible liquid by the NFPA, rather than a Class I flammable liquid. This means that diesel is safer to be around when it comes to explosion risk, but it is still combustible and can pose a risk if proper precautions are not taken.
The difference in flammability between gasoline and diesel is due to how the fuels ignite. Gasoline requires a spark plug as an ignition source to catch within the combustion chamber. It is the fumes from gasoline that are highly flammable and can ignite with even a small spark. This is why gasoline is considered more volatile and explosive. On the other hand, diesel engines use heat from compression to ignite the fuel instead of a spark. While diesel is less flammable than gasoline, it is not foolproof, and a diesel tank that is hit by lightning can still be quite explosive.
The relative density of diesel also gives it some advantages over gasoline. Diesel engines get better mileage than gasoline-powered ones, which is why diesel is widely used in commercial transportation vehicles such as trucks, trains, and ships. Diesel engines are also less likely to stall than gasoline engines, making them a common choice for commercial farming and military applications.
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Diesel fuel degrades over time
When it comes to storing diesel fuel, it's important to use the proper fuel containers to ensure safety and maintain fuel quality. While the colour-coding of fuel cans is not a strict requirement, it is a widely accepted practice with red metal cans typically used for gasoline, blue for kerosene, and yellow for diesel. Using the correct colour-coded cans can help prevent accidents and ensure that the right fuel is used for the appropriate equipment.
Now, regarding the degradation of diesel fuel over time, it is a significant concern for businesses that rely on diesel-powered equipment. Diesel fuel can degrade faster than expected, and this degradation can lead to several issues, including a loss of power, increased fuel consumption, damaged fuel pumps and injectors, and higher maintenance costs.
One of the primary causes of diesel fuel degradation is oxidative instability, which leads to the formation of harmful by-products. These by-products include gums or sticky varnishes that contribute to corrosion and injector deposits, sediments that clog filters and cause abrasive wear, acids that corrode tanks and fuel systems, and thickeners that increase fuel viscosity, resulting in incomplete combustion.
Additionally, water contamination in diesel fuel can accelerate degradation and lead to microbial infestations. Water can enter the fuel tank through various means, such as oxidative breakdown or condensation forming on the inside of the tank. This water creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive, collectively known as "diesel bug." These microbial contaminants further accelerate the degradation process, leading to corrosion and the release of metals back into the stored fuel.
To prevent and mitigate fuel degradation, it is essential to implement good fuel handling practices and use fuel additives. Additives can help maintain fuel quality, and a typical additive package may include a stabiliser, cetane improver, demulsifier, detergent, and a biocide to prevent microbial contamination. By taking proactive measures, businesses can ensure that their diesel fuel remains stable and reliable for their operations.
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Diesel fuel is highly flammable
The proper fuel can to use for diesel is a yellow can. Red is for gasoline (gas), blue is for kerosene, and diesel typically goes in yellow. However, the colour of the can is more of a suggestion than a requirement, and the most important thing is to label the can clearly.
The safety data sheet (SDS) of diesel fuel should always be consulted to determine if it is flammable or combustible and to implement the appropriate storage and handling measures. Properly-labelled gas cans are designed to contain pressure and reduce the risk of flammable liquids escaping. It is also important to note that diesel should not be stored in galvanized cans, as it will ruin the coating. Additionally, diesel should not be mixed with gasoline, as it can ruin the injection pump.
Overall, while diesel fuel is highly flammable, by understanding its properties and taking the necessary precautions, it can be handled and stored safely.
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Diesel fuel is susceptible to water contamination
Water can enter a storage tank due to faulty lids or caps, poorly fitted vent pipes, or general damage to the tank fitting. The diesel composition is another factor—since 2011, diesel fuel in the UK has been blended with up to 7% biodiesel, also known as Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME). The amount of water absorbed will vary with temperature, air humidity, and biodiesel content. Water will start to form droplets when the fuel reaches its maximum saturation percentage, and these droplets will sink to the bottom of the tank, collecting in pools. As the water layer increases, it can allow the formation and growth of microbes, known as 'diesel bug', which feed on the hydrocarbon and create a byproduct of mud and sludge, along with acids and gums. This causes rapid oxidation of the diesel and allows the contaminants to block filters and increase wear to the fuel injection system.
To prevent water contamination, good housekeeping practices are essential. This includes periodic draining of water accumulated in fuel tanks, maintaining the seal integrity of fuel storage tanks, and allowing settling time for the fuel after delivery into a storage tank to give water the opportunity to separate from the diesel prior to distribution. Detecting free water in the bottom of a diesel tank can be done with a simple DIY test using water detection paste and a dipstick.
There are also chemical treatments available to help mitigate the effects of water contamination. Glycol ethers, for example, can be used to suppress the freeze point of water in a diesel system, preventing filter plugging from ice crystals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yellow cans are typically used for storing diesel. Red cans are used for gasoline (or gas), and blue is for kerosene.
Diesel should be stored in clean, sealed containers or tanks made from corrosion-resistant materials, such as aluminium or treated steel.
Diesel pumps have larger diameter fill spouts than those used for gasoline, so you'll need a container with a larger fill opening.
Improper storage of diesel fuel can create a fire hazard and lead to fuel degradation, contamination, and engine performance issues.
