Sylvie Willis
Diesel fuel is a necessity for many, from those who use it in their vehicles to those who need it for machinery, generators, and boats. However, diesel fuel does not last as long as one might think. With proper storage and maintenance, diesel fuel can last between six to twelve months on average. This is due to the fuel's susceptibility to contamination and degradation. Modern refining processes have made today's distillate more unstable and prone to contamination, with fuel often beginning to degrade within 28 days of storage. To combat this, users can implement storage tips such as maintaining the structural integrity of the tank, keeping the tank cool, and using fuel treatments to prolong the life of the diesel fuel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage Life | 1.5 to 2 years |
| Degradation | Begins within 28 days |
| Storage Duration | 6 to 12 months |
| Contamination | Water, particulate matter, rust, foreign debris |
| Temperature | Ideal: 20°F to 85°F |
| Fuel Additives | Biocides, stabilizers, water controllers |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel storage life
Diesel fuel has a finite shelf life, and using expired or contaminated fuel can lead to engine damage. Diesel fuel can be stored for around six to twelve months on average, sometimes longer under the best conditions. NFPA 110 refers to the "storage life" of diesel as between 1.5 to 2 years. However, within 28 days of storage, diesel fuel begins to degrade and become contaminated.
There are several factors that can affect the shelf life of diesel fuel. One key factor is contamination. If diesel fuel is not stored properly, it can become contaminated with water, particulate matter, rust, and other foreign debris. Water is particularly damaging as it promotes microbial growth, which can occur through condensation, leaks, or improper handling. Modern diesel fuels have lower sulfur levels, leaving nothing to prevent microbes from growing in the fuel. These microbes can rapidly multiply, creating biomass formations and producing acids that break down the fuel.
Another factor that affects diesel fuel is oxidation. When diesel fuel is exposed to air, it becomes susceptible to oxidation, which causes the formation of harmful deposits that degrade the fuel quality. Temperature fluctuations can also contribute to degradation, with extreme heat causing lighter fuel components to evaporate, and extreme cold leading to paraffin wax crystallization.
To prolong the storage life of diesel fuel, it is important to maintain the structural integrity of the tank by regularly checking for pooled water, especially after rain. Keeping the tank cool, ideally around 20°F but no higher than 85°F, is crucial to delaying oxidation. Using fuel treatments with demulsifying properties can help separate water from fuel, and fuel additives such as biocides or stabilizers can also extend shelf life by fighting microbial growth and oxidation. However, these additives may lose their effectiveness over time, and mechanical cleaning of the tank may be necessary to eliminate sludge-like masses called biofilms that can form at the diesel-water interface. Establishing a monitoring and maintenance plan is essential to ensure the viability of stored diesel fuel and to meet all relevant standards and regulations.
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Contamination and degradation
Diesel fuel is susceptible to contamination and degradation, which can significantly impact the operation of diesel engines. Modern diesel fuel is more unstable and vulnerable to contamination than older variants due to tighter regulations and changes in refining processes. Here are some key factors to consider regarding contamination and degradation:
Water Contamination
Water is a significant source of contamination in diesel fuel. It can enter the fuel through condensation, rainwater penetration, or adsorption from the air. Water tends to gather at the bottom of the tank, creating an ideal environment for microbial growth at the interface between the oil and water or on the tank walls. This growth can lead to the formation of biofilm, a thick sludge-like mass, which can reduce the effectiveness of biocides and encourage re-infection after fuel treatment. Water also negatively affects fuel quality, as it reacts with microbes to produce acids that corrode tanks and degrade the fuel.
Microbial Contamination
Microbial contamination, often referred to as "diesel bug," occurs when bacteria and fungi grow in diesel fuel. Modern ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) is more susceptible to microbial growth due to the removal of sulfur, a natural deterrent, and reduced aromatic content. The presence of water further promotes microbial growth, with species such as Clostridium, Desulfotomaculum, and Aspergillus taking advantage of the water-fuel interface. Microbial contamination can lead to fuel degradation, corrosion of tanks, and operational issues in engines.
Particulate and Gum Formation
Exposure to air and light during tank ventilation or refuelling can cause diesel fuel to degrade and form particulates, water, and gum. These contaminants can abrade fuel injectors, alter spray patterns, and lead to debris buildup over time. Particulate contamination accelerates bacterial growth and contributes to internal wear within the fuel system.
Storage Conditions
The storage conditions of diesel fuel play a crucial role in preventing contamination and degradation. Maintaining optimal temperatures, such as keeping the tank cool at around 20°F, is essential to delaying oxidation and preserving fuel quality. Regular inspections and maintenance of the tank are necessary to identify and address any issues, such as water accumulation after rain. Additionally, establishing a monitoring and maintenance plan can help ensure that the fuel meets relevant standards and prolongs its shelf life.
Testing and Remediation
Routine testing of diesel fuel is important to detect contamination and degradation. Tests such as Water & Sediment and Cetane Index help measure fuel stability and combustion quality. If high levels of microbial contamination are detected, remedial steps must be taken. This may include microbial testing, implementing tools for contamination control, and ensuring proper tank conditions and maintenance.
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Microbial growth
Diesel bug refers to the growth of bacteria, filamentous moulds, and yeasts in diesel fuel. These microbes feed on hydrocarbons, creating biomass, biofilms, and harmful by-products. The biofilms form thick mats that coat surfaces and can even climb up storage tank walls. The microbes produce acidic by-products that increase corrosion and cause deposits, resulting in the premature wearing of engine components.
The presence of microbial growth in diesel fuel can be identified through several signs. One of the most noticeable signs is the need to frequently replace fuel filters and injectors due to the clogging caused by microbial by-products. Additionally, the fuel may exhibit a noticeable discolouration, turning a dark khaki colour instead of the bright yellow-green of fresh diesel. A rotten fuel smell and black exhaust smoke during system startup are also indicators of microbial contamination.
To prevent and manage microbial growth in diesel fuel, it is crucial to control water buildup in the tank. This can be achieved through regular inspections and maintenance, especially after rainfall, to remove pooled water from the tank. Additionally, maintaining a cool tank temperature, ideally around 20°F, can help delay oxidation and create an unfavourable environment for microbial growth.
The use of biocides is another method to address microbial growth. However, biofilms can reduce the effectiveness of biocides and encourage re-infection. In such cases, mechanical cleaning of the tank may be necessary to completely eliminate the biofilm and ensure the success of the biocide treatment. Implementing a monitoring and maintenance plan is essential to maintain the quality of diesel fuel and prevent the costly issues associated with microbial contamination.
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Oxidation
Diesel fuel has an average storage life of 6 to 12 months, but it can be stored for longer under the best conditions. The key to delaying diesel fuel oxidation is maintaining a cool tank temperature, ideally around 20°F, but never exceeding 85°F.
One way to mitigate the effects of oxidation is to use a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC). A DOC promotes the oxidation of exhaust gas components, such as carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC), by utilising oxygen, which is present in ample quantities in diesel exhaust. This process helps to reduce the organic fraction of diesel particulates, which can contribute to total particulate matter emissions from the engine.
Additionally, the DOC plays a crucial role in oxidising nitric oxide (NO) to nitrogen dioxide (NO2). This conversion is essential for supporting the performance of diesel particulate filters and SCR catalysts used for NOx reduction. The presence of active catalytic sites on the surface of the catalyst carrier enables the adsorption of oxygen, facilitating the catalytic oxidation reaction.
Furthermore, the oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO2) to sulfur trioxide (SO3) and the subsequent formation of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is another important process influenced by the DOC. When exhaust gases mix with air, the temperature decrease causes gaseous H2SO4 to combine with water molecules, forming liquid particles composed of hydrated sulfuric acid, also known as sulfate particulates. While this process can increase total particulate emissions, it is particularly significant with high-sulfur content diesel fuel.
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Testing and maintenance
Diesel fuel can last for up to 12 months, but it can degrade sooner without proper care. The degradation process is expedited by exposure to environmental factors such as air, water, heat, and light. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly monitor and maintain your diesel fuel to prevent issues and ensure its longevity.
- Regular Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your diesel fuel by performing regular checks. This proactive approach enables you to identify potential issues early on, preventing future headaches.
- Fuel Polishing: Utilize fuel filtration techniques, such as fuel polishing, to remove contaminants and maintain fuel quality. This process involves running the fuel through a series of filters to eliminate impurities.
- Water Control: Water contamination is a significant concern, as it can lead to hydrolysis and corrosion. Regularly inspect your tank for pooled water, especially after rainfall. Use fuel treatments with demulsifying properties to separate water from fuel, and ensure your tank has a Fuel Water Separator (FWS) filter.
- Temperature Control: Aim to maintain a cool tank, ideally around 20°F, but not exceeding 85°F. Higher temperatures accelerate fuel degradation, so keep your tank in a cool environment to delay oxidation.
- Container Material: Avoid storing diesel in inappropriate containers, such as basic plastic containers, as this can expedite degradation.
- Additives: Extend the shelf life of your diesel fuel by using additives such as stabilizers, biocides, and water controllers. Follow manufacturer recommendations for dosage and maintenance when using these additives.
- Microbial Growth Prevention: Modern diesel fuel lacks the higher sulfur levels that previously inhibited microbial growth. To prevent microbes from multiplying and producing acids that break down the fuel, consider using fuel biocides as a preventative measure.
- Visual Inspection: Keep an eye out for any visible signs of degradation, such as colour changes, unusual odours, or a murky or cloudy appearance. These indicators may suggest contamination or degradation, warranting further action.
- Scheduled Maintenance: Establish a scheduled maintenance program, especially for backup generators, to ensure clean fuel and reduce breakdowns. Include monthly fuel inspections and biannual fuel quality tests as part of your maintenance routine.
- FIFO Approach: Adopt a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) approach to your fuel supply. This ensures that older fuel is utilized before it has a chance to degrade, reducing waste and maintaining freshness.
- Compliance with Regulations: Ensure that your fuel storage and maintenance practices comply with federal, state, and local standards and regulations. This proactive measure contributes to prolonging the shelf life and quality of your diesel fuel.
By implementing these testing and maintenance strategies, you can effectively extend the shelf life of your diesel fuel, ensuring its reliability when you need it most.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel lasts for around 6 to 12 months on average, but it can last longer under the right conditions.
Diesel fuel can be contaminated by water, particulate matter, rust, and other foreign debris. It is also susceptible to oxidation when exposed to air, which causes the formation of harmful deposits. Fluctuating temperatures can also contribute to degradation, with extreme heat causing lighter components to evaporate and extreme cold leading to paraffin wax crystallization.
To prevent diesel fuel from going bad, it is important to store it properly and maintain the quality of the fuel. This includes keeping the tank cool, ideally around 20°F, and regularly checking for pooled water, especially after rain.
Diesel fuel that has gone bad may exhibit signs such as darkening in colour, the presence of sludge or varnish, and the production of black smoke when burned.
If diesel fuel goes bad, it should be replaced with fresh fuel. Proper disposal methods should be followed to ensure that the contaminated fuel does not pose a risk to the environment or human health.
