Diesel storage:
Store diesel fuel carefully to protect it from contaminants, using large, permanent storage tanks wherever possible. Maintain these permanent storage tanks carefully, and filter the fuel from these tanks as it is transferred to equipment tanks.
Water requires a long time to settle to the bottom of diesel fuel, so the fuel must stand 12 to 24 hours after filling or moving before the water can be drained. If possible, use two storage tanks—one for active use while the new fuel is settling in the other. If you have one storage tank and are expecting a fuel delivery, fill the equipment fuel tanks before the supplier fills the storage tank.
It is best to fill equipment fuel tanks from rigidly mounted storage tanks that are properly installed, maintained and filtered. Observe the following precautions:
- Don't let water, dirt or anything else collect on top of the storage drums.
- Don't let the fuel-transfer-pump suction pipe extend to the bottom of the storage container.
- Don't ever transfer fuel in an open container.
- Don't knock dirt into the equipment tank while filling. Clean the cap before removing it.
- Don't store diesel fuel in a galvanized container. The fuel reacts with and dissolves the galvanized coating, later depositing this material in the filters and the engine.
( Diesel contains some sulfur and water. Combining the two can form sulfuric acid, which will etch metal parts. )
- Don't store diesel fuel in containers that were previously used for gasoline or other solvent unless the containers are carefully cleaned. Fine rust and dirt, which will quickly settle out of gasoline, will mix readily with the diesel fuel and cause damage.
- Always drain sediment from the fuel storage tank before transferring fuel.
- Always use a filter between the fuel storage tank and the equipment tank. -
- Drain the water trap and service filter as suggested by the manufacturer.
- Always cap the transfer hose nozzle when not in use to prevent the entrance of moisture or dirt.
- About twice a year (spring and fall are suggested), thoroughly drain and clean the storage tank. Rinse out loose sediment with clean diesel fuel.
- Use smaller containers to transport fuel between the storage tank and the equipment. Steel drums or similar portable containers require special attention to prevent contamination of the fuel. You can be sure that if there is dirt and water in the containers, it will be completely mixed with the fuel by the time you reach the equipment. Therefore, make sure the portable containers are clean before filling them.
