Diesel Storage

[OrangeAgain]

I see a need for storing my diesel in more than a couple of five gallon tanks. I am curious what storage containers others are using.

Do you get diesel delivered?

 

[RoyJackson]

I considered a 55 gallon drum...but after operating tractors for 10 years, I've found CUTs are so frugal with fuel, it's not worth keeping more then 5-10 gallons at home. Diesel deteriorates after a while, and I prefer fresh fuel.

 

[PoorMansCat]

I will be buying a plastic 55 gal. drum (or possibly a 30 gal... decision still out) and getting an inexpensive hand pump. Main reason is I HATE hauling 5 gallon containers up on my tractor and spilling fuel.... Also, the gas can is scratching my paint!!!

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have a 300 gallon tote that I converted into a Diesel Fuel Tank that uses good old gravity to transfer the fuel. I have about $100 in it total with the filter, hose, and nozzle. I store my fuel for as long as a year with no issues. Just put in a jug of Power Serve or Howse, my preferred brand, when filling and lately I have also been using a Anti-Fungal product.

My Uncle just uses a plastic 55 gallon drum and a hand crank pump. Lifts it in the bed of the pickup with the FEL and gets fuel a few times a year.

Where is LB? I can not believe he has not sniffed this out yet.:laughing:

Chris

 

[Skyco]

Where is LB? I can not believe he has not sniffed this out yet.:laughing:

Chris

Dang beat me to it...LB must go to bed early like me

I have several of the 5 gallon yellow Blitz jugs but I rarely keep more than one full at home. I do keep 15 gallons+ stored on my remote land for the diesel generator. I use one of these for most of it..I built a stand for it so it sits above the generator for easy refueling, found out 15 gallons of fuel plus the steel container is more than I want to pick up-

 

[Thomas]

Like RJ said.."I've found CUTs are so frugal with fuel, it's not worth keeping more then 5-10 gallons at home."

Also keeping diesel fresh more so during winter use...2 yellow plastic containers.

 

[Ken45101]

I agree, lifting up to the top of the hood is not fun. I did that for years.

It depends on how much you use per year.

I went to a 55 gallon drum for a while, but that was a hassle getting it out of the pickup truck and didn't last long for me (I have a one tractor and a skid steer with 28 gallon tanks).

I went to one of the 250 gallon cubes and have been very happy. I would suggest putting a filter on the pump.

Around here, there is a 150 gallon minimum for delivery, so the 55 gallon drum wasn't enough.

Winter storage isn't a problem although you probably want a winter blend rather than a summer blend diesel fuel. If diesel sets too long in warm weather, especially if there is moisture in it, algae may grow. Hence the suggestion of an inline filter.

If you don't use all that much, perhaps a 55 gallon drum only half filled would be an easy approach. Although diesel should be good for a couple of years, I would prefer not to have it sit for more than 6-8 months.

Ken

 

[picker77]

Be careful you don't run afoul of EPA's rules (or county/city building codes) on "hazardous liquid" storage. I checked into doing this several years back, and depending on the gallonage involved, there were requirements for fencing, spill catch basins under the tank, fire protection, blah blah.. After doing the homework and evaluating the cost I threw in the towel. I don't expect the rules have loosened since, more likely the other direction.

 

[Storm56]

I use a 275 gallon oil tank with an electric pump. Diesel fuel does not deteriorate like gasoline. A couple of years should not be an issue as long as it is stored properly. Additives are a good idea.

 

[HiTechTed]

I want to try this on a small container:

Air Bio Diesel WVO Oil 55 Barrel Drum Transfer Pump NEW - eBay (item 260575263453 end time Dec-20-10 08:14:22 PST)

If I could rig it up to maybe a 15 or 20 gallon metal container that would be enough for me.

 

[crazyal]

I want to try this on a small container:

Air Bio Diesel WVO Oil 55 Barrel Drum Transfer Pump NEW - eBay (item 260575263453 end time Dec-20-10 08:14:22 PST)

If I could rig it up to maybe a 15 or 20 gallon metal container that would be enough for me.

From the looks of it all they do is pressurize the barrel. I would think you could just take a 55 gallon drum and fit the 3/4" bung with an air fitting. The other side just make a dip tube that reaches close to the bottom.

I just get a 55 gallon drum filled up. But I also have a dozer and BH along with the Kubota so 55 gallons doesn't last too long. I did buy an electric pump so filling is real easy.

 

[HiTechTed]

From the looks of it all they do is pressurize the barrel. I would think you could just take a 55 gallon drum and fit the 3/4" bung with an air fitting. The other side just make a dip tube that reaches close to the bottom.

I just get a 55 gallon drum filled up. But I also have a dozer and BH along with the Kubota so 55 gallons doesn't last too long. I did buy an electric pump so filling is real easy.

It's not a bad setup for the price but yeah, a guy could probably rig one up himself for less money...

 

[PoorMansCat]

See, I don't plan on moving the barrel. I am ALWAYS at the fuel station (atleast once a day with my svc. truck)
I plan on just carrying a 5 gallon fuel can and filling it up on occasion. When I get home, I can transfer it to the 55 gallon barrel.
The hand pump I have looked at will pump both directions,(actually a cheapo from Northern Tools) dependent on which way you turn the crank. No lifting involved, drop the hose in the fuel can, turn the pump one way and it will transfer it into the storage barrel. Turn the crank the other way and it will pull fuel out of the barrel into my Kubota!!.

 

[LBrown59]

comparing my new set up to the old one
Old set up.


Cramped up in a little 3x4 foot corner of this car port.

Only one 30 gallon drum.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

My New Set Up


Put it in this 8 X 10 building.
Much roomier than the little 3x5 corner was.

This system has a 30 and a 55 gallon drum plumed into it.

I see a need for storing my diesel in more than a couple of five gallon tanks. I am curious what storage containers others are using.

*Do you get diesel delivered?

*I was till the hauler shut down that part of their operation.

Click here for more info:

Diesel Storage - Page 2 - TractorByNet.com

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/oil-fuel-lubricants/133068-pictures-comparing-my-new-set.html

 

[chopped]

Great setup LB thanks for sharing

 

[ModMech]

Your biggest storage problems are algea and moisture with modern diesel fuels (ULSD).

I agree that if you have a SCUT/CUT you are unlikely to require more than 5-10 gallons/month, I know I cannot recall needing more than that for our 2.5 Ac of yard and 0.25 Ac garden. Two trips a month for fuel is not a hardship for us as we are in town almost daily any way with the kiddos.

I had our F-150's aux tank converted, with it's internal LP electric pump, but converted it back when we decided to sell it and get the F-250 diesel for towing.

My current set-up is a 6 gallon jug, but my back does not appreciate this at all. One day, when I have the time, I will stop by the salvaage yard (automotive recycler) and get a used fuel tank with in-tank pump. Plug it into the 12V port and I am all set! We will place the tank in the bed, fill it and slide it off onto the stand in the shed. VERY convienient, inexpensive and simple.

 

[Ken45101]

My current set-up is a 6 gallon jug, but my back does not appreciate this at all.

As long as six gallons will meet your needs, how about only half filling two jugs? That would be easy to lift and pour.

As for finding a junked automotive tank with a pump, what is the flow rate of those pumps? I suspect it's quite low, a car doesn't need much fuel per minute (thankfully!). I have an automotive fuel pump around here somewhere, but I suspect it's flow is only a few gallons per hour.

Ken

 

[Diamondpilot]

As long as six gallons will meet your needs, how about only half filling two jugs? That would be easy to lift and pour.

As for finding a junked automotive tank with a pump, what is the flow rate of those pumps? I suspect it's quite low, a car doesn't need much fuel per minute (thankfully!). I have an automotive fuel pump around here somewhere, but I suspect it's flow is only a few gallons per hour.

Ken

Actually modern ones for Fuel Injection systems pump about 40 gallons per hour but that is still slow when filling a tank. I use one all the time to pump out boat tanks.

Chris

 

[ModMech]

As long as six gallons will meet your needs, how about only half filling two jugs? That would be easy to lift and pour.

As for finding a junked automotive tank with a pump, what is the flow rate of those pumps? I suspect it's quite low, a car doesn't need much fuel per minute (thankfully!). I have an automotive fuel pump around here somewhere, but I suspect it's flow is only a few gallons per hour.

Ken

All the ones I am considering have flow rates in the 170l/hr range at a nominal 45 psi pressure, so close to 400l/hr at near zero delivery pressure (100g/hr).

 

[LBrown59]

I considered a 55 gallon drum...but after operating tractors for 10 years, I've found CUTs are so frugal with fuel,
1* it's not worth keeping more then 5-10 gallons at home.

1*But a pump is worth it even for than amount.

2*I will be buying a plastic 55 gal. drum (or possibly a 30 gal... decision still out) and getting an
3*inexpensive hand pump.

2*Or two 30 gallon plastic drums would be even nicer.
3*GET an elect 12 V pump ; a whole bunch better for not that much more money.

Also keeping diesel fresh more so during winter use...
4*2 yellow plastic containers.

4*A pump is still nice even for then.

I use a 275 gallon oil tank with an electric pump.
5*Diesel fuel does not deteriorate like gasoline.
6*A couple of years should not be an issue as long as it is stored properly. Additives are a good idea.

5* Agreed .
6*Correct.

7*I agree, lifting up to the top of the hood is not fun. I did that for years.
*It depends on how much you use per year.
Ken

7* It sure ain't. * A pump is good for any amount.

8*Be careful you don't run afoul of EPA's rules (or county/city building codes) on "hazardous liquid" storage.

8*Not a problem around here.

See, I don't plan on moving the barrel. I am ALWAYS at the fuel station (at least once a day with my svc. truck)
9*I plan on just carrying a 5 gallon fuel can and filling it up on occasion. When I get home, I can transfer it to the 55 gallon barrel.
10*The hand pump I have looked at will pump both directions,(actually a cheapo from Northern Tools) dependent on which way you turn the crank. No lifting involved, drop the hose in the fuel can, turn the pump one way and it will transfer it into the storage barrel. Turn the crank the other way and it will pull fuel out of the barrel into my Kubota!!.

9*I don't see /understand what you gain by doing this ?:confused2:?
Don't you still have to lift the 5 gallon can to dump it into the barrel jus like you would to dump the can of fuel into your tractor?
10*Why not just get another barrel and use the pump to fill the other drum/barrell and do away with the 5 gallon can/cans compleatly ?

11*Great setup LB thanks for sharing

11*Thanks.