Diesel Fuel & Storage Questions

PineRidge · Oct 9, 2004

JUNKMAN /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

BRIGUY · Oct 30, 2004

FYI
The truck drivers usually add the dye at the terminal. Comes clear from the refinery. This Applies to the Kerosene we buy and the low sulfur diesel we bought when no Kerosene was available.

All of our secondary containment at the plant the is 100% (indoors) and I think (150% (outdoors) of the capacity of the storage tank. Our Kerosene tank is 375,000 gal, and will last us about 35 hours.

Now a question. I have some plastic drums 35 and 55 gal. If I Fill one (preferably with low sulfur offroad diesel), and I use additive how long can I store it in an unheated building?

Junkman · Oct 30, 2004

If the drum is sealed properly so no moisture will get into the fuel, it will stay good for an eternity. Unlike gasoline, diesel fuel / home heating oil, doesn't spoil with age. Unlike wine, it doesn't get better with age either. It remains the same. I would leave it untreated, because in 10 or 15 years from now when you finally get ready to use it, there might be something better than Powerservice. Then on the other hand, there might not be anything as good as Powerservice available then, so you should purchase and save a unopened bottle of Powerservice just in case. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

BRIGUY · Oct 30, 2004

( because in 10 or 15 years from now when you finally get ready to use it )

Man You are rough.

I only used 25 gallons this summer 80 hours sense the beginning of May. So the 35 gal tank should last me a whole year. I will save some money on tax but the convenience is my real reason for doing it. Plus if I get a diesel generator it would be nice to have a few days supply of fuel on hand.

BRIGUY · Oct 30, 2004

Junk,
I must also point out that I don't mow with my BX That is why my hours are lower. I have put 100+ hours on my wheelhorse in the past 18 months.

Junkman · Oct 31, 2004

Brian...... stop fertilizing the lawn. All it does is make the grass grow faster, so you have to cut it more often. Let the weeds get started. Don't you know that is G-d's way of keeping things green during a drought?

BRIGUY · Nov 4, 2004

Only one application of fertilizer this year. It just rained every day. The WH did a lot of plowing last winter too.

jgh · Jan 21, 2005

20050121

Take a look at this URL for a dissenting view of diesel life. I'll have to say that it reflects more closely what I have heard over the years, that diesel get algae and other bio-contaimanents over time.

http://www.batterystuff.com/tutorial_fuel_storage.html

I am looking for something to keep farm diesel in, with horror at the cost of the Delta and other metal transfer tanks. Has anyone tried a plastic spray tank?

Jim

Junkman · Jan 21, 2005

I have read the site, and I also realize that they are selling a product to counter the problems of storage. Here is what they say about diesel fuel...........
( Most fuels produce microorganisms when water begins to collect in tanks. Commonly called algae, this stuff can be a real problem. The fuel contamination plugs filters and causes fuel system corrosion. Biocides have been developed to kill and prevent algae, bacteria, and fungus in fuels. When using fuels that have been in long term storage, don?t pump from the very bottom of the tank, and filter the fuel.)
here is what I prefaced my remarks with.........
( If the drum is sealed properly so no moisture will get into the fuel, it will stay good for an eternity.)
Please tell me where my statement isn't in conformity with what they have said?

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

cp1969 · Jan 22, 2005

Eternity is longer than I want to keep fuel. In fact, I'm thinking in another 30 or 40 years, tops....I'm outta here. Shovin' up them daisies.

There is a flaw in their thinking, though. Diesel usually has enough water in it that bacteria can grow, even if you can make sure no more ever gets in. So sealing the storage container, while it would prevent any more water from getting in, won't do anything about the water that already exists. Plus, your container wouldn't be vented, which is not a good idea if temperature is going to vary much.

I store my diesel fuel at the gas station. Let them keep the stuff. I'm in town often enough, and the Kubota burns little enough, that I can just get some when I'm at the station filling the truck or my pie-hole.