Long term fuel storage

[prosperity]

I've been thinking about this for a while, and done some research.
I am running a diesel tractor, and now a new diesel VW Jetta. I live in the boonies, and would like to have a 500 gallon tank for fueling that need only be filled once a year in the summer. My nearest (and only) fuel station that has diesel is a 16 mile round trip, and I've found that fuel is not the best. My Jetta wants at least 49 cetane. I've compromised with additive with good results.

So....I'm playing with the idea of my own tank with a bulk delivery of premium fuel. In my research I've found that I will need a vent with a desiccant (sp) filter as to avoid moisture content getting to the fuel from the open air. I will also need a filter and water separator at the pump. I would also have to treat the fuel with a biocide and also an additive for winter use and cetane boost (currently using Stanadyne Performance Formula).

Wow - seems like quite a set up. Has anyone else done this? Am I thinking in the right direction? Any suggestion?

Thanks

 

[Junkman]

I use home heating fuel for my tractor, but it is illegal to use this in a automobile that is used on public roads. Having said this first, I will address the rest of your question, because home heating fuel is generally the same as purchased over the road diesel fuel. If you bury the tank, the temperature of the fuel will stay a constant 56 degrees. This is the temperature of the earth below the frost line. The tank will need a fill and a vent pipe, and also a "dip" pipe that will be used for the dispenser pump. Depending on the length of the run and the hight of the lift, you might have to add a check valve to this pipe. A filter at the pump is necessary to keep the delivered fuel to the auto/tractor clean and free of water. I don't treat my fuel and never have. I do keep my tank filled during the summer humid months because this is how water is introduced into storage tanks. Humid air is drawn in as you pump and this warm moist air will condense on the inside surface of the tank. If you mount the tank outside in the ambient air, you will have a greater amount of humid air entering the tank and there will be constant temperature changes with the weather. In this case, I suggest that you use 275 gallon tanks and fill both. Then cap the one that you are not using and draw off of the other. Have a drain at the lowest point to remove any water accumulation and have your pump dip tube about 6" off the bottom of the tank. Also use a filter and a Mr. Funnel just to be safe. In the end, when you figure in the cost of all that is needed, it might just not be worth it. If you decide to go forward with this project, I have available a new 110 Volt fuel dispensing pump and meter for residential/small commercial private use. The meter is not certifiable for resale purposes....

 

[prosperity]

Thanks Junkman - you pretty much surmised what I've been learning about.

I do have a 1000gal underground tank for my home heating fuel. When I have the fuel delivered, it is stated as "dyed #2" which tells me that it is standard grade #2 without the tax paid for home heating and off road use. I agree that I wouldn't have to treat that tank, but would have to treat the tractor tank at fill up for winter use.

I found the site for the "MR. FUNNEL". Looks like a must have if I am going to do this.

I guess you feel that a special desiccant vent is not necessary with an underground tank since the temperature of the tank stays the same - makes sense.

Now, to figure out what to do about the car (you know what I've been thinking.......)

So, to use the underground tank - if I put a filter and water separator on the pump, do you think I should still use a Mr. Funnel?

Sorry for the ramble!

 

[Junkman]

Here is what I use and I have not had any problems at all. It isn't very elaborate, but it works and that is all that I care about. I don't use a Mr. Filter since I have the fuel filter on the dispenser pump. If I wanted fancy, I would swap out this plain Jane dispenser for the fancy one that I have in the garage. That one looks more like a fuel dispensing pump since it is red and white, and square all over. It even has a skirt to hide the pump stand. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif