Pumping Diesel Through Copper Fittings

[RichardMH]

I bought one of those shaker siphons to transfer diesel between my jerry can and my BX. It is basically a 1/2" clear plastic hose with a copper fitting (holding a glass ball) at one end. I tried it last night and it actually worked quite well - a lot better than holding a 5 gallon tank in mid air for a couple of minutes !

Then I started thinking... I know copper has a corrosive reaction to diesel so I would not use copper fittings if they are permanently immersed in diesel. But if I am just using a copper fitting for fueling up purposes (as in the shaker siphon above so it will only be in contact with diesel say a couple of minutes every week), do I need to worry about the corrosive aspect ?

Am I just being paranoid ? or the corrosive reaction will still be bad over time ...

 

[/pine]

FWIW...I've been using one of the siphon hoses you describe (for the same purpose) for about five years with no issues...the copper end still looks new...

 

[Bill 55]

I believe you are worring over a nonexistant problem. I have used those siphons for just about any liquid
you could think of without any problems.
Bill

 

[TCJatko]

Every home heating oil tank I've ever seen has copper lines. I don't think corrosion is a big problem.

 

[radioman]

My folks have the flex copper lines from thier HHO to furance for over 40 years and havent had issues. I wouldnt think that a jiggler with copper parts would have issues either.

 

[kennyd]

I think you are confusing copper with galvanized fittings/pipe/cans which are a no-no for diesel fuel. Copper is 100% OK.

 

[RichardMH]

Thanks guys. Good to hear that I am indeed worrying about a non-existent issue !!!

 

[Looking4new]

Thanks guys. Good to hear that I am indeed worrying about a non-existent issue !!!

Just giving yourself an ulcer for nothing.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I think you are confusing copper with galvanized fittings/pipe/cans which are a no-no for diesel fuel. Copper is 100% OK.

Kenny is quite right and for use as a siphon hose, I doubt you would have any issue if it was galvanized. It would have to be long term exposure on zinc to create any problems and then a lot of area. A quick 5 minute dunk isn't going to be a problem in fact all the fittings on my pump discharge thru the filter to the hose(one 3/4"close nipple and a 90 degree ell are galvanized with nary a problem with corrosion.
Below are some comments on long term fuel storage from an internet site. Although the claim is that copper, zinc and alloys of copper (brass) is to be avoided to prevent accelerated break down of fuel, every fuel hose I have ever seen has brass ends which is why I said that a small surface like a pipe nipple or siphon end is not going to hurt anything due to the small amount of fuel in contact with them.

ACCELERATED AGEING
The ageing process can be accelerated by the following conditions:-

Contact with zinc, copper or metal alloys containing them. These metals will quickly react with diesel fuel to form unstable compounds.

The presence of water. Water allows the growth of fungus and bacteria, these produce natural by-products such as organic acids which make the fuel unstable.

Exposure to high temperatures.

Exposure to dust and dirt which contain trace elements that can destabilise the fuel, such as copper and zinc.

Fuel composition. Some components in diesel fuel naturally age quickly.
PROLONGING THE STORAGE LIFE
Prolonging the storage life is achieved by removing or controlling the conditions described in the previous section. Important measures to take are as follows:
Document: ADF1403.doc Page 1 of 3
Issued: February 10, 2005
Supercedes: February 7, 2002
BP Australia Limited A.C.N. 004 085 616