Maintaining control of your diesel storage fuel tank is not typically on the top priority list for most. However, because of the frequent fuel tank refilling, it may take time to realize that the fuel in the tank is being contaminated or damaged- at first glance. This article provides some top tips to check and maintain the correct standard for your diesel fuel storage tanks, whether plastic or steel dispensers.
How Long Can Diesel Fuel Be Kept?
The components of diesel undergo an aging process that causes them to react with oxygen over time, resulting in the formation of silt and a residue similar to sticky gum. In an ideal situation, the temperature of diesel should be maintained at less than 20 degrees Celsius, stored away from direct sunlight, and kept dry. If diesel is kept at these optimum conditions, then the process of degradation can be slowed down, allowing fuel to be stored without any additives for up to a year.
Diesel Storage Tank Maintenance Tips
In addition to ensuring that your tank is kept at a cool temperature and clear of any water, there are several other practices that will assist in extending the lifespan of your diesel:
● Copper, zinc, and other metal alloys should be avoided.
● Your tank isn’t exposed to damp.
● Empty and clean your tank- at least once every ten years.
Avoid Sludge Build-up
There is a significant cause for concern over the excessive accumulation of sludge and biomass in diesel fuel storage tanks. Therefore, it is most effective to address this issue with a product designed specifically for this purpose.
It significantly improves the biocide's ability to kill germs and keep the system free of bacteria over the long term when it is used in conjunction with the biocide.
Control Stored Diesel Stability
Diesel fuel is hard to use because bacteria growth shortens how long it can be stored. However, biocides and diesel fuel stability treatments have been shown to stop diesel fuel bacteria from growing.
Biocides have become so important that fuel storage facilities can't function without them. The main reason for this rise is that the removal of sulphur for ULSD (Ultra low sulphur diesel) makes fuel much more susceptible to microbial activity than it used to be.
Prevent Water Problems
Because it allows bacteria to enter, water buildup is a serious issue that can occur in diesel fuel storage tanks. As a result, the fuel quality will suffer, and the tank will be nearly unusable for storing diesel.
Sulphur tends to react with microbicides, and ultra-low sulphur diesel fuels are more likely to be affected by microbial infestations than conventional diesel fuels. And while dealing with a microbiological issue, it is very necessary to use a biocide to stop its growth.
Experts claim that utilising ethanol in a diesel or ethanol blend fuel tank can assist in managing and dispersing water as it condenses due to ethanol. In addition, biocides not only eradicate any pre-existing infestations in as little as two hours by killing all bacteria present, but they are also very cost-efficient and help prevent new microbes from appearing.
Inspect Fill Points
If your fixed fuel tank has a flexible line that is used to extract oil, it is required to have a drip tray and be stored inside of a safe cabinet that is lockable when it is not being used. The pipe must be stored within the bund with a lockable valve where it exits the tank. The tap or valve must be on the end that goes into the pipe and close itself when it's not used. It can only be fixed open if it can shut itself off automatically.
If your fuel tank contains permanently attached vent pipes, taps, or valves that could allow oil to escape, they must be located inside the bund so that any oil that escapes will land inside the bund. A "remote fill" is filling your tank at a fill point, not inside the bund or drip tray. You must utilize a drip tray to safeguard the environment and capture any spills when using a remote fill pipe.
Which Diesel Storage Regulations Apply To Me?
Diesel fuel must be stored in a way that is safe and good for the environment. This means putting in place ways to catch the oil that might leak. This is easiest to do with a bunded diesel storage tank. To find out more about which regulations you need to follow, you can check out the GOV website - and choose the correct location and type of storage to see which laws are right for you.
