Storage life of Diesel
- Thread starter GWRam
- Start date
BLHFUN
Well-known member
I personally would not use 7 month old diesel fuel in anything I cared about keeping. It's not like gas that will turn to varnish, but does have additives that could separate and evaporate leaving you without that additive ( from what I've read) Google will give lots of opinions as well.
better to to safe than sorry. IMO
better to to safe than sorry. IMO
MTPockets
Well-known member
my boat had a Cat diesel that was stored for 6 to 7 months every winter. I did put an additive in the fuel to prevent bacteria that can grow in unused diesel. Never had a problem with years of use. You could just add it to your tank with no problem, or to make you feel better, do that along with some diesel fuel additive similar to StaBil from your auto parts store.
EPaulikonis
Well-known member
Be very cautious about putting that diesel into an expensive vehicle or generator. I spent 12-years working fuel operations and in a fuels lab for the military. You'd be surprised what you find in fuel that looks to be perfectly fine. All kinds of microscopic contaminants and other issues that cause the fuel to not burn as cleanly as you'd expect that can lead to damaged fuel pumps and other engine components. I'd personally dump the $30+ of diesel in the two cans at a reclamation site to be on the safe side and avoid a costly guess.
If you're considering otherwise, be sure to check for any water in the fuel. If it's been sitting undisturbed, the water will coalesce at the bottom of the jug and you should be able to see the water slug easily. Water is also the enemy of additives in fuel. Water molecules will pull additives out of the fuel and into the water at the bottom of the tank. Even if your careful handling fuel with water, it may have biological contamination you may not see. If you pour it into a larger vessel, like your vehicle's fuel tank, well...you just spread the contamination into a larger tank.
If you're considering otherwise, be sure to check for any water in the fuel. If it's been sitting undisturbed, the water will coalesce at the bottom of the jug and you should be able to see the water slug easily. Water is also the enemy of additives in fuel. Water molecules will pull additives out of the fuel and into the water at the bottom of the tank. Even if your careful handling fuel with water, it may have biological contamination you may not see. If you pour it into a larger vessel, like your vehicle's fuel tank, well...you just spread the contamination into a larger tank.
MTPockets
Well-known member
Long Term Storage of Diesel
STORAGE LIFE
Under normal storage conditions diesel fuel can be expected to stay in a useable condition for:
•
12 months or longer at an ambient of 20ºC.
•
6-12 months at an ambient temperature higher than 30ºC.
As diesel gets older a fine sediment and gum forms in the diesel brought about by the reaction of diesel components with oxygen from the air. The fine sediment and gum will block fuel filters, leading to fuel starvation and the engine stopping. Frequent filter changes are then required to keep the engine going. The gums and sediments do not burn in the engine very well and can lead to carbon and soot deposits on injectors and other combustion surfaces.
The expected life of a diesel fuel is indicated by the oxidation stability test ASTM D2274. The test measures how much gum and sediment will be deposited after keeping the fuel at 95°C in the presence of oxygen for 16 hours. It roughly corresponds to one year storage at 25°C. A result of less than 20mg/L of sediment and gum after the test is considered acceptable for normal diesel.
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
Document: ADF1403.doc Page 2 of 3
Issued: February 10, 2005
Supercedes: February 7, 2002
BP Australia Limited A.C.N. 004 085 616
•
Ensure that the fuel is not in contact with any surfaces containing zinc or copper or compounds containing those metals (eg. brass). If those metals are present then a metal deactivator additive may help.
•
Establish a regular fuel maintenance program to ensure that water and dirt is removed from storage tanks. This will also remove any chance for fungus to grow.
•
Water should be drained from the storage tanks weekly. The frequency can be extended if the tank shows no tendency to collect water but should be done at least monthly.
•
Tanks should be kept full to reduce the space for water to condense, maintaining tanks half full increases the water build up and promotes corrosion in the top half of the tank. Most water will come from condensation as the tank breathes, the rate at which water collects will depend on local climate and will be higher in hot humid coastal areas.
•
Tanks should have a well defined low point where water will collect and can be drained. For example, cone down bottoms.
•
Establish a system for filtering the contents of the main storage tank through a recirculating filter system. This can be made automatic and will reduce the potential for problems by removing sediment and gums. The filters should be checked and changed at regular intervals. When the filter change interval reaches a certain frequency then the fuel should be changed over.
•
Tanks should be emptied and cleaned at least once every 10 years, or more frequently if there is a major contamination.
•
Ensure that the fuel supplied conforms to a recognised specification, in Australia that would be AS3570, and ensure the fuel matches the winter cloud point for the area to avoid filter blocking by wax drop out in cold weather. .
•
Always purchase fuel to replenish stocks in the winter season April - August. This will ensure that the fuel will not cause wax problems whatever season it is used.
•
Obtain assurances from the supplier that all components are fully refined to promote stability.
•
Establish a monitoring program whereby samples are taken at regular intervals to monitor the condition of the fuel. The samples can be examined at the site visually for evidence of haziness, sediment, darkening or sent to a laboratory for testing.
•
Regularly turn the fuel over. If possible, plan the fuel usage so that it will all be used within 1-5 years and replaced with fresh fuel.
ADDITIVES TO IMPROVE STORAGE LIFE
The following additives can improve fuel storage life:
•
Metal deactivators. These work by stopping copper, zinc and other reactive metals from reacting with the fuel.
•
Fungicides/Biocides. These work by stopping fungus and bacteria from growing in the fuel and so prolong the life of the fuel. They are only effective on fungus and bacteria and will not stop other oxidation reactions from taking place. They are normally active at the water fuel interface where the fungus and bacteria grow. If fungus is present then a kill dose is required. Otherwise a maintenance dose is used to stop fungus growing. The disadvantages of biocides are:
•
handling and mixing is hazardous because they are poisons.
•
for a kill dose, killing the fungus can lead to a build up of dead matter which will block filters and also cause the fuel to oxidise.
•
ideally, the fungus should be killed and then the tank emptied and drained out.
•
maintenance doses are effective but no more so than regular water draining.
•
disposal of water bottoms requires special handling with due regard to the environment.
•
Anti-Oxidants. These work by stopping the oxidation processes from taking place. They prevent the fuel oxidising and reduce the formation of sediment and gum.
•
Fuel Stability Foam. Fuel Kleenik is a stability foam which is suspended in the diesel fuel in the tank. It has been developed and tested by Department of Defence and is claimed to keep the fuel stable for up to 10 years. The disadvantages are:
•
it does not work where fungus and water are present which is why it is suspended in the fuel.
•
its size is 2100mm x 200mm x 200mm so it has to be dropped in through a hatch.
After 15 years it has to be disposed of to landfill.
Fuel Kleenik is available from a company called FuelTreat ph 1800 034 442.
In underground storage low sulphur diesel fuel can be expected to last at least 5 years provided steps are taken to keep water and fungus out and potentially up to 10 years or more with regular inspection.
For further information, please call the BP Lubricants and Fuel Technical Helpline 1300 139 700 local call
or visit www.bp.com.au/fuelnews
Document: ADF1403.doc Page 3 of 3
Issued: February 10, 2005
Supercedes: February 7, 2002
BP Australia Limited A.C.N. 004 085 616
STORAGE LIFE
Under normal storage conditions diesel fuel can be expected to stay in a useable condition for:
•
12 months or longer at an ambient of 20ºC.
•
6-12 months at an ambient temperature higher than 30ºC.
As diesel gets older a fine sediment and gum forms in the diesel brought about by the reaction of diesel components with oxygen from the air. The fine sediment and gum will block fuel filters, leading to fuel starvation and the engine stopping. Frequent filter changes are then required to keep the engine going. The gums and sediments do not burn in the engine very well and can lead to carbon and soot deposits on injectors and other combustion surfaces.
The expected life of a diesel fuel is indicated by the oxidation stability test ASTM D2274. The test measures how much gum and sediment will be deposited after keeping the fuel at 95°C in the presence of oxygen for 16 hours. It roughly corresponds to one year storage at 25°C. A result of less than 20mg/L of sediment and gum after the test is considered acceptable for normal diesel.
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
Document: ADF1403.doc Page 2 of 3
Issued: February 10, 2005
Supercedes: February 7, 2002
BP Australia Limited A.C.N. 004 085 616
•
Ensure that the fuel is not in contact with any surfaces containing zinc or copper or compounds containing those metals (eg. brass). If those metals are present then a metal deactivator additive may help.
•
Establish a regular fuel maintenance program to ensure that water and dirt is removed from storage tanks. This will also remove any chance for fungus to grow.
•
Water should be drained from the storage tanks weekly. The frequency can be extended if the tank shows no tendency to collect water but should be done at least monthly.
•
Tanks should be kept full to reduce the space for water to condense, maintaining tanks half full increases the water build up and promotes corrosion in the top half of the tank. Most water will come from condensation as the tank breathes, the rate at which water collects will depend on local climate and will be higher in hot humid coastal areas.
•
Tanks should have a well defined low point where water will collect and can be drained. For example, cone down bottoms.
•
Establish a system for filtering the contents of the main storage tank through a recirculating filter system. This can be made automatic and will reduce the potential for problems by removing sediment and gums. The filters should be checked and changed at regular intervals. When the filter change interval reaches a certain frequency then the fuel should be changed over.
•
Tanks should be emptied and cleaned at least once every 10 years, or more frequently if there is a major contamination.
•
Ensure that the fuel supplied conforms to a recognised specification, in Australia that would be AS3570, and ensure the fuel matches the winter cloud point for the area to avoid filter blocking by wax drop out in cold weather. .
•
Always purchase fuel to replenish stocks in the winter season April - August. This will ensure that the fuel will not cause wax problems whatever season it is used.
•
Obtain assurances from the supplier that all components are fully refined to promote stability.
•
Establish a monitoring program whereby samples are taken at regular intervals to monitor the condition of the fuel. The samples can be examined at the site visually for evidence of haziness, sediment, darkening or sent to a laboratory for testing.
•
Regularly turn the fuel over. If possible, plan the fuel usage so that it will all be used within 1-5 years and replaced with fresh fuel.
ADDITIVES TO IMPROVE STORAGE LIFE
The following additives can improve fuel storage life:
•
Metal deactivators. These work by stopping copper, zinc and other reactive metals from reacting with the fuel.
•
Fungicides/Biocides. These work by stopping fungus and bacteria from growing in the fuel and so prolong the life of the fuel. They are only effective on fungus and bacteria and will not stop other oxidation reactions from taking place. They are normally active at the water fuel interface where the fungus and bacteria grow. If fungus is present then a kill dose is required. Otherwise a maintenance dose is used to stop fungus growing. The disadvantages of biocides are:
•
handling and mixing is hazardous because they are poisons.
•
for a kill dose, killing the fungus can lead to a build up of dead matter which will block filters and also cause the fuel to oxidise.
•
ideally, the fungus should be killed and then the tank emptied and drained out.
•
maintenance doses are effective but no more so than regular water draining.
•
disposal of water bottoms requires special handling with due regard to the environment.
•
Anti-Oxidants. These work by stopping the oxidation processes from taking place. They prevent the fuel oxidising and reduce the formation of sediment and gum.
•
Fuel Stability Foam. Fuel Kleenik is a stability foam which is suspended in the diesel fuel in the tank. It has been developed and tested by Department of Defence and is claimed to keep the fuel stable for up to 10 years. The disadvantages are:
•
it does not work where fungus and water are present which is why it is suspended in the fuel.
•
its size is 2100mm x 200mm x 200mm so it has to be dropped in through a hatch.
After 15 years it has to be disposed of to landfill.
Fuel Kleenik is available from a company called FuelTreat ph 1800 034 442.
In underground storage low sulphur diesel fuel can be expected to last at least 5 years provided steps are taken to keep water and fungus out and potentially up to 10 years or more with regular inspection.
For further information, please call the BP Lubricants and Fuel Technical Helpline 1300 139 700 local call
or visit www.bp.com.au/fuelnews
Document: ADF1403.doc Page 3 of 3
Issued: February 10, 2005
Supercedes: February 7, 2002
BP Australia Limited A.C.N. 004 085 616
justafordguy
Well-known member
I would treat it, filter it, and run it. I store 1000 gallons of diesel long term for my CAT generator and have never had a fuel problem.
olcoon
Well-known member
I'm by no means an expert, and am really flying by the seat of my pants, which are pretty worn out. However at the farm I've got a diesel tractor, that sometimes may sit for months without being used. It'll sit with anywhere from a full tank, to whatever was left in the tank the last time I used it. Sometimes I'll also have a full or partially full 5 gallon can of diesel for the tractor. Every time I fill the 5 gallon can I'll put the proper amount of Sea Foam in it. According to the label it's supposed to stabilize it. Been doing this for a few years and had no problems...yet.
