Diesel Storage

[Nemies]

So, I've been toying with the idea of storing diesel so I don't have to deal with price changes, etc. Besides, if I need to run a generator, it would be much easier to have a diesel tank on the property.

Where can I find out what I need to do this? Aren't there various restrictions on storage, signage, etc etc? Is this federal, or is it by state/county?


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Kees C.
99, 4x4, 2500, 5spd, HD, LSD, SB, QC, Sport, Forest-Green, Cab-Lights
Rhinoliner, toolbox, dual Firestiks

[This message has been edited by Nemies (edited 05-08-2001). ]

 

[Neal Cassady]

Nemies,

I have a 500 gallon tank at my place. I am leasing it from a local fuel supplier for $1. 00. Check your Yellow Pages for fuel companies. Most companies that supply home heating oil will also supply diesel fuel. They should be able to tell you what the rules and regs are for your area. I have a double wall tank, doesn't require containment dikes. The tank has to be at least 10 feet from any occupied dwelling and at least 10 feet from any property line.

Dave D

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2001. 5 2500 QC, LB, 4x4, Auto, 3. 54, Everything but Leather, Bright Silver Metallic, ARE K Series, Diprocal EGT, Boost and Autometer transmission Temp(sensor in the line) in an Autometer Dash Pod, SW Fuel Pressure Gauge, Westin CPS Platinum Step Bars - Black on Stainless

 

[DennyDay]

One of the worst problems with above ground fuel tanks is condensation. . That is why you want to buy fuel from a high volume dealer. Additives will help prevent algie, but may not eliminate the problem in summer months, especially in a high humidity area. Be carefull, the cost of additives may negate any savings.

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Denny
'99 2500 4X4 White short Q cab to much added to put here

 

[illflem]

I get my fuel from a 1000 gallon above ground tank on my own place and have never had contamination problems in 30 years. The key is to have the tank tilted slightly back from the outlet with a valve to occasionally drain any water from the low end. You should also have a water trap/filter on the outlet to the hose. I am supposed to have a containment wall around the tank to hold the entire contents of the tank should it rupture, but never have and have never had anyone tell me to do it.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

SO, when all's said and done, and figuring in any peripheral costs such as tank rental, etc. , is the bulk method any cheaper than what the stations are charging at the same time of purchase or filling of the bulk tank?

I can't see any great motivation if there isn't at least a FEW cents per gallon savings - I don't live all that far from some pretty low priced diesel stations...

Current low price in my area (Vacaville Ca. ) is $1. 57 per gallon at local Beacon station...

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http://community. webshots.com/user/davison71 Early '91 250, 727 AT, 307 rear... Banks Stinger exhaust, intercooler... US Gear OD... Tweaked pump, upgraded radiator... MORE than a match for every new PS Ford encountered so far...

"Dura" WHAT? NOW I know where all those recycled beer cans go...

 

[illflem]

Gary, if you have the knack you can play it like the stock market with a tank, buy low and use it when high. Heard on the radio last week that gas prices may hit $3/ga this summer, you can bet that diesel isn't far behind.

 

[The patriot]

I just went out and bought a steel 550 tank from a housing developer that over bought.
They were sitting around his place for probibally 10 years, so I offered $100. 00. He wanted almost $200. 00. SOLD!!
My only regret is that I should have gotten a drain valve welded in the bottom.
I'm using a Tokheim (sp?) hand operated pump. It's a HD job site type. I've had it for over 5 years, dont remember the price. I dont think it's made anymore.
I've been looking at some of the battery powered pumps, Northern Hydraulics have some good pumps, as does CT, TSC and Harbor freight. Problem is, for the $250. 00 ish these pumps cost, I can top off my tank. #ad

Eric
PS I dont have a containment dike either. My tank is built HD for below ground, so I'll probibally be long gone before it begins to rot.

 

[The patriot]

Kees, why dont you keep an eye on your local newspaper? I can get FREE 275 gal tanks all the time, they almost always have fuel in them!! A 275 would be much easier to move than a 550 also. I moved mine alone. Just make sure youre not getting into a rotted one. That would be more hassle than it's worth.
Just my . 02
Eric

[This message has been edited by The patriot (edited 04-16-2001). ]

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

YEAH - that pressure system looks great - and with it, you don't even need to place the tank on a stand!

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http://community. webshots.com/user/davison71 Early '91 250, 727 AT, 307 rear... Banks Stinger exhaust, intercooler... US Gear OD... Tweaked pump, upgraded radiator... MORE than a match for every new PS Ford encountered so far...

"Dura" WHAT? NOW I know where all those recycled beer cans go...

 

[Koa Man]

This tank was provided free with no rental charges as long as periodic purchases of diesel are made from the company. The gallon meter, elec. pump etc were added on by me.
#ad

 

[illflem]

Koa Man, I like the way you store your boots, or is that to keep the wheelbarrow handles dry? #ad

 

[The patriot]

Hummmm that's a good idea Bill. That would be a lot of copper to run, but I think it would be worth it.
Eric

 

[illflem]

Eric, I only used copper from the valve to the tank. My compressor is 150' from my fuel tank, the line is 1/2" Schedule 40 PVC. My entire shop air system is sch 40 PVC, no problems for 20 years. You only need have drains at any low points that you leave barely cracked open during cold weather, otherwise moisture can accumulate in low points, freeze and crack pipes. You could use air hose just as well on the tank setup.

 

[illflem]

Eric, I beat the high cost of an electric pump by plumbing the tank vent to my compressed air line. I used an air pressure regulator set at 5 psi plus two safety blowoff valves set at 7 psi, triple insurance against over pressurization. Used a stop n' waste ball valve for the air, it's mounted so it can only be turned on when the fill nozzle is removed from it's holder. When you return the nozzle to it's holder you have to close the valve which then vents the compressed air from the tank. All the plumbing is with 1/4" copper tubing. With this set up you can then use an auto shutoff fill nozzle, they require pressure to work. I can pump 30 gallons of diesel into my Ram in about 3 minutes. Before it took over 10 minutes by gravity. After the guy who delivers my fuel saw this he recommended it to some of his other customers, he says many are now using this system. I bought the regulator, blowoffs and ball valve from Grainger, all for less than $50. The auto shutoff nozzle came from Northern, it was around $50 also.