Storing diesel fuel. 500 gals ? ?

[Jeff H]

Just bought a fuel tank.

How do you take care of a tank of 500 gallons of diesel fuel?Whats the best additives and treatments? Tank is gonna need painting. I thought green would work. But is there a color that is more benifical? We drained out the old stuff. Gonna get some kerosene and flush it out tomarow. Any other advise would be nice.

How often will I use it. At least 30 gallons a week for me. The ol man with be tapping into it to. But he'll probably only use 30 gallons a month.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Make sure you have an inline filter on your hose/pump however you set it up. Silver used to be popular with farm tanks but I don't know why. I have a 100 gallon tank on my truck for red fuel. I add Power Service to it when I fill (plus a lubricity inhancer for my older tractor) because it's reasonably priced and I get the size good for 300 gallons. I keep that tank full all winter for traction and only use a little unless it snows alot. Some of my other equipment sits all winter with that fuel. Never noticed a problem.

 

[illflem]

The fire dept. in my area wants fuel tanks red. Inline filter is a must, Goldenrod is easily available and inexpensive. The tank should be installed tilted away slightly from the outlet and hopefully has a plug where you can put a water drain valve. Use Permatex #2 on threaded fittings if you don't want leaks, Teflon tape won't work.

I have straight #2 diesel delivered year round, dump in the specified amount of Howe's or Power Service additive (whatever is on sale) on Oct 1. My fuel guy adds more according to how much fuel he delivers in the winter. Never a problem with gelling down to -30°. Never an algae problem either.

 

[Alan Reagan]

You also need to avoid galvanized pipe and fittings if possible. Diesel reacts with the galvanized metal in a negative way.

 

[HeberRam]

Worked oil fields and Chevron 20yrs. Aluminum coatings were and are used to reflect heat... Water separator type filter a must!!! Moisture is your worst enemy. . bacteria grows in diesel, and creates algae type growth. Make sure you have a drain line and valve to periodically drain any water etc. from tank. Tank valves and fitting should be brass... besides prevention of metal corrosion, brass is used to prevent sparking when banged around. Keeping diesel fuel tanks on the full side, prevents condensation (water) from forming in tank. . Diesel doesn't have a long shelf life, so like your truck, don't wait till you run out before re-filling, work off the top half of tank.



Steve

 

[Jeff H]

Speaking of fuel filters. There is already a Fleatgaurd with a drain valve on it. What micron fuel filter should be on there? I was thinking of a twin fuel filter set would be nice. But may be over kill.

Well All I found was Oliver green paint. Green around here signals its diesel. Red signals gas.

I'm not to worried about the fuel getting old. I'll be using about 120 to 175 gallons a month. Ol man could very with him. He could be using 30 to 100 gallons a month.

Just gotta gamble when to buy it when its cheap?

 

[MD500E]

I just finished plumbing two 600 gal jet fuel tanks into a single pump using 1 1/4 galvanized pipe. Should I of not used galv pipe? Will it react with the jet fuel (similar to kero) to cause problems? any info would help. Thanks.



Kevin

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Also to help keep condensation down keep the tank shaded or in an area that does not see huge temperature swings. That way it does not create excess condensation from radiational cooling. Kinda like taking hot soup in a pot and putting it in the fridge. My ol man had a huge problem with that and we moved the setup to the shady part of the hangar and water was reduced significantly.

 

[Jeff H]

I was thinking of putting an awning over the top? But that may come later.

 

[The patriot]

I just topped off my 550 @ $102. 9 a gallon.

I ordered a Goldenrod filter from Northern tools. $19. 99.

It says it's good to 10 microns.

Before filling up I put in two 96 oz bottles of Power service "diesel kleen".

I've had #2 in there for over 1 yr w/o any problems.

Before filling up the tank, I wanted a 3/4" bung welded on the bottom. The local welder wanted some rediculous dollar figure to do it. $100. 00 comes to mind.

Suffice to say, mine dont have a drain.

Eric



PS I have it plumbed with stainless with brass quick disconnects.



PSS If you paint it green, your supplier may be reluctant to put "red" in it.

I know they wouldnt do it here.

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by MD500E

I just finished plumbing two 600 gal jet fuel tanks into a single pump using 1 1/4 galvanized pipe. Should I of not used galv pipe? Will it react with the jet fuel (similar to kero) to cause problems? any info would help. Thanks.



Kevin

I've always heard that galvanized gas cans and tanks are the thing to avoid for long term storage. I personally wouldn't worry about the much smaller contact area of the pipe and the constant turnover of fuel in it.

 

[HeberRam]

10-4

illflem is right... small amount of galvanized pipe is "ok". . I know brass is pricey. You should at least, however, have a brass npt nipple from your nozzle or aluminum. This prevents static electricity from sparking. We also used to use a grounding cable attached from the tank to the truck when fueling, to eliminate static electricity and provide a discharge ground. although, I've seen a thousand tank set-ups without any of this equipment, good safety practices around fuel, whether at a service station or at home should be heeded... During my 20yrs. with Chevron, I've lost 5 friends, during different fueling (mishaps) in unsafe practices in loading trucks, aircraft refueling, and tank yard fuel transferring operations...



Steve

 

[Wayno]

I am burning fuel right now that I paid a $ 1. 24 a gallon for right before the 911 disaster and it still looks as good as it did the day it was delivered . I have a 551 gallon tank with a three filter racore filter system on it . I buy it cheap then sit on it till the price is high at the pumps then I start burning it . I have galvanize fittings on ever thing except the suction pipe on the pump going into the tank and I use stainless valves on both of the drains at each end of the bottom of the tank and a brass valve for a main shut off valve on the filter system . I got a fuel nozzle like the stations use and put it on the filler hose . I also put lots of fuel and anti gel additive in the tank when I have it refill and I have never had a problem .