Using a Diesel Tank - How to Keep Your Fuel Clean, Safe and Usable

All types of fuel should be stored carefully using high quality, properly maintained storage containers. Safety, obviously, is of massive importance - leaked or spilled fuels can be a disaster for both people and the environment.

And although diesel is much less volatile than gasoline, it should none the less be handled and stored with the same care.

In addition to the safety issues, if diesel is incorrectly stored, it can degrade and become contaminated over time. Follow these 9 tips to store your diesel correctly and ensure it stays safe, clean and usable for as long as possible:

1. Always buy your diesel from a reputable supplier; buying 'cheap' fuel may seem attractive, but getting it from a questionable source and finding that it's old and/or contaminated will obviously be a complete waste of money.

2. Always keep your storage tank as clean and moisture-free as possible - every time you empty the tank give it a thorough clean with a suitable cleaning solution.

3. Take care when filling your storage tank; the key is to leave enough space for expansion and contraction, but as little space as possible for condensation to form.

4. Keep it cool (but not too cool - see point # 5 below); heat will hasten deterioration, and temperature swings will lead to condensation.

5. Find out your diesel's cloud point. The cloud point is the point at which wax crystals will form in the diesel as it cools. These crystals, should they get into your vehicle's engine, can cause clogging of fuel filters and injectors. Once you know your diesel's cloud point, make sure it is kept at least 10 degrees higher than that figure.

6. Keep it dry; Water contamination can result in bacterial growth which produces slime, which in turn can clog fuel filters. Also, over time, bacteria can render the fuel useless. To counter this, add a biocide (such as FPPF Killem). Also, store your diesel in a well-sealed, full tank at a stable temperature (see point #5 above).

7. If storing in a warmer climate and/or for longer than a year, add a stabilizer (such as Sta-Bil) to inhibit oxidization. Remember that diesel will begin to oxidize as soon as it leaves the refinery; this results in gumminess and sedimentation that can clog fuel filters. Again, keeping it at a steady cool temperature will help with this.

8. Rotate your stocks.

9. When in doubt, filter. If you suspect there may be any contamination in your fuel, fill your vehicle through a filter (such as the 'Mr Funnel' type).

Follow the tips above, and your diesel should remain in a usable state for many months at a time. And never forget safety:

*Make sure whatever containers you use are designed for storing fuel.

*Don't keep it in your home; if you must keep some diesel indoors, do so in small quantities, in a well-ventilated area, and out of direct sunlight.

*Never smoke or allow others to smoke when handling diesel.

*Keep a working fire extinguisher on hand just in case


Author is an expert in diesel tank design, he also has many years of experience in installing other types of fuel tanks.