3 FAQs When It Comes To Storing Diesel Fuel
Posted on: 13 November 2017
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You may have heard of an oil depot, which is a large industrial facility where oil and petrochemical products such as coal get stored. Oil depots, such as United Oil, are usually located near refineries so that crude oil can get converted into a usable form of energy. Some large companies that use vast amounts of diesel fuel have something similar called a diesel depot, where diesel fuel is stored.
Because diesel fuel prices fluctuate, it can be tempting to buy large quantities of it and store it. But is this really a good idea? If you have ever thought about storing your own diesel fuel, here are the answers to three frequently asked questions you might have.
1. Is it Safe to Store Diesel Fuel?
There are some safety considerations you'll have to keep in mind when storing diesel fuel. You will want to be especially mindful to do the following:
- Store the diesel fuel in an isolated area
- If the fuel is stored in a tank above the ground, build an enclosure around it
- Avoid letting water and moisture build up in your tank
- Ensure your storage tank is far away from anything that could ignite it
By heeding these guidelines, you can safely store your diesel fuel.
2. How Long Can You Store Diesel Fuel?
As soon as diesel fuel leaves the refinery, it begins to lose some of its properties, and as it ages and becomes exposed to air and water, its asphaltene content can begin to decrease.
If you need to store your diesel fuel for more than 30 days, you'll need to add the proper additives and antioxidants. Under the right conditions, and when it's kept cool and dry, diesel fuel can be stored between six months to one year.
3. Are There Any Rules or Regulations When It Comes To Storing Diesel Fuel?
Because diesel fuel can ignite and it can contaminate water supplies, it does have the potential to be harmful to people and the environment. For these reasons, there are certain rules and regulations when it comes to storing diesel fuel. These regulations can vary from state to state, and for this reason, it's important to find out the policy in your area before storing your own diesel fuel.
Most regulations have to do with whether or not the fuel gets stored under or above ground, whether or not it meets certain leak prevention measures, and the type of structure in which it gets stored.