When using a diesel generator, it is important to store diesel fuel in order to make sure that you do not fun out. However, it is important to note that diesel fuel can go bad over time, meaning that it cannot be used. On average, diesel can only be stored for between 6 and 12 months, however, there are ways to prolong its life and things to watch out for. To help you out, we have compiled a list of tips that will help your diesel last longer.
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How To Prolong The Life Of Diesel Fuel
In order to make your diesel last longer, you will need to ensure that it is clean, and kept in a cool environment. Ideally, diesel should be kept at a temperature of around 70 degrees. Treating your diesel with biocides and stabilizers will also prolong its life, and it should be maintained properly according to safety guidelines.
What Are Threats To Your Diesel Quality?
If your diesel is not kept at the conditions listed above, there are three main threats that can affect the quality of your diesel. These factors can lead to your diesel degrading quickly after around the 6-month mark.
- Hydrolysis
- Microbial growth
- Oxidation
Below you will find some more information about them, and how to avoid these threats.
Threat From Hydrolysis
Hydrolysis is the name of the reaction created when diesel is exposed to water. The water breaks down the diesel meaning that it is not useful anymore. Hydrolysis can occur when condensation builds up on the roof of the diesel tank, eventually dripping down into the diesel. This not only breaks down the diesel but also leads to a higher risk of microbial growth. Another way that diesel can be contaminated with water is if rainwater gathers on top of the diesel tank, causing it to rust and wear down, eventually letting the water leak into the tank.
How to Prevent Hydrolysis
There are many short term and long term ways to try and reduce the likelihood of hydrolysis in your diesel tank. To reduce the risk in the short term, you could treat your fuel with demulsifying properties that help separate the water from the fuel, meaning that they do not mix. Some diesel tanks nowadays are equipped with a Fuel Water Separator (FWS) which does this for you. Keeping the diesel topped up so that the tank is full is also a great way to reduce the risk of hydrolysis, as condensation is less likely to build up in a tank that is full. Furthermore, it is good practice to check your diesel tank after a period of rain, to make sure that water has not pooled on top of it, or that the tank has not rusted.
In the long term, you should be aiming to check the tank weekly to ensure that the diesel lasts as long as possible. Adding this to your business’ weekly maintenance schedule is an easy way to do this. In order to prevent the rain from damaging your tank, building a roof above it will help reduce the build-up of water on the lid, or if you have the budget, investing in an underground storage system gets rid of this problem altogether. You should make sure that you fully empty and clean out the tank at least once every ten years to help both the fuel and the tank last longer.
Threat From Microbial Growth
As mentioned above, water in your full can lead to increased microbial growth. This can adversely affect your diesel as the microbes produce acids that can break down the fuel, clog tank filters that restrict the flow of the diesel, and corrode both the tank and the generator engines.
How to Prevent Microbial Growth
One of the best ways to prevent microbial growth is to stop water contaminating the fuel – see our advice above for this. Additionally, adding biocides to the diesel will help stop microbes from multiplying and spreading, as well as killing any existing microbes. Preventing biofilm is also very important. Biofilm is a thick layer than can grow between the diesel and the water. This can stop biocides from working, so it is important that this is cleaned out before adding in biocide to eliminate microbial growth.
Threat From Oxidation
One last thing that can impact the life span of your diesel is oxidation – a process where diesel reacts with oxygen as it leaves the refinery. This then degrades the fuel over time, reducing its lifespan. This will also impact the tank that stores the diesel as it can corrode it and lead to sediment which can clog the filters. Oxidised fuel can also damage the engine of your generator, leading to a costly replacement.
How to Prevent Oxidation
Unfortunately, oxidation cannot be fully prevented, however, it is possible to reduce the effects of it. Firstly, keeping the diesel tank cool will help. Ideally, the temperature should be between 20-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Tanks stay cool if they have a roof over them to protect them from direct sunlight, or if they are an underground tank. Adding treatments to your diesel will also help – for example adding fuel stability treatments to stop it from breaking down as easily. It is important to choose treatments that are only designed for diesel, rather than ones that claim to work on multiple fuel sources as these are less effective.
Conclusion
In general, diesel will last between 6 and 12 months however there are ways to keep it for longer. Avoiding issues above such as microbial growth, oxidation and hydrolysis are vital in maintaining your fuel. To protect it further, it is important to keep the diesel and the tank well maintained using the tips above – checking the tank regularly and adding treatments into your fuel to stop it from breaking down. If you are looking for more advice on how to prolong your diesel, please feel free to contact us. Our expert staff are always on hand to give advice and recommend the right products and maintenance for your generator.
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