Winter Fuel Storage: Consider These Factors – When the weather turns frigid, people start thinking about how they will keep their homes warm. If you have to store fuel in your home, it’s critical that you know how to store and preserve it properly and safely so it doesn’t freeze or spoil. Here are the top two factors to consider before you store fuel for the remainder of winter.
Container and Tank Prep
First, you have to think about what kind of tank or container you will need. You have two options: metal and plastic. Metal containers are more durable and can withstand higher temperatures than their plastic counterparts. Metal won’t warp or deform, so it’s better for long-term storage.
On the flip side, metal containers cost more than plastic. They conduct heat, which means they’re not safe to handle without the right insulation. Metal can also rust with exposure to untreated fuel. Plastic containers are lighter and cheaper than metal containers, but not as durable. They also can degrade when exposed to sunlight or high temperatures over time.
Before storing fuel, prepare your tanks for new fuel. You will have to clean the containers and tanks first, as dirt, debris, or old water can lead to issues when the fuel freezes.
The next step is to fill the containers and tanks as much as you can, as full tanks and containers have minimal air. Too much air leads to condensation and then water in the fuel. Store your containers in warm areas so the fuel doesn’t freeze. If this isn’t possible, insulate the tank to minimize heat loss.
Fuel Additives
Think about which additives you will need to preserve quality throughout the winter. Diesel fuel happens to be less volatile than gasoline, and won’t evaporate as easily or quickly. This results in a more consistent fuel flow to your generators. Diesel also doesn’t condense as easily on cold surfaces.
That said, both fuels need some type of additive such as fuel stabilizers, anti-gel, and anti-freeze. Gasoline requires more additives than its diesel counterpart.
Fuel freezing is a very real threat in winter. Frozen fuel expands and damages the tank or clogs the fuel lines. Expiration is another issue. Fuel may expire due to many factors, such as temperature, humidity, and changes in light exposure. Expired fuel leads to generator problems and can damage the fuel system.
Use a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from degrading and becoming unusable. When fuel breaks down, it forms a gum and sediment that can clog generators and fuel lines. Fuel stabilizers will prevent this from happening because they inhibit bacteria and fungi growth, while dissolving already-formed gums or sediments.
Anti-gel is also useful because it keeps fuel from gelling in winter. Fuel gelling is when the fuel becomes thick, which doesn’t flow well through the generator.
Anti-freeze is also needed to prevent ice from forming in the fuel tank. Moisture condenses and freezes inside metal tanks, so you need to add anti-freeze additives to combat this.
Be sure to heed these tips when storing fuel in winter.
Contact Taylor Oil for safe fuel storage and delivery.