Motives For Storing Diesel Fuel, the Issues, and the Solutions

Because of fluctuating fuel prices of diesel fuel, many companies will opt to lease fuel storage tanks and purchase bulk fuel. Bulk fuel storage ensures that you have fuel on hand when you need it. Often our customers will ask us what, if any, are the considerations with aging fuel. In this article, we will discuss two primary points regarding fuel storage and address some of the best solutions that make fuel storage the best option for companies who purchase bulk fuel.

The Properties of Diesel Fuel Lend to the Problem

Since diesel fuel is carbon-based, this petrochemical will begin to oxidize almost immediately. As fuel begins to oxidize, it forms sediments that can be harmful, if not treated, to engines and parts that consume the products. When diesel fuel begins to form deposits and becomes gummy, it can wreak havoc on sensitive parts like fuel injectors, and fuel lines. Water is also another component of fuel mixes that can present problems. When dealing with biodiesel fuels (which inherently contain more parts of water), users may experience issues where small particles of water, which separate from the fuel mix and can damage high-pressure systems that result in costly repairs. There are treatments such as filtration and demulsification products which are available to prevent these kinds of issues; however, something as simple as keeping your tanks full can reduce this problem, as it eliminates the space in the tank where evaporation and condensation occurs. Still, a practical way to prevent issues like these can be as simple as removing the water from the bottom of the tank (water is more substantial than fuel and tends to sink to the bottom of the tank).

Jaguar Fueling Provides the Solutions

Using fuel stabilizers which act as antioxidants should be considered when storing fuel in tanks for more extended periods. Utilizing biocides which kill off organic materials that grow in fuel tanks is another piece of the equation.

For the most part, conventional fuels have a 30-day shelf-life before they begin to oxidize and cause problems. Exxon states that fuel (precisely diesel fuel) can last from six months to upwards of one-year before degradation occurs. Under the right conditions, you can store the fuel for even more extended periods if you use suitable suppliers like Jaguar Fueling Services who promote, sell, and deliver the highest quality fuels. Still, there is more to fuel storage than just renting tanks and having fuel delivered.

If you are a business who depends on fuel delivery and storage solutions from a third party, you will want to verify the quality of the fuels they offer. You might ask them if they provide fuel management systems, fuel polishing, and filtration solutions and fuel additives.

With Jaguar Fueling the answer to all of the above is a resounding, “YES!” We carry a variety of fuels including diesel and offer solutions for fleet fueling, power generator fueling, marine fueling, construction fueling, pipeline fueling, and more. We are also proud partners with FuelCloud and provide our clients with the single most advanced fuel management systems on the planet which give you the ability monitor your tanks in real-time conveniently from the palm of your hand using a helpful, and user-friendly mobile application.