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How long can you store off road diesel & Guidelines for long term fuel storage of diesel below:

How long can you store off road diesel & Guidelines for long term fuel storage of diesel below:Photo from Unsplash

Originally Posted On: https://www.fuellogic.net/how-long-can-you-store-off-road-diesel-guidelines-for-long-term-fuel-storage-of-diesel-below/

 

Used to power agriculture equipment, home heating systems, construction machinery, and aircraft, off-road diesel is essential to the daily life of many Americans across the country. Although this form of diesel functions the same as regular diesel, off-road or red-dyed diesel enjoys a tax-exempt status, and the federal government regulates its use. For those who need to use off-road diesel fuel regularly, it’s critical to understand how this fuel is stored and how long red diesel can last before its quality diminishes and the diesel fuel had gone bad in your fuel tank. Now, on to the question: How long can you store off-road diesel fuel? Read on to find out

How Long Can you Store Off-Road Diesel?

While it can be hard to predict how long your diesel fuel lasts, typically, off-road diesel may be stored for up to 1 year without additional additives, fuel stability treatments, or biocides.

When keeping red diesel for more than a year, adding biocide or a stabilizer agent may be necessary to prevent microbial growth or oxidation in the storage tank and the gradual degradation of the fuel.

Since ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) has gained popularity, it has made fuel a lot more unstable, under the best conditions, it’s possible to store off-road diesel for a maximum of two to three years.

One of the biggest threats to the long-term storage of off-road diesel is moisture.

Given time, water in the form of condensation will form in storage containers and contribute to the growth of bacteria which can cause the fuel to take on a sludgy consistency.

Although degraded diesel may still function in equipment or vehicles, the old diesel fuel will begin to cause severe damage to sensitive internal components such as the fuel injector or your diesel engine.

So while you now know the answer to “Does dyed diesel go bad?” how can you make it last longer with proper storage?

How long does diesel take to go bad & Best Ways to Store Diesel fuel

The best approach to successfully keep the fuel storage life for a year or more is to carefully consider how the fuel is stored.

Ideally, off-road diesel should remain well-insulated from moisture and temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit to inhibit fuel degradation.

Here are the three main ways to properly store off-road diesel for future use.

Portable Cans

When storing limited quantities of off-road diesel, 2 or 5-gallon steel jerry cans are an excellent choice.

For optimal fuel preservation, opt for portable cans that comply with OSHA, DOT, CARB, and EPA standards.

While plastic storage cans are acceptable, it’s crucial to ensure the material is made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene), as other forms of plastic can begin to break down rapidly in prolonged contact with diesel fuel.

It’s worth mentioning that while HDPE may degrade at a slower rate, this material is not impervious to degradation over extended periods and can eventually lead to leaks or contaminate the fuel.

Storage Drums

Another option is to store off-road diesel in 55-gallon drums, upright or horizontally, on steel storage racks.

This method is well-suited for individuals who use dyed diesel in large amounts on demand to various job sites.

It’s important to note that, like with portable cans, it’s important to fill the storage drums to the brim and endeavor to keep them full whenever possible, as any air left at the top of the tank can contribute to condensation, which accelerates the degradation of your fuel shelf life.

Above Ground or Below Ground Stand-Alone Tank

The single most secure way to store large quantities of off-road diesel is with a stand-alone tank reserved exclusively for this fuel.

The capacities of these tanks range from as little as 100 gallons up to 1,000 gallons or more.

To help alleviate issues with fuel degradation from temperature fluctuations, keep these storage tanks in a dry, cool environment to prevent getting water in the fuel.

For improved preservation of off-road diesel in these tanks, consider placing the tank below ground.

If you go with a tank to keep your fuel stored, investing in a tank cleaning service every one to two years.

It’s important to note that OSHA compliance standards require storage tanks with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more located above ground to be protected by a barricade to prevent collision with vehicles and equipment.

In addition, the area surrounding the tank should be graded to ensure any spills or leaks do not come into contact with other structures and potentially reactive materials causing chain reactions.

Now you know how long you can store off road diesel in your diesel fuel storage tank. What’s next? 

At Fuel Logic, we provide convenient, no-contract off-road diesel delivery services that save our clients valuable time and money.

We accommodate orders of any volume, whether is only a few gallons a month to maintain farm equipment or a bulk diesel fuel order for an entire fleet of vehicles.

Our services are available nationwide 365 days a year, and we assign dedicated account managers to every order to ensure rapid, hassle-free delivery every time.

Visit us online today to learn more about our off-road diesel delivery solutions.

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Photography by Christophe Tomatis
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