Bunded Diesel Tanks for Storage

Diesel possesses a very high vapour flash point that cannot be ignited at room temperature and as a result, it is not as dangerous as petrol. Because of this, the law concerning the storage of diesel is less stringent in comparison to some other fuels. However, diesel is to be carefully handled because a spill or leak could still severely damage the environment and there could be accidental ignition as well.

Diesel is supposed to be carefully stored in a suitable diesel tank which satisfies government legislation as it relates to properly storing hazardous substances and fuels. Stationary bunded diesel storage tanks such as diesel tanks, which can provide above ground or below ground storage, are the safest and most effective methods of storing diesel fuel of any significant amount.

Importance of Regular Maintenance
After being used for a while, fuel pump dispenser components could fail, gauges and meters might give inaccurate readings and leaks could show up in the pipe work. An undetected leak could result in hefty fines and very high-priced clean up costs. These situations can be taken care of by carrying out multi-part checking of the fuel storage installation in its entirety. It is recommended that this be done once per year or every six months for high volume users.

Contaminated Diesel Fuel
This stored fuel could easily become contaminated over time. Microbes can readily thrive and multiply in a diesel tank. They live in the water and use the fuel as their food source. As these microbes grow and multiply, corrosive organic acids, slime and sludge are produced by them. The products cause poor combustion and loss of engine power. Fuel filters become blocked and the life of the components is reduced, thus escalating servicing costs.

There is a percentage of biofuels in diesel fuel and more water is absorbed by biofuels than petroleum diesel; therefore, microbial contamination is an escalating issue. Water can get into a diesel tank through condensation and vents. Paint flakes, rust, dust, dirt and ethanol can contaminate the fuel as well. This problem can be addressed by fitting particle and water filters to the fuel lines.