Re: [MV] Petrol and Diesel Storage capabilities

jonathon (jemery@execpc.com)
Fri, 16 Apr 1999 20:49:23 -0500

>As you've noticed, diesel fuel is pretty stable stuff when it comes to shelf
>life. Being less volatile than gasoline, it doesn't break down quickly. The
>big problem with long-term diesel storage is algae. This stuff _loves_
>diesel fuel, and will happily grow large colonies in your
tank/barrel/whatever.
>Imagine trying to run soupy Malt-O-Meal throu your filters! 8-( To keep
>these little guys from ruining your supply, add an algicide to your fuel.
>Stanadyne makes some good stuff; you can find it at any fuel injection
>shop or truck stop. Keeping the algae and bacteria out of your tank will
>save your filters and your pump!

People with fuel oil tanks have similar problems. I've always wondered if
the bacteria is aerobic or anaerobic??? Does algae have a preference for
air or not. IAW, would removing the air (oxygen) from the tank help any?
Like purge it with argon (if you have a tig welder or something).

je

>>Stabil says that their stuff can extend shelf life up to 14 months, I'd
>>guess you could go up to about 2 years in a closed container with Stabil
>>added.

A chemist once told me that all 'Stabil' is, is a bacteriacide. He said
that Xylol, available from most hardware stores, works as well, but I never
tried it.

je

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