Many businesses are pre-ordering fuel to ensure that their fuel storage tanks are in the best condition possible ahead of bad weather. Read on to find out what you need to know this Winter when preparing your fuel storage tanks.
What is a fuel storage tank?
A fuel storage tank is exactly what it sounds like: A large extensive tank that can hold a certain amount of fuel within it. Oilfast sells a range of tanks that are specific to the needs of our consumers. Ranging from 650L – 10,000L, no matter what your requirements are, we have the solution for you. A fuel tank allows you to maintain your fuel and keep it away from contamination. This is vital as a lot of the equipment used requires clean, quality fuel.
Why the worry regarding Winter?
If you have a fuel tank, then you must ensure that you are maintaining it. If you are neglecting general aftercare for your tank, then there are a number of issues that the Winter months can cause your fuel tank. Most of today’s fuel contains around 7% FAME (Biofuel): FAME is hygroscopic with water held in suspension. This is one of the main reasons why when there is a drop in temperature, storage tanks – If unmaintained – can fall victim to the frosty conditions. Further issues that can occur once the temperatures drop – fuel will become more and more difficult to use due to its thickness. This is known as cold filter plugging point (CFPP).
If you are struggling to check your tank properly, contact professional help, and they will be more than happy to ensure that your tank is clear of contamination.
What can you do to prepare your fuel tank?
The first step that you should undertake to prepare your fuel tank for the bleak Winter months is to ensure that the tank is clear of any sludge or water at the bottom.
Furthermore, you should take samples of your fuel from the middle and top of the tank fuel. Once you have these samples, you should analyse them thoroughly for water, particulate and bacterial contamination. If you need a second opinion, you can always send them off to a lab for fuel analysis, where they should provide you with a full report on the condition of your fuel.
Fuel that contains suspended water should be of particular concern; if the fuel contains suspended or ‘’free’’ water, then it must be removed through a certain filtration method. The removal of this water is vital if you wish to keep your tank clear of microbial contamination.
Diesel waxing
Both oil and diesel are extremely susceptible to gelling or waxing when temperatures are at sub-zero. What does this mean exactly? Gelling or waxing are terms to describe the congealing of diesel as it turns into a crystalline state. You will notice that this process is underway if your diesel starts to become cloudy and thickens. The next stage of this process comes in the form of the wax will become solidified; due to this, the oil will thicken, and finally, because there is little-to-no liquid left, the fuel injectors and/or filters will clog up.
Contact your local Oilfast Depot
Here at Oilfast, we are determined to make all of our commercial consumers’ day-to-day lives easier. We offer a large range of fuel tank products and services to ensure that we are providing your every need.
Contact your local Oilfast depot today if you are looking for more information.