Polyethylene is a typical synthetic material used in the manufacture of plastic storage drums, such as the famous blue plastic barrel seen in warehouses all over the world.
While plastic drums can be used for a variety of things, from storing food to transporting hazardous waste, businesses frequently question ITP’s staff if they’re safe to use for storing diesel fuel.
Yes, polyethylene plastic (especially a specific plastic oil drum) is safe for storing diesel fuel, although there are some limitations to how long it may be securely stored. Our team shows how polyethylene plastic may be used to safely store diesel in this post, as well as what you should be aware of while using it for fuel storage.
Is it possible to keep diesel fuel in a poly tank?
You can keep a little amount of diesel fuel in portable 5-gallon gas cans that you take to the gas station if you need to store it. You’ll need specific storage containers for greater amounts, such as 55 gallon drums or a stand-alone tank.
Depending on the site and local requirements, larger diesel tanks constructed of metal or specially formulated polyethylene might be erected above ground or below ground. When necessary, these tanks can also be installed on the rear of trucks. The exact size of the tank is determined by the amount of fuel you need to store.
Is it possible to store fuel in a poly tank?
Volatile compounds with low flash points, such as those with a flash point of less than 140 degrees Fahrenheit (flash point), should not be stored in polyethylene tanks. It is unsafe to store these compounds in a polyy tank, such as gasoline or xylene. Static electricity generated within the tank can be a major concern since HDPE cannot be adequately grounded. A chemical storage tank made of grounded stainless steel or fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) would be a safer solution.
Is it possible to transport diesel in plastic containers?
If you need to store big amounts of diesel fuel, such as at a gas station or industrial use, you must follow OSHA, EPA, and DOT standards. According to OSHA, inflammable liquids such as diesel fuel must be stored in proper containers that are secure and away from other dangers. Metal, plastic, or glass containers must be kept away from other sources of heat or areas where vapors can build.
How long will diesel survive in a plastic container?
It’s unlikely to take as long as you imagine. After you put fuel in a container, it only takes a few months for the quality to deteriorate much less if the fuel is tainted in any way.
Petrol has a six-month shelf life when stored in a sealed container at 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and just three months when stored at 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The more heat it is subjected to, the faster it will blow up.
You’ll be able to keep the container for even shorter time if it’s not well sealed, and there’ll be an elevated fire risk owing to combustible vapours escaping.
Diesel, on the other hand, can be utilized for six to twelve months before becoming ‘gummy,’ which can clog filters and cause engine problems if used.
Is it true that diesel dissolves polyethylene?
Polyethylene is used to make plastic barrels for industrial use because it is a tough yet pliable plastic. HDPE, or high-density polyethylene, is used to make industrial-grade plastic barrels that are specifically designed to hold industrial items.
Food-grade HDPE drums are safe enough to store edible, consumable commodities before they reach the market, while hazardous waste drums are sturdy enough to hold hazardous waste for long periods of time. Plastic drums have a wide range of applications, so it’s no surprise that they can also be used to store diesel fuel.
However, before you start filling plastic drums with fuel, make sure the drum is marked as acceptable for use as a plastic oil drum and that it was made of HDPE. Not every plastic can properly contain diesel fuel without polluting it or breaking down quickly.
You must still evaluate how long you can securely store the fuel once you have an industrial standard plastic oil drum. Unfortunately, diesel fuel cannot be stored in plastic drums indefinitely. Even if the drum is made of HDPE, the diesel will react with the plastic polymers over time. The plastic will eventually degrade, resulting in leaks. The diesel fuel may also begin to break down and become unfit for use.
Diesel fuel should not be stored for more than six months, according to government standards. You must then replace your drum and dispose of your diesel fuel. Other factors may have an impact on this limit. Extreme heat or temperature variations, for example, will cause the fuel to breakdown more quickly.
Is it possible to use polyethylene with diesel fuel?
Yes, polyethylene plastic (especially a specific plastic oil drum) is safe for storing diesel fuel, although there are some limitations to how long it may be securely stored.
Is it possible to put diesel in a jerry can made of plastic?
It won’t make a difference if it’s a steel or plastic Jerry, as long as it’s for fuel and in excellent working order. Fill the can with diesel when it has been emptied. Any petrol residue will not be a concern.
Is it possible to put diesel in a milk jug?
Milk jugs, antifreeze jugs, glass containers, and many ‘gas cans’ aren’t designed to transport or store gasoline. Some plastics, as they age, become brittle and incompatible with gasoline. Other containers aren’t sturdy enough to sustain the pressures of temperature changes, which cause expansion and contraction.
Is it possible to store diesel fuel in a galvanized tank?
Storage tanks made of hot-dip galvanized steel can be used to prevent corrosion from gasoline, oil, and diesel. Zinc corrosion products cause particulates to build at the bottom of the gasoline tank, which is a source of concern. These particulates can block gasoline systems, but they are rarely an issue if the storage tank is large enough and the fuel is properly filtered. The improved atmospheric corrosion protection of a hot-dip galvanized coating will benefit the exterior of the tank as usual.
Is it possible to store fuel in plastic?
Fuel is required for safe and comfortable living. Fuel (particularly gasoline) is one of the most crucial commodities to keep on hand if you’re preparing your home for a crisis. Plastic barrels are a common storage option for a variety of emergency supplies. So, is it possible to store fuel in a plastic drum? The quick answer is no, gasoline or any other fuel should not be stored in a plastic drum. In this post, we’ll look into why this is, as well as some alternatives for safely storing your gasoline supplies.