Emergency fuel storage

Emergency Fuel Storage

People often store emergency fuel in case of power outages or emergencies. It is incredibly important to store your fuel properly, because the results of improperly stored fuel could be fatal. It is necessary to be aware of the different kinds of fuel and how each one should be stored.

LP gas: This is relatively easy to store, but also very dangerous. It can be used to power internal combustion engine, such as tractors and some other motor vehicles. This must be kept in a pressurized container for it to remain a liquid. It is only slightly heavier than air – leaks can result in an explosion. The gas will “puddle” in lower spots and if met with an ignition source, the explosion can be quite intense.

Gasoline: Though it stays as a liquid at room temperature, it easily goes stale. It must be stored away from moisture and be treated with a BHT additive. There is a product called Sta-Bil that is a fuel stabilizer and will keep the gas from breaking down. It can be found in most hardware stores. However, even when using a fuel stabilizer, you still need to rotate your stock so ensure there is no leaking and to make sure you can actually utilize the gas when you need it. It’s recommended that you rotate your stock every 6 months. You should not keep the gas in your house, or even in the garage if it is attached to house. The best place would be to put it in a shed or a garage that is not attached to the house. If you’re keeping gasoline on hand, most likely you’ll be wanting to use a generator. Do not store the gasoline attached to the generator. This could cause leaks or wear and tear to the generator. It’s recommended that you give the generator an appropriate amount of oil changes (usually about once a year unless you use it often).

Kerosene: This is the easiest fuel to store. It does not evaporate quickly, so it can remain in storage for long periods of time without being treated. It’s very versatile and can be used for heating, lighting, cooking and can usually be purchased for reasonable prices. What’s best about kerosene is that is not explosive and is an oil, not a volatile gas. One gallon of kerosene can store 134,00 btus of energy, which is roughly 50% more than a gallon of propane.

Diesel: This fuel will absorb moisture from the air, which can cause problems. Also, if left untreated, diesel fuel will create sludge. The sludge, if left long enough, will fill the entire tank, ruining the entire fuel source. You can use methanol to avoid this. Be sure to know whether you are using #1 or #2 Diesel fuel before you utilize it. The different fuels must be cared for differently. #2 is more prone to clogging in the fuel filter and you often have to add either diesel supplement , 10% gasoline or 20% kerosene.

Use some of these guides and you too can be just a little more prepared.