Posted: 10/26/2007 12:09:26 PM EDT
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I know bought Diesel storage but any one have information on long term bio-diesel storage? B20, b99 specifically. How do they do after a couple years? |
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Intresting Google find, talking abought blow-boats but still intresting read. www.cytoculture.com/Biodiesel%20Handbook.htm STORAGE CONDITIONS FOR BIODIESEL Biodiesel can be stored for long periods of time in closed containers with little head space. The containers should be protected from weather, direct sunlight and low temperatures. Avoid long term storage in partially filled containers, particularly in damp locations like dock boxes. Condensation in the container can contribute to the long term deterioration of the petroleum diesel or biodiesel (see below). Low temperatures can cause the Biodiesel to gel, but the Biodiesel will quickly liquefy again as it warms up. In cold weather (near or below freezing), additives can be used to prevent gelation (fuel additives for diesel fuel used in cold weather are available from Exxon, Hammond, and other manufacturers). Fuel tanks should be kept as filled as possible (regardless of whether they contain Biodiesel), particularly during rainy winter months or periods of inactivity, to minimize the condensation of moisture. Condensed moisture accumulates as water in the bottom of your tank and can contribute to the corrosion of metal fuel tanks, especially with petroleum diesel that also contains sulfur. The condensed water in the fuel tank can also support the growth of bacteria and mold that use the diesel and Biodiesel hydrocarbons as a food source. These hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria and molds will grow as a film or slime in the tank and accumulate as sediment over long periods of time. These hydrocarbon-degrading microbes are frequently referred to incorrectly as "algae" in advertisements for fuel treatments, perhaps because the colonies often have a reddish orange color and tend to form mats. Petroleum diesel and Biodiesel are both susceptible to growing microbes when water is present in the fuel, but the solvent action of the Biodiesel can also cause microbial slime to detach from the inside of the tank. The accumulation of the newly released slime and sediment can be very dangerous if it clogs the fuel filters and causes the engine to suddenly stop. It is very important to monitor the filters on a diesel engine that has been switched over to Biodiesel, particularly if the tank is old and has not been cleaned. Biocides are available at marine stores to treat diesel fuels suspected of having microbial growth. The biocides are chemicals that kill bacteria and molds growing in fuel tanks without interfering with the combustion of the fuel or the operation of the engine. Used in very dilute concentrations, the biocides can inhibit the growth of microbes over long periods of time. These products are very toxic and should be used only as directed by the manufacturers. Precautions should be taken to avoid any contact with the products (wear gloves and eye protection) and to prevent any spills or drips. It is important to remember that the biocides may kill the microbes, but they do not remove the accumulated sediment, so expect to replace fuel filters often as the debris is drawn from the tank. In some cases, it may be necessary to have the fuel filtered and the fuel tank cleaned by a professional fuel filtering service. The microbial slime and sediment problem seems to worsen for boats that are used infrequently since the inactivity allows the microbes to accumulate in stable colonies. When the boat is used again, the slime and sediment can break loose and accumulate in the fuel filters. Accumulated sediment in fuel filters can then interrupt the flow of fuel and shut down the engine, potentially with disastrous consequences. In recent years, several sailboats have washed up on beaches on account of clogged fuel filters with ordinary petroleum diesel caused by the sudden agitation of tank sediments when the boat encountered rough seas off shore. As mentioned earlier, the addition of Biodiesel to a dirty fuel tank can accelerate the release of accumulated slime. When the boat is then used after sitting idle for a long period of time, the newly suspended sediment can accumulate and potentially clog the fuel filters. We urge all boaters to check their fuel filters often and be prepared to change them after they introduce Biodiesel to an older fuel tank that may have accumulated slime and sediment. |