Diesel fuel is used in large semi-trucks due to its high efficiency. However, trucking companies who store bulk diesel often fail to keep their tanks stored at proper temperatures. As a result, they run the risk of developing efficiency problems with their fuel that can cost them money.

Storage Conditions For Diesel Affects Its Health

Temperature is one of the most serious problems that affects diesel fuel efficiency. While it is possible to store it in areas that are not temperature-controlled, this greatly decreases how well it runs. In fact, if trucking companies cannot keep their diesel storage centers below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, their fuel is likely to have a storage life of fewer than 12 months. However, it should also avoid falling below freezing temperatures as well. Why is temperature so important?

Temperature Affects Its Ignition Rate

When diesel fuel is affected by excessive temperatures (either hot or cold), it can end up suffering from a decreased ignition rate. High temperatures tend to cause misfires that decrease the fuel efficiency. Cold temperatures make it sluggish and harder to ignite. While these problems go away once the engine has been running for several minutes, it does impact the ignition rate.

Temperature changes often affect companies who buy bulk diesel because their storage tanks are often unattended or not properly temperature-controlled. Prolonged exposure to these temperature imbalances is likely to cause the problem to get even worse. So how can it be avoided?

Storing Diesel Properly Helps Keep It Running Smoothly

Therefore, trucking companies looking to save money by buying bulk diesel also need to know how to store it properly. As mentioned above, it needs to be stored at a proper temperature. Outdoor tanks are, therefore, not advisable as their temperature is harder to control. It also makes the tanks more likely to be subject to weathering elements, like snow, rain, and wind.

Storing diesel tanks in a large warehouse or diesel depot like http://unitedoil.net is a good idea. It will be easier to store it at the 68 degrees Fahrenheit temperature that stretches its lifespan to about 12 months. The use of interior heaters, carefully positioned away from the tanks, is beneficial to this task. Make sure to store the tanks relatively far apart from each other. About 15-20 feet should be enough. In this way, the danger of ignition is decreased.

While most trucking companies should be able to manage this storage process on their own, storing diesel at a depot is a good idea. It helps streamline the operation of a trucking operation and avoids running into the problems mentioned above. While it may cost a little more money initially, it is a good idea over the long term.