Can I Store Biofuels in Stainless Steel Fuel Storage Tanks?

Pollution is now one of the most serious concerns of global leaders. Efforts are being made across the world for decarbonising of vehicles and factories erupting the black smoke in the atmosphere. Vehicles running on clean solar energy or electricity are less efficient as compared to vehicles feeding on petroleum and diesel. When the world is looking for some eco-friendly and efficient alternatives to petroleum and diesel, biofuels are said to have the potential of fulfilling the need of clean liquid fuel. And, the good effects of biofuels have been seen in the study conducted by Renewable Fuels Associations.

According to Renewable Fuels Association, over 232 million metric tonnes of carbon have been eliminated with the help of biofuels since 2007. That amount of carbon can be eliminated by keeping 5 million cars off the road.

Despite being a good friend of the environment, biofuels have been ignored till now. However, biofuels are becoming common in the petroleum industry. Both consumers and regulators are understanding the importance of eco-friendly products. However, this awareness has surfaced many questions in the minds of people who need to store biofuels. The very first question is –

Are biofuels compatible with steel fuel storage tanks?

This is what we are addressing in this blog. According to researches and studies conducted so far, it has not been shown that biofuels are incompatible with the extended range fuel tank or any other tank made from steel. The Steel Tank Institute also finds the same in its studies. Here is the statement of STI –

“all makes and models of steel tanks manufactured in any time period…are suitable for use with all blends of fuels meeting ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards.”

However, components being used in the tank should be from approved manufacturers only and the biofuels shall not interact with the environment.

Is There Any Risk Associated With Storing Biofuels In Steel Tanks? 

Some owners of steel fuel storage tanks complain that their tanks have been corroded due to biofuels. However, it is not because of the composition of the tank. It is because of the nature of the biofuels. The concentration of ethanol in newer biofuels is relatively high and therefore it absorbs more water from the environment. This can trigger the formation of layers in the tank. It is not the fuel that causes the corrosion; it is the way it interacts with the environment.  

You can store biofuels in the tank. However, you have to prevent biofuels from interacting with the environment.  

Inspecting and Correcting Problems of Water Transfer Pump - 2

In the last blog, we have discussed how you can inspect and correct water transfer pump problems you might have to encounter. There are some problems that can stop the progress of the most household chores and industrial processes. When the pump stops working and there is not any backup, it is important to locate the problem and treat the pump to restore the adequate supply of water. There are some issues in the pump that you can address on your own. However, it is not recommended if you do not know the pump from inside out. If it appears that you cannot repair the pump, calling a professional is a wise move. In continuation of the previous blog, here are some more water transfer pump problems.

Problem Incorrectly set or stuck pressure regulating valve. Inspection Inspect valve setting and look for a defect in the valve. Solution    Reset and clean the valve. If it is required to replace the valve, replace it.

Problem Leak on well to pump suction Inspection If it is a shallow well unit, attach a pressure gauge on the suction side. In case of deep well system, install the pressure gauge on the pump. After closing the discharge line valve, apply 30 PSI pressure to the system using an air compressor. Now shut off the compressor. If the system is unable to hold the pressure, there is leakage.             Solution Make all above ground connections tight. You might have to pull piping and repair leakage.

Problem Low level of water in the well.    Inspection Check the depth of the well against the performance of the pump. Also make sure that the ejector of the proper size is used.      Solution Replace the ejector or the pump if undersized.

Problem Combination of the pump and ejector is wrong. Inspection Check the ejector and pump model against the performance charts.   Solution If the ejector is of wrong model, replace it.

Problem Frozen pipes Inspection Check the temperature of the pipe.   Solution Heat the pit or the pump house.

Problem Plugged impeller, or defective or worn pump parts.   Inspection If the delivery is low, it is because of defective or worn impeller or other part of the pump. Therefore, disassemble and inspect the pump.     Solution Repair or replace pump parts.

Problem Plugged ejector.   Inspection Remove and inspect the ejector. Solution Clean the ejector and reinstall it.

Problem Plugged or defective foot valve. Inspection Check the water delivery. If it is low, the foot valve might be partially clogged. If there is no delivery, the foot valve is completely clogged. Pull and inspect the foot valve. Solution Clean or repair the foot valve. Replace if required.