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.