Stop Siphoning Fuel With Mouth, It Can Be Dangerous. Use Fuel Transfer Pump

As the name implies, the fuel transfer pump is used for transferring fuel from a container to tank, tank to container, container to container and tank to tank. It can be dangerous siphoning fuel with mouth. It can be fatal if you swallow. Therefore, do not suck the fuel out of the tank with mouth. It can cause significant damage to your stomach and even nervous system. Swallowing too much of the fuel can also cause death. Always make use of a fuel transfer pump when you are transferring petrol, diesel or any other liquid fuel.

You are not exposed to fuel vapours when you are using a fuel transfer pump. The fuel consists of various hydrocarbons, alkenes, paraffin and some other compounds.  Hydrocarbons present in the fuel vapors emitted in the atmosphere can be a major problem as these are one of the contributing factors to the depletion of the ozone layer.

Siphoning fuel with mouth on regular basis increases the chances of inhaling vapours. With this, you are subjecting yourself to the risk of tumours. Many of the components of these vapours are carcinogenic (any substance that has the potential of causing cancer). Studies have also evidenced that regular and prolonged exposure to fuel vapours can reduce the number of good red blood cells. And, it increases the number of malformed and under-functioning red blood cells. However, all these health risks can be avoided by employing a fuel transfer pump.

Using a Fuel Transfer Pump

A fuel transfer pump can be hand-operated or motor-operated. It is of great use when you have to transfer fuel into the tanks of cars, tractors, planes, dirt bikes, snowmobiles or any machine using fuel. In various industrial applications, you have to transfer materials that you cannot touch with your hand. A fuel transfer pump with simple design consists of three basic components – power supply, motor and hosing. There are two hoses in a pump – inbound and outbound. Inbound hose is inserted into the container containing the fuel and the outbound hose is inserted into the tank that is to be filled. Turn on the power supply. A battery operated liquid transfer pump can be anywhere.

However, it is important to be careful when you are transferring fuel. Use the fuel transfer pump in well ventilated area. Be careful when you are using the pump near electronic devices, hot surfaces and static electricity.

In a nutshell, you are putting your health at risk by siphoning fuel with mouth. Therefore, always use fuel transferring pump and that too in well ventilated space. 

Simple Tips for Preventing Fuel Contamination

The performance of a vehicle or any other machine operating on gasoline can be adversely affected if the quality of the fuel is below par. Contaminants in gasoline have always been thorns in the skins of fuel handlers. The fuel needs to be protected. The value of the fuel goes down when it contains contaminants. Apart from affecting the performance of the machine, it can also be a major cause corrosion of the tank. 

Fuel contamination – Causes

Mixing biodiesels  

Mixing biodiesels increases the chances of contamination as biodiesels are easily oxidized. Reaction taking place between biodiesels and oxygen result into peroxides. This eventually results in the formation of acids. These acids further form resins and gums. Resins and gums can block fuel filters.  

Water

The prevalence of water with biodiesel is more than conventional diesel. People usually think that the water issue exists with ethanol only. However, biodiesel absorbs more water. The real potential of microbial colonies is surfaced when a layer of water is accumulated.

Apart from these two, there are a few other contaminants contaminating fuel such as:

Dirt

Rust

Sand

Usually, these contaminants are introduced when you are handling the fuel, for example, when you are transferring the fuel using a gasoline transfer pump.

Remedies

Contamination of gasoline is a major issue. However, this issue can be addressed easily. Following are the suggestions for fuel handlers:

Buy Fuel from a Reputable Store

Reputable distributors of gasoline take all preventive measures to address this issue. They turn over higher volumes of gasoline. Therefore, they always make sure that this problem is not passed to you.

Keep Tank Clean and Well Maintained 

Tanks require regular maintenance. It is important to clean the tank on a regular basis as rust in the tank can also contaminate the fuel. Even when there is no additive in the fuel, it can get contaminated when the tank is not clean and well-maintained.

Keep the Gasoline Transfer Pump Clean   

    

Contaminants like dust and dirt are also added when you are transferring fuel. Therefore, make sure that the gasoline transfer pump is clean and well maintained.

Filter Fuel

Run the fuel through a filtration system when you fill up the tank.

Conduct Regular Test 

Testing the fuel regularly for water and microbes will help in keeping this problem at bay. Prevent the establishment of microbial contaminates using biocides after every 90 days.

Contaminated fuel can damage the engine. Therefore, transfer fuel using a clean gasoline transfer pump, keep the fuel transfer pump clean and well maintained, and take the remaining preventive measures. 

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.