Beginner’s Guide to Fuel Transfer Pump: Things to Look For

A fuel transfer pump can be very useful in many situations. As the name suggests it is a tool that will help in making fuel transfer easy for you.  It basically eases your job of transferring fuel from one source to another.  It can be very beneficial if you are planning a long distance trip with your friends. It can be one of the most beneficial investment but you have to be very careful while picking the product. There are innumerable options available in the market but that certainly does not mean that you buy transfer pumps without considering a few important factors.

A fuel transfer pump or a gasoline pump comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. A motorized fuel transfer pump can be very beneficial for the farmers and contractors dealing with constructions. If you have a fleet of heavy-duty vehicles or trucks then you must know the importance of having a fuel transfer pump and a fuel tank. If you are planning a long distance trip with friends, if you have a job that requires you to travel to various locations or if you love traveling then having fuel transfer is a must.  In fact, it can serve the purpose of the mobile gas station if you are traveling to a distant location.

How to choose the right fuel transfer pump?

While buying a fuel transfer pump there are a number of things that you must consider. These points will help you in delivering the best output out of your fuel transfer pump.

What should be the flow rate?

The flow rate of the transfer pump can be easily determined by the size of the fuel tank that you are planning to refill. The speed of transferring the fuel must be controlled. To help you decide what flow rate will work for the kind of transfer you have to do let’s have a look at the following points.

•    Low speed (50 litres per minute): Vehicles like cars, forklifts, vans that are small are best suited to be refilled at this speed.

•    Medium speed (70 litres per minute): Larger vehicles like trucks, huge vans, agricultural vehicles, and various public service vehicles are perfect for this speed.

•    High speed (90 litres per minute): This speed is basically advised for large capacity fuel tanks like coaches, busses, heavy plant, mining vehicle and articulated vehicles.

Different types of fuel transfer pumps

Fuel Transfer pumps

As discussed above, there are different types of fuel transfer pumps and they come in various sizes and have different flow rates. Most popular fuel transfer pumps are definitely portable 12 volts or 15 volts which is basically a fuel pump and meter combination.

This type of fuel pumps needs a suction pipe which is cut off from the bottom of the tank and screws into the pump inlet on the bottom of the pump. Generally, these types of fuel pumps are used in tractors, trucks and other machines that are driven by engines. These type of transfer pumps offer flow rates between 10 to 30 GPM.

Centrifugal Pumps

The centrifugal transfer pump is made up of materials that are compatible with the respective fuels. These types of pumps can either be straight centrifugal or self-priming, which primarily depends on the need. Most of the times the electric motors that are used in the centrifugal transfer pumps are explosion proof this is important if you want to transfer gasoline. These pumps come in various other sizes that range between 1-1/2 ports to 6 or even larger ports. Flow rate ranges from 30 GPM to 1,000 GPM.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is the edition for diesel fuel vehicles like trucks and various other vehicles. Pumps that use this type of additive are generally different than fuel transfer pumps. DEF transfer pumps must be constructed of stainless steel and must have pipe fittings. DEF must have hoses and a special type of filters designed for them.

Useful Maintenance Tips for Fuel Transfer Pump

A properly maintained Fuel Transfer Pump can efficiently serve your needs for years. Though you might have to make some minor repairs and replace some parts, which is necessary to keep it fully functional, you will not have to buy a new gasoline transfer pump for years be it a battery operated pump or an electrical fuel transfer pump. If you want to add a few years to the life of your gasoline or diesel transfers pump then you will find following tips pretty helpful: 

      

Fuel Transfer Pump Maintenance Tips:

• Before you install the pump on a diesel generating set, make sure that the model and specifications are correct. Start with removing rust preventive oil and then choose gasket of appropriate thickness. The gasket should not be too thick or too thin otherwise piston will run improperly. Tighten torque uniformly to prevent damage to the pump.
         
• Regularly check and clean the coarse filter core in the pump. Inspect strainer regularly and repair or change if it is damaged.

• You can find a rubber seal between the hand oil pump body and the hand oil pump piston. Inspect the rubber seal regularly but do not remove. Replace if the rubber seal is damaged.

• ‘Four spring’ is divided into oil outlet valve spring, oil inlet valve spring, piston spring and tappet (roller) spring. Ensure its elasticity for plunger oil transfer pump. Replace it on time if the elasticity spring is broken or weakened. You can also make adjustments by adding a pad to avoid damage to the diesel generator.
  
• Press back hand oil pump of the generator set after using. When the pressure between the rubber ring and hand oil pump is not tight, it causes leakage. Tighten the button in order to prevent it.

• Inspect every part of the diesel transfer pump after you have not used it for a long time. If you notice sag, wear, pocking mark on the valve surface or any other similar phenomenon, repair or replace the damaged part before it starts damaging other parts.

• Corrosion is expected when the diesel generator set is not used for a long time. Pump body, piston, the tappet and tappet body are most likely to fall victim to rust. So, take all necessary rust preventive measures. The lubricating oil in the sump of the fuel injection pump often contains water and other impurities. So, replace the lubricating oil on regular basis.
     
These maintenance tips might not be helpful if you buy diesel transfer pump of below average quality.  Therefore, buy the best quality Transfer Pumps in Australia.

Why Is Extended Range Fuel Tank Motorbike Imperative For Bikers?

Do you own a bike? Do you like to go for long rides? We are very sure if you own a bike, you must have gone through a lot of bike rides. A bike is such an amazing piece of human work that you just fall in love with its ability to let you feel like a bird during riding. This is the reason bikers just do not want to stop when they get their bikes out for some fun during a long ride.

The only concern here is the fuel as the bike fun is directly proportional to the amount of fuel it has inside the tank. Obviously, you do not want to return back and miss all the fun just because you are running out of fuel. So, what is the solution? Yes, you guessed it right! It is nothing but the extended range fuel tank which provides the following benefits!

Top Extended Range Fuel Tank Motorbike Benefits

·         Emergency Fuel

The foremost benefit which the extended range fuel tank provides to the bikers is nothing but the emergency fuel. This is the sole purpose of buying it in the first place as with this supporting your ride; you will never be out of fuel. It doesn’t matter how far you go, which route you take for your ride; you will never be out of fuel as you have backing for the same.

·         Peace Of Mind

This is very important if you want to enjoy your bike ride to the fullest and make some really positive and happy memories. It is only possible when you do not have any worries and with an emergency fuel tank supporting you, you can have peace of mind for sure. You can satisfactorily enjoy your ride and not care about running out of fuel. Clear mind & happy mind!

·         Non-Stop Ride

Not only you get the peace of mind but also a non-stop ride when you have an emergency extended range fuel tank with you. Whether you are going alone or with your girlfriend, you can enjoy a non-stop ride with this extended fuel tank. Why non-stop? It is due to the fact that when bikers leave for a destination, they feel like exploring the place more and more and in order to do it non-stop, the Extended Range Fuel Tank Motorbike is essential.

·         Time, Fuel & Money Saving

This is absolutely true and you just cannot say no to this. When you have emergency fuel, you save a lot on the time, fuel, and money. You do not have to waste time and petrol searching for a petrol pump or going back towards one. This wastes a lot of fuel which is definitely expensive but it is never the case with an emergency fuel tank.

Top 5 Transfer Pump Myths Busted!

Utility gadgets have made our lives a lot easier. From smartphones that keep us connected to screwdrivers that get us along with broken machinery, it’s hard to imagine the kind of life we live today without these utility gadgets. Transfer Pump is one such gadget that saves us hours of hard work and moves any kind of liquid from one place to another with the touch of a button. These pumps have become a daily need for people facing water scarcity and a handy help for the urban settlers. Although being a real time-saving option and a durable product, these pumps have certain myths surrounding them. 

We have taken these myths in consideration and provided appropriate clarifications after consultations with Transfer Pumps Australia dealers. Let’s see what they have to say!

They Can’t Transfer Thick Oil

This claim is absolutely incorrect as transfer pumps can transfer any kind of oil, from thick to thin. The myth has arisen due to certain low-quality pumps that are unable to handle viscous oils and give up after a period of time but if you go for professional transfer pumps, they never fail to transfer thick oils and neither is their transfer rate ever affected. Hence, this myth is completely false. 

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

They Are Not Portable

This is too a sham statement as there are several models of handheld transfer pumps available on the market that can work as well as the industrial pumps. Many pump manufacturers have lightweight performance models that can easily take care of your transfer needs while you are on-the-go. These can easily fit into your car boot space or a pick-up truck.

Their Batteries Last Only an Hour

Transfer Pumps Australia manufacturers now offer newly invented transfer pumps that are battery operated. These pumps have a capacity to run for several hours at a stretch and never fail to complete the transferring process. These can transfer water, fuel, oil and many other liquids at a rate of up to 5 liters per minute. They can handle a volume of 80 liters in a single charge. 

They Get Stuck In Sludge

Gone are the days when transfer pumps got stuck due to sludge. All the new transfer pumps can take care of sludge without any problem while being energy efficient at the same time. Make sure that the liquid you are transferring doesn’t have solid objects in it such as bolts, nuts etc. Those can clog the working of the pump. 

They Are Not Preferable For Outings

As mentioned earlier, several handheld pumps now allow you to take them anywhere you go. This is especially important for long rides where you need to refuel after short whiles. Transfer Pumps in Australia are highly popular for this particular advantage among the long distance riders.

Top 4 Reasons For Carrying an Adventure Riding Fuel Tank!

Are you an adventure freak? Do you love going out on long adventure tours? If yes, you must be aware of the precautions that are required for such types of tours. Most of the adventure tours are planned at places which are far away from the busy city life. This is actually a good thing as you get to relax your mind and body from the busy working schedule.

However, the only problem with such adventure tours is the lack of basic necessities and adequate resources. You have to carry your food, water, and other important stuff with you as you never know about their availability at places far away from the city. However, this is not the biggest necessity as the biggest necessity is nothing but the fuel! Yes, you need to have a lot of fuel in order to completely enjoy your adventure trip. Let us explain the same in detail below!

Top 4 Reasons You Need an Adventure Riding Fuel Tank

1.     You May Run Out Of Fuel

The first and foremost reason for carrying a fuel tank along with you on your adventure tour is nothing but the act of preventing the fuel from running out. There are times when you plan a trip for a certain distance and in tours such as these; chances are that your destination is way ahead than you estimate. This is where an extra fuel comes handy and you do not have to return back before reaching your destination fearing for the fuel to go empty.

2.     Your Tank May Leak

When you are going on a motorbike, you can never tell about its performance in such tours. No matter how well polished and maintained your bike is, there can be any kind of technical fault with the tank of your bike. This is very rare to happen but if you are going after working for 5 days at work, do you wish to take that chance? Rather take extra fuel with you so that you can repair the tank and fill it again with the extra fuel you are carrying.

3.     Your Tour Can Extend

Most of the tourists face this problem while enjoying their adventure tour. Everything goes fine with them and their bike but somehow they realize they have the time and it would be great if they extend their tour. There is no harm in doing so provided there is a petrol station in the way. If there is none or you are not fully sure, you should not proceed. For those who are carrying a fuel tank may proceed with full zeal!

4.     For a Relaxed Mind!

This is the last but definitely not the least. Just think for a second, for what exactly are you going for? To enjoy your adventure tour, right? We all know that we can enjoy only when we are fully relaxed and have a peace of mind. With an Adventure Riding Fuel Tank, you can be assured of a successful tour without having to worry about fuel. So, start packing your bags to leave for an exciting adventure tour now!

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.