Kerosene Storage

Kerosene is what is added to diesel fuel for sub zero wintertime use; at the truck stop they call it #1 diesel fuel. We suggest that Kerosene be treated as diesel fuel using PRI-D Fuel Treatment when storing and preventing algae growth. While Kerosene will burn if left untreated for extended periods of time, it can be somewhat smokey and have a strong odor when burned indoors. Here are some tips for storing kerosene barrels, tanks, and other types of containers. Keep the kerosene in a cool area and avoid wide temperature swings. Keep storage containers free of water and harmful metals. If you are storing in plastic type containers be sure these containers can handle fuel. Be sure the tanks are clean.

To keep kerosene free of water, above ground tanks should have no contact with the ground. Underground tanks should be set in soil and rock for improved water drainage, and will require state inspection.

Wide temperature swings can be avoided by placing storage tanks and drums in the shade or painting them with reflective paint. Metals such as copper and galvanized/zinc should not be used in kerosene storage. If you use plastic, fiberglass, or other epoxy composition tanks, be sure they will stand up under the long-term hydrocarbon contact. When a large fuel tank is exposed to wide temperature swings, it should have a 2-way check valve to relieve pressure and vacuum. Most fuels produce microorganisms when water begins to collect in tanks. Commonly called algae, this stuff can be a real problem. The contamination plugs filters and causes fuel system corrosion. Biocides have been developed to kill and prevent algae, bacteria, and fungus in fuels, including kerosene. When using kerosene that have been in long term storage, don’t pump from the very bottom of the tank, and filter the fuel.

There are a lot of variables that effect kerosene storage. In general the use of a commercial grade fuel stabilizer, such as PRI-D on an annual basis will extend the useful life of kerosene for extra years. This annual procedure can be repeated between 5 and 10 times, thus giving fuel between 5 and 10 years of storage life.

Harvest Outfitters sells commercial grade kerosene treatments and additives. Power Research Incorporated (PRI) treatments preserve and restore fuel freshness. PRI-D for kerosene and home heating oil extends kerosene storage life. We recommend that for long-term storage, kerosene should treated annually at the normal dosage rate to ensure maximum freshness and performance. While laboratory tests show that PRI chemistry can preserve fuel freshness for 5 to 10 years, the length of fuel preservation is affected by the original condition of the fuel and the storage conditions. For maximum protection, follow the suggested re- treatment regimen.

PRI-D Fuel Treatment is capable of restoring and rejuvenating old kerosene. PRI-D must be blended (shaken, stirred, or re-circulated) and left several minutes to several hours to restore fuel quality. In most cases the kerosene will recover to the fuel specification.