Finished bio storage - Diesel Forum

m35a2 · 11-21-2005, 01:29 AM

Can I use a tote to store biodiesel for long periods of time?I want to make as much as possible and put it directly into a tank.As I need it just fill up from that tank and try and keep it as full as possible incase of slow times.Maybe have 2 or 3 tanks(2 bio one unproccessed WVO waiting for its turn in the still).Last thing I need is to come out one day and see a biofall comming out the door when the tank fails and 320gallons of golden goodness turns into fertilizer.

TurboHans · 11-21-2005, 09:59 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Can I use a tote to store biodiesel for long periods of time?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes you can BUT "long time" is relative. If it's a few months, yes.
ALL the water has to be gone (should be anyway) to minimize the chance for bacteria to develop. It should not be sitting in the sun nor in a 100F garage (in the summer).
Also consider the high specific weight of B100. Not all totes support that weight! They first bulge then break

freds · 11-21-2005, 10:34 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Can I use a tote to store biodiesel for long periods of time?I want to make as much as possible and put it directly into a tank.As I need it just fill up from that tank and try and keep it as full as possible incase of slow times.Maybe have 2 or 3 tanks(2 bio one unproccessed WVO waiting for its turn in the still).Last thing I need is to come out one day and see a biofall comming out the door when the tank fails and 320gallons of golden goodness turns into fertilizer.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have seen a local biodiesel producer use them, though he runs the output though a very large collessing filter before he delivers. I would think the drawback for long term storage would be the extra surface especially when you get low in the tank. Maybe some form of inerting gas would help.

Spencnaz · 11-21-2005, 11:27 AM

I'm using a 160 gallon aluminum fuel tank I found at a scrap yard.

This way I can keep it out of sunlight and relatively cool when the tank is outside.

And yes, all the water has to be out of the fuel or bacteria will start to decompose the fuel. Also, water in the biodiesel can form peroxides which can collect on injector tips.

TurboHans · 11-21-2005, 11:18 PM

Freight_Train I found an article with some good info HERE.

Hope this helps!