These days life has become dependent on technology and gadgets, sudden power cuts are a major problem. Users not only face difficulty in using gadgets like television and Wi-Fi, but the unavailability of crucial gadgets like CCTV cameras, internet connections, and even refrigerators, makes a mess in homes. Also, when such power cuts happen in factories and in offices the loss is even more as the whole production process stops and in offices, the working gets disturbed.
The best solution for the problem is a portable diesel generator. It provides you with the desired level of output, be it for residence or commercial purposes. But even a diesel generator needs input to produce the power. And if you need an uninterrupted power supply, you must store the fuel in the best possible condition for its efficiency.
Diesel Storage is of great importance, not only because it is a source of power. But also, because it is highly igneous and small negligence can cause major accidents. Because it is the input to the generator, the working of the machine depends on it and may cause a halt in the power generation process.
Why should you look after storage?
Fuel is the input for generators and has great significance in power output. How much output you will get, depends on the fuel. So, to maximize your output you must use a good fuel alternative and also maintain it. Fuel maintenance is important as it ensures only optimum fuel is used in the process.
Storing, testing, and carrying the stored fuel are some basic pointers you must take care of. Here are some aspects you must keep in mind for proper maintenance of the fuel.
Storage options
The first step in the power generation process is the storage of fuel. You must take care while selecting the storage options. You can choose to store it in barrels, underground or aboveground tanks. But each alternative has some benefits over the other. You must select the one which suits you the best.
The underground tank is generally used all over the world as it keeps the fuel safe. These tanks ensure that nothing comes in direct contact with the fuel. The high inflammability of fuels makes it important to store them in a safe way. Also, this option allows you to store more quantities of fuel and for a longer time.
Such tanks are generally used for commercial purposes, but for residential purposes also they are suitable. For underground tanks, special permissions are required from the government.
Therefore, before investing find out which option suits you the best. Clear and firm ground is needed for installing the pipes and tank itself.
You can also use materials like wood or cement to support the base of the tank. Along with it ensure that the place does not have any chances of igniting the fuel. They can also be used to store chemicals, oils, and fuels.
An aboveground tank is another option you can use to store fuel. But it requires proper location so that nothing comes in contact with fuel. Another thing to keep in mind is to use good material for building the tank. Only that material should be used which does not react with the fuel. It will keep the fuel-ready to use, and in its original state.
As such there are no special permissions required, because you are logically just buying a piece of the container. But you should make the decision wisely as a lot of space will be covered on your premises.
Size of container
You may use any container like the barrel, above, or underground tank, but keep the size in mind. You may want a bigger-sized tank to store more fuel, but this can be harmful. Every type of fuel has a limited shelf life, and diesel should not be stored for more than six months. Therefore, you must keep in mind your usage pattern in order to use the fuel in an optimum way.
Another reason why a properly sized tank should be used is oxidation. When the fuel is kept without use for some time it starts settling down. This will cause the water content of fuel to go to the bottom of the container. The oxidation will also form tank sediments and solids which will ultimately settle at the bottom. This is how even the size of the container affects the quality of fuel. You must calculate the usage pattern for effective utilization of the fuel.
Conclusion
Storage of fuel is the major point to care about because how you store the fuel will decide how long it will remain useful. Also, the efficiency of the generator will get affected if fuel gets impure. Therefore, it is important to decide about the way you are going to store the fuel. You may choose from an underground tank and aboveground tanks. Both have their own benefits as mentioned above.
Another aspect of fuel maintenance is the size of the container. You must build the tank according to the fuel usage patterns. Keeping it unused for a longer time will degrade its quality and make it unfit for usage. Therefore, the refilling of the tank must be done at regular intervals to keep the tank and fuel in better condition.
The need of the present industrial era for fuel and the needs of the same could be easily taken care of if proper insights are taken care of. This could involve the time storage of the fuel when prices are low and getting the advantage to its maximum. However, choosing a storage tank that lasts long with the least number of losses is extremely significant.
Apart from the physical maintenance, it is important to check fuel health chemically. Testing the fuel either annually or semi-annually will ensure that it is fit for use in the generator. Along with such measures you must use fuel filters so that no impurities can enter the engine. Filters will enhance the performance of the generator and ultimately the efficiency.
