IMPROPER FUEL STORAGE

IMPROPER FUEL STORAGE
Walking down the memory lane, man has used and still uses so many sources to generate energy. When man was still a Homo erectus (about 2 000 000 years ago), in a bid to generate heat, he substantially made do with burning of firewood to satisfy his need – heat. Over the centuries, several methods have evolved –with the previous method being a guideline for the next method- to generate energy. These methods are generally referred to as fuels. Fuels are any materials that store potential energy in forms that can be practically released and used as heat energy. Due to the relentless efforts of man as he evolved from Homo erectus to Homo sapiens (6000 BC), in his search for fuel, hydrocarbons (firewood, biofuels like alcohol; charcoal, fuel oil) are by far the most common source of fuel.
The importance of fuel cannot be underestimated, as it is an essential part of life. Civilization and technology, in their inter-woven relationship, have fuels backing them up. Household equipment and gadgets, ranging from generators to even refrigerators use fuels. In Agriculture, LP gas, diesel and gasoline are the fuels used to power farm tractors. According to an estimate made by Colorado State University on farm fuel requirements, diesel fuel uses 7.0 lb/gas, gasoline – 6.2 lb/gas and LP gas – 4.25 lb/gas. In the Transport sector, fuels are the sole powers or driving forces that make most fleets come to life. Gasoline or Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene have found their usefulness in these fields. Industrially, coal, coke, fossil fuels, etc. power most cement plants, with petroleum gearing up the automotive manufacturers. Fuel retailers are now found everywhere, making the ease of access to fuels easy.
Moreover, household fuels include kerosene, diesel, PMS, charcoal and some gaseous fuels. Due to the role fuels play in the society, their proper handling and storage is crucial. Improper handling and storage of fuel can result in leaks and spills and pose a serious threat to the quality of the environment. Once a chemical soaks into the ground, it disperses and may dissolve. Petroleum and industrial chemicals have been discovered in many groundwater supplies. This could lead, and has led, in some areas to water contamination.
Mismanagement of some fuels may pose occupational hazards, thus reducing the efficiency of what they are used for. Stale gasoline that has been stored for a long time can have some adverse effects on the motor.
A fire or explosion risk is high when fuels are not stored properly. Gasoline, which fuels the millions of automobiles that are driven each day, is highly inflammable and can flash violently when ignited.
Also, a release of odors or fumes becomes inevitable when these fuels are lackadaisically kept. This can pose serious public health and environmental consequences. Gasoline can cause drowsiness and nausea when inhaled, hence, caution should be taken when handling and storing it.
Furthermore, there is the problem of fungal growth. Diesel begins to oxidize as soon as it leaves the refinery. Sediments begin to form that would clog the monitor. Storing kerosene for longer than three months can result in bacteria and mold forming in the container. Condensation of gasoline can form algae, which can lead to the corrosion of the tank. Prolonged sunlight can degrade kerosene.
Moreover, the following include tips on how fuels should be stored properly:
All liquid fuels should be stored in containers. These containers should be obviously labeled. Containers should be sturdy, reliable and have a good seal on them. Containers that are not clear or translucent should be considered.
Knowing the shelf-lives of fuels is important.
Gasoline has a shelf-life of 2 years.
Diesel can only last for 6-12 months.
Kerosene has a shelf-life of about 3 months.
Stabilizers such as E10 gas can be used to treat gasoline to preserve it for more than its 2 years shelf-life.
Store diesel fuel for a maximum of 2 months’ worth of diesel at a time, and empty the canisters into cars or generators.
Kerosene is one of the easiest fuels to store, and is more versatile than most people think. It does not evaporate as readily as gasoline and will remain stable in storage with no special treatment.
Label the container properly, in a different colored container to ensure that it is not mixed with other fuels.
Keep kerosene outdoors, but protected from sunlight.
To protect your fuel tank from corrosion, store your lawn mower or snow blower filled with fuel and a stabilizer.
An ounce to prevention is better than a pound to cure. Fuels should be handled with care. Leaks and spills occur as a result of poor fuel storage, overfilling of tanks, loading and unloading mistakes, poor maintenance and inspection. Personnel responsible for managing stored fuel may be unaware of the design, capacity, quality, quantity, and age of the storage system. A good fuel distributor, who is knowledgeable in the pros and cons of proper fuel storage, is indeed the savior of this situation. A fuel distributor is a supplier of fuels and lubricants. He offers fast, friendly and efficient service. He shelters the fuels from the risks involved by preserving them with stabilizers; storing them in the appropriate canisters and tanks. He should organize seminars for fuel retailers, cement plants, industrial companies, car dealers, commercial farmers and owners of fleets vis-a-vis proper handling and storage of fuels. Ahead of this dark cloud is a silver lining. A good fuel distributor will finesse fuel storage.

REFERENCES
How to Store Fuel Properly: The Ready Store
Tips on Fuel Storage: American Petroleum Institute
Common Types of Fuels used in Farm Tractors: Colorado State University, Empowerment Office
Fuels; Evolution of Man: Wikipedia mobile