How to Store Dyed Diesel Safely and Effectively

Dyed diesel plays a vital role in operations throughout industries such as agriculture, construction, and power generation, and is the tax-exempt fuel that is instrumental in keeping heavy equipment, tractors, and generators operational. While providing your business with savings in operating costs, the ability to store dyed diesel will create additional operational responsibilities for your company pertaining to quality, theft-related issues.

When storing diesel, compliance is important; however, you should also be looking at how to ensure your investment in fuel and the equipment that you are dependent on is safe and efficient. If a diesel fuel is not stored properly, it can lead to the contamination of the fuel, damage to your equipment, or lost time and a drastic reduction in productivity due to downtime. This manual has been prepared to assist you in understanding the best practices for safety while protecting your investment, equipment, and business.

Understanding the Fuel

Before storage can be addressed, it is important to know what the fuel is. The primary differentiation of red dye diesel vs regular diesel is not one of performance but rather taxation and legal usage.

red dyed diesel is chemically identical to a standard diesel fuel purchased at a retail pump. Vendors merely add the red dye to identify that it is tax-exempt from the road tax associated with fuel utilized in licensed road vehicles. “Standard” on-road diesel fuel may also be referred to as clear diesel. 

Some approved uses:

– Agricultural tractors and farm equipment.

– Construction equipment such as bulldozers and excavators.

– Back-up power generation for commercial facilities.

– Refrigeration on trailers.

That being said, it is illegal to use dyed diesel in an on-road vehicle, and violations of these laws are subject to a stiff fine.

Choosing the Right Storage Tank and Location

The tank is vital to safe fuel storage. When you choose a tank, ensure it is specifically oriented and rated for diesel fuel. It’s also recommended that tanks be built from steel to withstand degradation. Your tank should be structurally sound and free of rust, leaks, or damage.

Your tank location is equally important. For efficiency and safety, you’ll want to ensure your tank is at the following:

• On a level, stable surface or pad to avoid any potential leakage. Concrete is the best option.
• Away from potential debris, buildings, ignition sources, and traffic areas.
• In an area that is easily accessible for the delivery truck to refill more safely and efficiently.
• In a well-lit, visible area to deter thieves.

Partnering with a Reliable Fuel Supply Partner

Once your tank is in its designated spot, your main concerns should be maintaining the quality of the fuel inside your tank and securing it from theft.

• Preventing Water Contamination: Water is the worst enemy of stored diesel. The tank can be compromised by two main sources of water: condensation inside the tank and an improperly sealed fill point. Water has the potential to foster the growth of microbes, commonly referred to as “diesel bug,” which will create sludge that can clog your filters and damage engine injectors. 

• Procurement Security: An on-site fuel tank can easily make you a target for theft. Be sure to always use a good lock on both the fill cap and dispensing nozzle.

• Regular Inspections: Add a task to your to-do routine and visually inspect the tank, hoses, vents, and nozzles for leaks, cracks, or corrosion integrity. Catching small problems early can prevent making a major and costly problem down the road.

Partnering with a Reliable Fuel Supply Partner

The easiest way to conquer the complications of fuel storage is to work with an experienced fuel supplier. Quality bulk diesel suppliers go above and beyond just delivering fuel: they provide a complete solution.

As a trusted leader in the industry, Ricochet Fuel Distributors, Inc. offers an entire diesel fuel supply program. We are equipped to provide and install a compliant, properly maintained on-site tank fully suited for your fuel supply needs. We can provide reliable, scheduled fuel deliveries for your usage, and even help you with next-generation fuel management systems, including diesel cards, that can help you secure and track your proper inventory. We take the guesswork out of the equation, ensuring your fuel supply is safe, clean, and ready to go when you need it.

Conclusion

Proper storage of your red-dyed diesel is an essential part of effective operation in your business. The right equipment and measures to prevent contamination and/or theft, in addition to the right precautions, ensure the quality of your fuel, as well as the well-being of your machinery.

Working with an experienced distributor of fuel aids in all of this, giving you the peace of mind to focus on doing what your business does best.

Contact Ricochet Fuel for all your dyed diesel, on-site tank, and fuel supply needs.