How to Prepare Your Fuel Storage Tanks for Winter

As we enter the cold and wet winter months, fuel storage challenges are heightened for businesses, and it is imperative that you are aware of any fuel related issues to ensure your sites remain operational.

If you do not already, you must be monitoring your fuel tanks because in winter you could start to see issues or failures occurring if the fluid is not kept to a certain level. Therefore, it is advised for you to prepare your fuel storage tanks before winter and implement efficient monitoring systems that will alert you of any problems. Not only this but it helps maintain the structural integrity of the tanks and prevents future repairs.

By taking a proactive approach to your fuel tank maintenance, you not only prevent these potential problems from arising but can also make significant improvements to your whole refuelling operation, reducing vehicle and equipment downtime and repair costs, while also maximising profits.

The Potential Problems to Arise:

1. Condensation

Condensation happens when cold water vapour makes contact with a warm surface. Droplets can form on the inside walls of your gas tanks, eventually sliding down and sinking to the bottom where they can cause damage. If this occurs, you may experience engine corrosion, tank corrosion, and other costly issues.

If you keep the tank full, it can help eliminate the air inside the tank which will therefore help reduce the amount of condensation that will develop in the fuel tank. Also, condensation can contribute to the problem of phase separation of fuel so this important to monitor.

2. Gelling

Diesel fuel naturally contains some paraffin, which is a type of wax. This paraffin solidifies in the cold and at around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the paraffin will start to crystalise and make the fuel look cloudy. At 10-15 degrees, it will solidify, a process called “gelling,” and clog filters and pipes in storage tanks and machines.

So, if bringing your fuel out of the cold is not an option, additives can help prevent the gelling. You can purchase fuel with the additives already added, otherwise, you can add the additive yourself to the fuel you bought when the weather is warmer.

Preventative Solutions

Therefore, regardless of the season, it is always wise to keep your storage tanks as full as possible. A remote tank monitoring system is the easiest way to undergo regular checks and monitor the fluid level in your tank, especially when the weather condition worsens. At FuelGuard, our advanced technology systems allow for efficient remote monitoring at just the click of a button.

Through the instalment of one of our tank gauging systems, you gain the confidence that your tanks are automatically being protected and monitored with proven precisions in place. This includes wet stock management and onsite recognition for any issues that may occur during day-to-day operations such as movement or tampering.

Combining industry-leading algorithms with enhanced security, real-time notifications, and anywhere, anytime access, our products allow you to stay in control of your fuel stocks.

Whatever the weather, it is always wise to have a quality fuel tank monitoring system in place and our team of specialists are equipped to help advise you on the best solutions. To find out more about our products, what we can offer and our free available demos, simply contact us here.