…… Kerosene and gas storage

[kyrsyan]

Two questions.

Does kerosene need anything added to be stored long term? I'm not talking K1. I'm talking the stuff you can buy at the gas stations, when you can find a station that carries it. I keep it as a form of backup heat. It is becoming harder to locate around here so I want to put more than normal back. I've stored it in 5 gallon containers for a few years with no problem, but wanted to be sure. And the venting question below also applies to larger kerosene storage.

Gasoline stored long term needs additive and I have plenty. And it's a good one. My question is more for the containers. If I put it in 20 or 50 gallon, do I need to create a vent spot? Like the button on the smaller containers?

Thank you.

 

[Illini Warrior]

you want metal containers vs poly for long term storage of any fuels - "safety containers" are tops - followed by military "jerry cans" (nothing tougher & more secure) ....

in regard to torpedo heater grade kerosene - it's a step up refined from plain diesel - you can always use the fuel conditioners for diesel - won't hurt and won't affect the burning >>> definitely a metal container - no poly for long term ....

in regard to the wick type heaters for heating rooms in the house - get the specially refined fuel - regular kerosene will ruin the wicking and likely be unable to handle the smell or soot burn .....

"lamp oil" is another form of refined kerosene - only thing you want for your home inside wick lamps ....

another common kerosene is "torch fuel" basically kerosene usually laced with citronella juice >>> only for outdoor wick pot torches or barn lanterns you leave outside for yard lighting .....

good primer on heaters & lamps & fuels >>>

http://www.milesstair.com/kero_fuel_primer.html

SWEET SMELLING KEROSENE

www.milesstair.com

HEATER INFO

wickshop.com

Kerosene Heaters

www.milesstair.com

 

[kyrsyan]

My experience has been that metal cans rust out, even when stored in a temp controlled environment. That is why I went to plastic containers. Nothing like grabbing a can to find that it's leaking at the seams. And that was K-1.

I've used gas station purchased kerosene in wick type heaters for years with no issues with the wicks. And no fumes issues. The biggest issue we've had is the air drying out, so I keep a kettle full of water on the top of them.

And definitely wouldn't use torch oil. That's almost more costly than K-1 around here. And we would have problems with the perfumes in that oil.

 

[Alaskan_Leatherhead]

You shouldn’t need to add anything, kerosene and diesel never go bad like gasoline does because there not as volatile. You want to store it in an airtight container like a nato jerry can or a drum, and keep it somewhere away preferably heated so there are no temperature changes, because this can attract moisture. Kero goes bad when it gets water in it which will eventually cause mold and bacteria to grow. The resulting mold and bacteria will break down the fuel. You can use an additive like this to help keeping stuff from growing. A good rule of thumb is to rotate your spare fuel every 2 to 5 years depending how it’s stored because kero seams to attract water. This is why you should never keep fuel in a backup heater that you never use. In Alaska everyone uses heating oil or kerosene so it’s not hard to use it up and replace your supply with fresh stuff.

 

[kyrsyan]

That's what I was wondering. I know diesel will do weird things. Same for gasoline. But I rarely keep more than a year's worth of kerosene on hand. And I am looking at putting back two years worth. It has become very hard to find around here. I have to drive out to a store in a rural area to get it now. And if they stop carrying it, I have no idea where I'll go. But if I do two years, I can rotate in a new batch while using the prior batch. It's my back up heat but it gets used more than most people think. Especially if I don't want $400+ electric bills.

Gas will be in normal cans for now. I got replacement lids and plugs for all my cans. And between them all, I'll have about 40 gallons. I store non-ethanol. And 40 gallons is two vehicle tanks full. I only end up using two to three gallons a year for lawn equipment. And I while I have good stabilizer for that, I can rotate that through my van every few months and just refill the cans that I empty.

 

[mecoastie]

Kerosene in a metal container will last forever. At my friends hunting camp there was a 5 gallon can of kerosene probably from the late 70s or early 80s. Still burned fine in the oil lamps a couple years ago.

 

[Bps1691]

The two stores that sell kerosene in one or 21/2 gal containers has been out of stock since August.

I always keep a few gallons on hand for the salamander heater in the work shop.

Found one place that had a 25 gallon can -1 on hand and when I drove there it had been sold.

 

[wvstuck]

Kerosene and diesel can go bad for two reasons.

1.) they can attract moisture. Keep a Mr. funnel on hand, it will separate all water content out.
2.) a specific bacteria can cause them to go stale. Pri D is a great treatment, refinery grade stuff to keep it fresh and clean when storing.

 

[Miles]

you want metal containers vs poly for long term storage of any fuels - "safety containers" are tops - followed by military "jerry cans" (nothing tougher & more secure) ....

good primer on heaters & lamps & fuels >>>

http://www.milesstair.com/kero_fuel_primer.html

SWEET SMELLING KEROSENE

www.milesstair.com

HEATER INFO

wickshop.com

Kerosene Heaters

www.milesstair.com

*** Plastic containers are fine for storing kerosene SO LONG AS they are stored out of sunlight. Sunlight will degrade kerosene within 6 months to where 1K "water clear" kerosene is actually yellow and burns with a strong aroma.

Mr. Funnel water filters will filter water droplets. Kerosene cloudy with emulsified water can be cleared with the addition of isopropyl alcohol. I am using kerosene I stored in old, discarded truck diesel tanks back during Y2K and it is just fine.
Miles Stair

 

[feralferret]

Kerosene and diesel can go bad for two reasons.

1.) they can attract moisture. Keep a Mr. funnel on hand, it will separate all water content out.
2.) a specific bacteria can cause them to go stale. Pri D is a great treatment, refinery grade stuff to keep it fresh and clean when storing.

I used to maintain an emergency generator with a 2000 gallon diesel fuel tank back when I was doing engineering for radio stations. You definitely need to use Pri-D or equivalent. The also make an additive specifically to prevent bacteria and mold growth in diesel and kerosene.

Cheap insurance. IMHO, better safe than sorry.