 
The New Fuel Legislation in 2011
The new EU directive 2009/30/EC means that 'gas oil' (red diesel) is now almost sulphur free, and will also contain up to 7% bio-diesel.
This low sulphur red diesel containing bio-diesel is a better solvent than current diesel and it will loosen deposits that have built up inside diesel tanks and fuel lines. If not correctly filtered this can block up vehicle filters and possibly damage engines.
Storage tank filters and vehicle filters now containing the loosened deposits should be replaced soon after the changeover, and spare filters stocked. Filters may need changing several times over in the first few months, depending on the age and condition of the tank.
New Fuel Shelf Life & Planning Your Storage
The shelf life of the new fuel is considerably less (as it is more prone to oxidation), which may lead to filter blockages. Ideally fuel stocks should be turned over in six months or less.
Check when your fuel supplier changes from summer to winter grade fuel (usually at the end of October) and ensure that you do not end up with a tank full of summer grade for the winter as this will 'wax' as temperatures drop.
A large, high capacity fuel filter fitted to your storage tank will potentially mean fewer problems will occur further down the line, so consider fitting one or upgrading.
Bio-diesels can contain up to 25 times more water than petroleum diesel, and is a perfect habitat for microbial growth. The bacteria that feed on the fuel breaks down the carbon chains, which reduces the combustible properties.
Storage tanks that have large amounts of dormant fuel due to their shape or design, are more prone to bacterial growth. This should be take into consideration when upgrading your fuel storage equipment.
Fuel Storage Legislation 2005
From 1st September 2005 legislation came into force affecting fuel storage on farms:
- The legislation now in force requires
that all new fuel tanks should be Bunded
- All "White Diesel" should only be stored in Bunded
Tanks
- Where a total of 3500 litres or more of "Red Diesel"
is stored on a farm, this should also be in Bunded Tanks
- Additionally farmers and others storing less than 3500
litres should consider:
- The Environment Agency will crack down on anyone
with a spillage, regardless of tank size, imposing
fines of up to £5000
- Diesel is now very expensive to waste in leakages
- Some fuel companies will not fill high level
tanks any more.
Since the new legislation we have received considerable
demand for tanks, complete stations, waste oil tanks etc.,
and have found TUFFA Tanks to be a very farmer friendly
business with quality tanks and competitive prices.
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