Questions on long-term kero storage

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I need to find out the real time limits on K1 kerosene storage. Any petroleum engineers or experienced old hands out there?

I've read conflicting information concerning the length of time kerosene can be stored without becoming unusable in heaters and lanterns. Some say four months, others up to two years. I have clean, dry 55-gallon drums which can be stored in a dry, below-ground unused cistern. The temperature never goes above 65 degrees, even in the hottest part of the summer. So far, all I plan to do is add 1 ounce of 99% methyl alcohol to each five gallons to keep the condensation out. Any other insights?

Thanks, Bruce

-- Bruce (thomsonb@worldnet.att.net), March 03, 1999

Answers

I have seen kero used in a common lantern that I know to have been 8 yrs. old. Certainly not saying all of it will, but this burned just fine, course a lanter is about as simple as it gets.

You are right that water the the big enemy here.

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), March 03, 1999.


Bruce, this thread may be of some help.

http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000VoN

It starts off on a question about Petromax lanterns, but has some kerosene storage information toward the end. Hope it helps.

-- David (David@BankPacman.com), March 03, 1999.


Kerosene and Diesel fuel are basically the same thing. Kerosene is a little cleaner.

Both can be stored indefinitely, but there are a few things you need to do:

First, you need to keep it pretty dry. If you can't keep it dry, make sure you have a water separator before use in a motor (it's less important for a lamp).

Second, add some fungicide to it before sealing the lid. There's special stuff you buy for diesel fuel.

Last, avoid opening the contrainer if at all possible, especially before use. For example, we have a small pump on the top of a 55 gallon drum, and pump small quantities (around 5 gallons) when needed. The air gets equalized, for sure, but there's a lot less introduction of bacteria & fungi than opening the lid (even a small one).

If you follow these instructions, diesel & kerosene will last at least 5 years.

Jolly

-- Jollyprez (Jolly@prez.com), March 04, 1999.


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