Barrel storage of fuel -gas

[Brad454]

Hi all. My third post here. I have acquired a couple of metal 55 gallon drums with removable lids. They are very heavy duty and have beefy closure rings. I am hoping to use them for gas storage in an upright position. They are not food grade barrels, but previously held chemicals of some sort. The insides are in great shape with what appears to be an epoxy paint coating. Do you think they would be acceptable for gas storage?

Thanks Brad

[Grinnan Barrett]

Any time you store gasoline you need to treat it. Check with JRH for product to treat your store fuel. I don't see why a metal drum should not work. Especially if you keep it upright. We ship stuff in metal barrels that will eat plastic up like it is bread. One thing you probably want to consider is to rotate your stored gas. That way you know you have good gas. Even treated gas will deteriorate after long term storage. I am also not sure about venting and grounding. I am sure of one thing there will be someone here who has done it before.

On second thought you need to check with Hawk_308 since he is a petroleum tech. I am sure he could answer this question in a minute. GB

[Brad454]

Thanks
I already have some PIR-G. I read thru some posts concerning venting and it seems the consensus was not to vent, but store in the shade. Of course I am open to other ideas, opinions.

[Benn Gleck]

I have a drum I use to store fuel but its not painted inside.

I would test that paint to make sure it isn't dissolved by gasoline before I filled it.

[Bull]

I would check the paint if possible as well. It might be a coating specifically to limit interaction with the metal, and resist chemicals, from the history of them, and you may have no problems. But it would suck to find out it dissolved, and then clogged up your fuel filters and system when you try to run it. I have a 55 gallon plastic drum I fill in the spring, save until after hurricane season, and then begin to use, and that has been fine without treatment, although I might be pushing it. I'm definitely not saying you shouldn't treat it, because that is best. Just giving you an idea how long I've found gas to last for me, without using treatment. I haven't have any problems and have done this for the past 4 or 5 years. I don't vent mine, and keep it in the shop in the backyard. (no smoking) you can get a faint smell occasionally, but mine holds the fumes really well, and I have never noticed a strong enough smell to be concerned about it sitting inside the shop. Mine is not the type with the lid though. I just have the cap I can remove and install a barrel pump. Those lids hold pretty good though, as long as the gasket is good. If it is going to be upright, you want to make sure it is somewhere it can't be rained on, and preferably as far from moisture as possible. The container will swell when it heats, and then as it cools and shrinks, it can suck in the moisture that has settled on the top, through the lid seal. This is why hydraulic oil barrels are always stored on their side. You'll probably be fine as long as it can't get rained on, and is kept in the shade to minimize temperature shifts. I would definitely rotate them out so that they get used and replenished. If you have two, and you do that, you will always have at least 1 full one.

[crossbow]

Hi all. My third post here. I have acquired a couple of metal 55 gallon drums with removable lids. They are very heavy duty and have beefy closure rings. I am hoping to use them for gas storage in an upright position. They are not food grade barrels, but previously held chemicals of some sort. The insides are in great shape with what appears to be an epoxy paint coating. Do you think they would be acceptable for gas storage?

Thanks Brad

they worked for me for a good many yrs, one thing, go to Tractor supply or some place and get some water block filters if you going to put gas in any post 90 vehicles, older vehicles can take a few drops of moisture but the newer ones can't


filters

[Brad454]

Thanks guys great info. I am currently testing the barrel. I put about 2 inches in the bottom the other day. I am going to give it a week or so and see if the paint gets soft. I will post up some pics of the rings on these drums. Much heavier then the ones I store food in.

Crossbow - Good idea on the water filter. All of my vehicles are pre 90. In the photo are those cans on top of the barrels acting as vents?

Thanks Brad

[crossbow]

Thanks guys great info. I am currently testing the barrel. I put about 2 inches in the bottom the other day. I am going to give it a week or so and see if the paint gets soft. I will post up some pics of the rings on these drums. Much heavier then the ones I store food in.

Crossbow - Good idea on the water filter. All of my vehicles are pre 90. In the photo are those cans on top of the barrels acting as vents?

Thanks Brad

yes, There is a 6" pipe screwed in the barrel to hold the pump.