Biopowered - vegetable oil and biodiesel forum

Biodiesel => Biodiesel equipment => Topic started by: julianf on April 20, 2016, 09:45:18 AM

Title: "Washing" out a plastic kerosene tank?
Post by: julianf on April 20, 2016, 09:45:18 AM
I have an (aprox) 1250ltr plastic ex-kerosene tank here, which im going to use for finished bio storage.

I got it all into position before looking inside....


The sides look a bit like the outside of my landrover : ( 

Covered in splatter, and sediment - a surprising amount really.

Anyhow, the lowest port on the tank is about 5 inches above its base - so its not like i can just swill it out.

I figure i can either -

a) leave it in there
b) move the whole tank, pressure wash it out, and leave it upside down in the sun
c) put a bit of bio in it, and leave a pump running through a filter - maybe direct the stream about some


What do you reckon?
Title: Re: "Washing" out a plastic kerosene tank?
Post by: oakwoodtv on April 20, 2016, 10:08:46 AM
As its in position and with a 5" sump I would leave it as it is.
Title: Re: "Washing" out a plastic kerosene tank?
Post by: Tony on April 20, 2016, 02:16:38 PM
I must admit for finished bio I would want it sparkling.  Can you wash it out with glycerol and water?
Title: Re: "Washing" out a plastic kerosene tank?
Post by: julianf on April 20, 2016, 05:19:07 PM
It will come off fine, im sure.

Its just that the position of the lowest outlet pipe means i wont be able to drain it where it is at present.

So, if any water goes in there, ill have to move it.

I think it may be easier to move than to hook up some sort of recirculating pump thing.  Just need to wait till someone is on hand to help.
Title: Re: "Washing" out a plastic kerosene tank?
Post by: dgs on April 20, 2016, 06:58:18 PM
I don't think I would be happy using such a large tank. To get bio out you have to get air in. What about the hygroscopic nature of bio when you are removing some on a day when the r/h is over 90%?

I don't even leave mine in the 200 litre holding tank anymore. As soon as it is centrifuged and falls into the tank, its cubied up with the lids on tight.
Title: Re: "Washing" out a plastic kerosene tank?
Post by: Julian on April 20, 2016, 08:43:54 PM
I have to say I'd give it a clean and, if I was going to move it, I'd consider fitting a drain valve at the lowest point.