I recently purchased a Butterfly Stove from StPaulMercantile.com. It has two burners with ten wicks for each burner. My question concerns storing Kerosene. I have two 15 gallon, black plastic drums with two-2" bungs. The drums are both stamped HDPE (High Density Polyethylene?). Is HDPE a suitable material to use for kerosene storage? I worry that over time the fuel will degrade the barrels or that the plastic will adversely effect the fuel. I have asked around and researched on the internet and have found "yes" and "no" answers. Is there anyone here with actual experience with this that can offer some sound advice
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Kerosene Storage - Proper container for long term storage.
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Originally posted by CoastieCWO3Ret View PostI recently purchased a Butterfly Stove from StPaulMercantile.com. It has two burners with ten wicks for each burner. My question concerns storing Kerosene. I have two 15 gallon, black plastic drums with two-2" bungs. The drums are both stamped HDPE (High Density Polyethylene?). Is HDPE a suitable material to use for kerosene storage? I worry that over time the fuel will degrade the barrels or that the plastic will adversely effect the fuel. I have asked around and researched on the internet and have found "yes" and "no" answers. Is there anyone here with actual experience with this that can offer some sound adviceWhen the present determines the future, but the approximate present does not approximately determine the future: Edward Lorenz
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Originally posted by W.Lynn View PostAlso check if the wicks can handle additives. In the use of one of my lamps, I found that some wicks will "clog up" and get smokey, just as bad as if you didn't know to trim them occasionally. Spare wicking is handy!
Clear kero has a pretty long shelf life as it is. I wouldn't have a problem keeping kerosene for up to 5 years. But it must be kept in a sealed container, out of sunlight, and in a cool place. I wouldn't use any additives. Just plan to use it and rotate stock every 3-5 years.
To your original question, the HDPE barrels are okay to store fuels in. But sunlight will degrade them quickly. Keep them out of sunlight and they will be fine.
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Personal experience is that, over time you can get some clumping/gelling. This can block jets and fuel filters, so you need to strain it before use. A basic fuel funnel with mesh filter/sieve should suffice.
This type of thing
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or go for the likes of a Mr Funnel (Brand name)
mrf_fuel-fil-fun-med.jpg
mrfunnelgraphic.jpg
Afterwards turn filter upside down and tap on a hard surface and the gunk falls out
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for long term storage, keep the fuel drums FULL, no air or at least as minimal as you can. air is what causes polymerization of fuels. well that is what ive heard with deso and petrol, so kero would be the same.
i used to use bio deso and veg oils in my old Hilux deso, at one stage i had over 2 thousand litres of fuels stored at my place, some for as long as 5 yrs. had no issues using the longer stored fuels.
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