Diesel Fuel
Diesel (Diesel, Bio diesel) - Diesel fuel is far more stable than most people realize. In fact, it's more stable than gasoline because it's less volatile. Diesel fuels start to get thick as temperature decreases. Diesel engines run at higher temperatures than gasoline. In many cases when you lack diesel you may substitute kerosene and the motor will run fine. Both diesel and kerosene are considered fuel oils.
Actually Kerosene is what is added to diesel fuel for sub zero wintertime use;
at the truck stop they call it #1 diesel fuel. I suggest that Kerosene be
treated as diesel fuel using PRI-D Fuel Treatment when storing and preventing
algae growth. See the "Fuel" link for some tips for storing fuels in
barrels, tanks, and other types of containers.
One drawback to diesel is that usually we don't have a lot of machinery which
run on diesel, however this is changing because of Bio diesel. The one benefit
is that in a pinch you may be able to make bio diesel for emergency use
from vegetable or waste oil.
Fuel Storage Discussion
To keep fuel free of water, above ground tanks should have no contact with the
ground and be protected from rain water. Underground tanks should be set in
soil and rock for improved water drainage.
Wide temperature swings can be avoided by placing tanks in the shade or
painting them with reflective paint. When a large fuel tank is exposed to wide
temperature swings, it should have a 2-way check valve to relieve pressure and
vacuum.
The primary problem with storing diesel fuel is a bacteria problem. Commonly called algae, this stuff can be a real problem. The fuel contamination plugs filters and causes fuel system corrosion. Biocides have been developed to kill and prevent algae, bacteria, and fungus in fuels. When using fuels that have been in long term storage, don't pump from the very bottom of the tank, and filter the fuel.
It's a fact that water must be present in the fuel in order for bacteria to grow in that fuel. Most of the water comes from condensation within the tank. If you have water in your diesel fuel tank, it will be at the lowest point in the tank. If bacteria are present, they will grow at the interface between the water and the fuel. The obvious solution to the problem is to get rid of the water. Most fuel tanks have a spicket at the low point to drain or pump off water.
Making BioDiesel
Here are a few good web sites which describes making bio diesel. I don't need to repeat their sites.
http://www.kitchen-biodiesel.com/ <= Very good for your initial batch and learning
http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html <= Lots of information
Some interesting sites.
http://www.utahbiodieselsupply.com/makingbiodiesel.php <= Lots and Lots of information and equipment