biodiesel storage containers
 

I just purchased both my first MB and batch of B20 about two weeks ago. I filled the tank and also bought about 50 more gallons, divided into 5 gallon containers.

I'm starting to worry about the containers filled with B20. Not because there is a problem or anything - they look fine, no leaks, etc. I dumpster-dove for some old 5-gallon containers that restaurants receive their virgin fry oil in (don't worry, I thoroughly cleaned and dried them). See the pic below of the containers in the back of the wagon.

Now I'm wondering - are these containers safe to store B20 (and eventually B100) in for long periods of time (1-2 months)? I assumed it'd be okay, but now I'm starting to worry... Does anyone have any experience or advice on this?

Those look like oil cubies. If they are HDPE they should be fine

If sunlight can get at them just cover them. Sunlight can age the biodiesel. I have kept biodiesel for up to a year in cubies. Over 6 months just add stabil.

yup, cubies
 

Yeah, they are just those 5-gallon cube containers that restaurants receive their cooking oil in. Pretty sure it's HDPE, no.2 recyclable.

Okay, whew.. guess I got myself worked up over nothing.

What do you use to stabilize biodiesel, and prevent degradation?

find a drum and barrel place in your area.. I bought open head 55 gallon drums(steel) for like $20 each.They were used in the juice industry and were sticky. Soaking them in a lake worked.

Or get some white plastic HDPE 55 gallon drums and paint them black or store them inside

I've used the 35 lb. cubies (almost 5 gal) and the only problem I've encountered is that they are pretty thin plastic. Have had a few of them hold bio for weeks and then, one day, it's all leaked out. I don't think that the bio itself caused the leak - I think the plastic is so thin that it may crack under the stress of weight. Given that they are not always sitting on a smooth surface. When they contain new oil, they are supported by cardboard boxes which evenly distributes out the stress of weight. On another note, our local recycle center will not accept any plastic that has previously contained oil of any kind. Kind of a bummer to take dozens of these jugs to the dump.

Get a 55 g drum with a pump.

I try to get the cubies still in the cardboard box. This serves two purposes: (1) it strengthens the cubie, and (2) if there are any small spills the cardboard soaks them up. Plus then they stack nicer.

We get the old 55 gal plastic barrels from the car washes around town. they are great and they have secure lids, Free.

Be careful hauling around the oil in the wagon. My buddy blew out his hydraulics.

if the cubies are exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time, the plastic will get VERY brittle, to the point of crumbling in your hands. Ask me how I know ;) . You can get set up with a 55 gal drum and a roatary HF pump for about $40 total.