How to Transfer Fuel From an Underground Storage Tank

It is a pretty simple process to transfer fuel from an underground storage tank if you exactly follow the correct steps, but it is extremely dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. There is a risk of explosion and fire if you don't use the correct equipment or execute the steps properly.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pump
• Container
• Hose
• Clamps/fittings

Proper Supplies

1. Select your pump. When transferring fuel from an underground storage tank, it is very important to use a pump that is specifically made for transferring gas. Most pumps are made for transferring water. They do not have the safety features that reduce the risk of explosion or fire. There are many different types of pumps depending on what you are transferring it into and how fast you want to pump it. Options include cheap, small hand-held devices that can be run off a drill to expensive gasoline-powered pumps that can pump hundreds of gallons in a matter of a minute and can be mounted in a trailer.

2. Select your transporting container. It must be gasoline-compatible and approved for this intended usage. Unapproved containers can melt and/or leak, which creates a very dangerous situation. Going to your local farm supply store is your best bet for finding any variety of transporting container, from a small gas can to a large tank that hold hundreds of gallons safely.

3. Buy your smaller supplies. While at the farm supply store, choose a hose meant for transferring gas (using an unapproved material can contaminate the gas as it's being transferred, making it unusable), hose clamps and extra fittings in case you need them later.

Transferring the Gas

4. Make sure all your connections are tight. Double-check everything. This means all the hose clamps from the tank to the pump and the fittings on the pump (even if they are installed from the manufacturer) and from the pump to the transferring container. Any leaks of gas or its fumes can cause an explosion and fire. If need be, use extra clamps to ensure proper fitting.

5. Make sure all your containers and any trailer or other holding areas are clean and debris-free. Any doors must have rubber seals in a trailer-mounted setup to keep them from making sparks as you are driving.

6. Start pumping. The actual transferring of the gas is easy. Drop your hose into the tank, make sure your exit hose is securely in your transfer container and watch closely so you do not overfill your container.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you follow all of the directions exactly and take all of the safety precautions, you are still working with flammable liquids and fumes. There is always a certain amount of risk associated with this job.