Fuel Systems Design and Maintenance

This chapter discusses practical and reliable fuel storage and distribution systems and the issues associated with long term storage of diesel fuel, fuel quality, and how to monitor the useful life of diesel fuel dedicated to emergency power systems for Mission Critical Applications. Diesel engines are the source of power to the genset to produce electricity; therefore, diesel fuel is the lifeblood of any emergency or backup power system. Selecting the main bulk storage tanks is an important first step in system design. The fuel maintenance system should draw fuel from the lowest point possible in the tank and return it to the opposite end of the tank. Codes and standards should always be reviewed prior to any discussion on the type and location of the bulk storage tank. There are some recommended practices that should be adhered to regardless of what the codes require.