How to Store Ethanol?

When dealing with ethanol, you need to consider some of its main features. These properties affect how you’re storing it. Among others, it is very important to avoid water contamination and other types of exposure.

Ethanol is a substance that you can buy in the Simple Solvents store. It is a product that has a wide array of applications, and you can definitely find a good use for it.
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Here are some of the best tips that will help you store the chemical in a proper manner.

• Make sure to avoid direct sunlight

When the chemical is exposed to excessive heat, it will start evaporating at a faster pace. This is why ethanol needs to be kept in a cool, climate-controlled environment. For example, you can keep it in a garage, storage room, shed, or any other place where you would otherwise store fuel. The space needs to have a constant temperature during the year, without being exposed to extreme temperature. 

• Make sure that ethanol is stored in a dry space

Ethanol is categorized as a hygroscopic substance. In other words, it is able to take humidity from the air. This is a major problem because when water starts mixing with ethanol, the moisture will render the chemical useless. In order to avoid this potential issue, you will have to ensure that the tanks are properly shut. You might also consider sealing the tanks with a tarp. This is especially important if the object is stored in a place with lots of humidity.

• The tanks need to be full at all times

When the ethanol tank is full, this will minimize the contact surface. In other words, the substance is less likely to be affected by the humidity. You can also consider mixing the substance from 2 different tanks and filling one with ethanol from another tank. Based on that, you might also want to consider draining the vehicle tanks when you put them out of commission (for example, during winter or during off-season).

• Make sure to mark tanks with different ethanol types

Mixing ethanol with different concentrations is never a good idea as you will get a chemical of new properties, and you won't know what you're dealing with. In some situations, a person can even utilize a chemical reaction that will render the substance useless. If you do decide to mix the content of two ethanol tanks, you will need to prepare a new, clean tank where you will be able to put the new mixture.

How to Store Small Amounts of Ethanol?

• It is best to use UL-listed fiberglass, steel, or HDPE container

Ethanol is susceptible to various metals and plastics. Among others, it will be negatively affected by zinc, polymers, aluminum, copper, elastomers, rubbers, and glues. So, you should find a storing object that is resilient to all these substances. If you're storing a smaller quantity of this fuel, it is best to go with HDPE cans. You can easily find these tanks online or in hardware stores.

• The tank needs to be fully cleaned before you put ethanol in it

It is crucial to thoroughly rinse the tank with water and soap before using it. Afterward, leave it in the sun so that it fully dries. The tank will need to be left in the open to ensure that all the water has evaporated. There are also various industrial soaps utilized for this particular function that you can buy in the local hardware shops.
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• The ethanol tanks need to be kept far away from sparks and fire

Like any other alcohol substance, ethanol is highly flammable. Ideally, you should place it someplace where there isn't a lot of foot traffic. Always remember that the substance is very toxic when you combine it with other fuels (the process of denaturation). So, if the product was altered in any way, you will have to take additional precautionary measures when handling it.

How to Store Large Amounts of Ethanol?

• Make sure that all elements of the storage system are compatible with ethanol

Depending on the type of ethanol that you’re using, you might have to implement different storing methods. For example, highly concentrated ethanol is likely to cause corrosion. So, it is important to check beforehand if the metal used for this system is able to withstand increased corrosion. Among others, this is important for gas stations. These systems rely on various parts, some of which are more likely to become rusty.

• Check the federal regulation that focuses on ethanol storage

There are various protocols and rules that focus on storing ethanol of a higher concentration (above E10). A user will need to get acquainted with OSHA, EPA, and Department of Energy codes. They focus on commercial ethanol usage and storage. You can read all these codes by visiting the appropriate agency website. A company will need to have certificates that allow storing of the substance but also to perform periodic inspections. If you recently switched to ethanol of concentration higher than E10, you will need to notify an appropriate agency beforehand. A company also has to keep all the records that would confirm that the substance was properly used.

• Learn more about the local environmental codes

You should also inquire with the local and state authorities regarding the environmental codes. Each state has its own set of requirements and regulations regarding E10. Depending on the state you’re in, you might require additional licenses and certificates for keeping these chemicals.

• Make sure to use the same set of rules for big tanks as you would for regular ones

Water contamination is a major issue for all ethanol products regardless of how they're stored. The same can be said for fire and sparks. Make sure that the chemical is properly protected from all these factors.

• The tanks should be cleaned every once in a while

When changing the concentration of the ethanol products, you need to clean the barrels thoroughly. Among others, a company needs to eliminate rust, sludge, and other types of waste that tend to accumulate over time.