How to Use External Fuel Tank to Supply Oil to Genset

Do you know how to conduct internal fuel inspection of diesel generator set and how to install external system when necessary to increase the operation time of generator set?

Usually, the diesel generator set has an internal oil tank, which can directly supply oil to the engine. In order to ensure the normal operation of the generator set, all you have to do is control the fuel level. In some cases, a larger external tank will be added to maintain or supply fuel to the internal tank of the generator set, possibly due to increased fuel consumption or increased operation time of the diesel generator set or to keep the refueling times to a minimum.

So what should I do when I need to add an external fuel tank to the diesel generator? Today, Dingbo power will focus on this issue for your reference when configuring external fuel tanks. When configuring an external oil tank, the location, material, size and components of the oil tank must be selected, and its installation, ventilation and inspection must comply with relevant management regulations. Special attention should be paid to the provisions on the installation of fuel systems, as fuel is a dangerous product.

In general, there are three options for external fuel tank installation:

In order to increase the operation time and meet special requirements, an external oil tank shall be installed. For storage purposes to ensure that the internal tank is always maintained at the necessary level or to supply power to the generator set directly from the tank. These options are the perfect solution to improve the running time of the unit.

1. External fuel tank with electric transfer pump.

In order to ensure the normal operation of the diesel generator set and ensure that its internal oil tank is always maintained at the required level, it is recommended to install an external fuel storage tank. For this purpose, the generator set shall be equipped with fuel oil transfer pump, and the fuel oil supply pipeline of the storage tank shall be connected to the connection point of the generator set.

As an option, you can also install a check valve at the fuel inlet of the generator set to prevent fuel overflow in the event of a level difference between the generator set and the external tank.

Recommendations:

In order to prevent air from entering when the fuel level in the fuel tank drops, we recommend that you install the fuel supply pipeline of the fuel tank as deep as possible and at least 5cm away from the bottom of the fuel tank. When filling the fuel tank, we recommend that you maintain at least 5% free space to prevent possible overflow due to expansion when the fuel becomes hot, and always ensure that no impurities and / or moisture enter the system. We recommend that you keep the oil tank as close to the engine as possible, with a maximum distance of 20m from the engine, and the two should be on the same horizontal plane.

2. External fuel tank with three-way valve

Another possibility is to supply power to the generator sets directly from the external storage and supply tank. To do this, you must install supply and return lines. The generator set can be equipped with a double body three-way valve to allow fuel to be supplied to the engine from the external tank or the generator set's own internal tank. To connect an external device to the generator set, you need to use a quick connector.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that you maintain a gap between the fuel supply line and the return line in the fuel tank to prevent the fuel from heating up and prevent any impurities from entering, which may be harmful to the operation of the engine. The distance between the two lines should be as wide as possible, with a minimum of 50 cm, where possible. The distance between the fuel pipeline and the bottom of the fuel tank shall be as short as possible, not less than 5cm. At the same time, when filling the fuel tank, we recommend that you leave at least 5% of the total fuel tank capacity and place the fuel tank as close to the engine as possible, with a maximum distance of 20m from the engine. And they should all be at the same level.

3. Install an intermediate oil tank between the generator set and the main fuel tank

If the clearance is greater than that specified in the pump documentation, if the installation height is different from that of the generator set, or if the regulations governing the installation of the oil tank require this, you may need to install an intermediate oil tank between the generator set and the main oil tank. The location of the fuel transfer pump and the intermediate supply tank must be suitable for the location selected for the fuel tank. The latter must meet the specifications of the fuel pump inside the generator set.

Recommendations:

We recommend that the supply and return lines be installed as far away as possible in the tundish, leaving a distance of at least 50 cm between them as far as possible. The distance between the fuel pipeline and the bottom of the fuel tank shall be as small as possible and shall not be less than 5cm. A clearance of at least 5% of the total capacity of the tank shall be maintained. We recommend that you keep the oil tank as close to the engine as possible, with a maximum distance of 20m from the engine, and they should be on the same horizontal plane.

The way in which the fuel supply line is installed, the way in which the connection between the fuel tank and the generator set is established, and the different characteristics and possibilities of each model are essential for the implementation of the project using such machinery. Incorrect installation may ruin the investment made and may pose a potential hazard due to fuel spillage or leakage. That's why we must consider all these factors so that we can make full use of our installation. In Dingbo power, we provide diesel generator sets with high quality, high performance and economy, which can provide reliable, continuous and stable power supply for every industry requiring standby power supply or common power supply.