News
Safe Fuel Handling & Storage Techniques
April 24 2010
Shell Racing Solutions provides safe handling and storage techniques - by Mike McKeownThe start of your racing season is upon you, you’re finishing off the winter rebuild of the car and next on the list is sorting out the racebox and all the kit in it. Alongside that is sorting out the consumables – tyres, brake pads and fuel. Have you checked the fuel cans? Still got some old fuel left over from last season? And if you’ve changed the spec of your engine over the winter, even just remapped it, what fuel are you going to run this season and where are you going to get it from?
We asked Mike McKeown, a fuels blending specialist with Shell Racing Solutions, for some pointers about maintaining fuel in good condition and fuel storage and handling. He said, “Using safe handing and storage techniques are essential to maintain “as blended” fuel quality, whether you buy pump fuel or a racing fuel.” Here are a few pointers that apply regardless of the type of fuel
Sourcing:
Store, transport and handle all fuels in a safe manner and in compliance with applicable regulations. Use fuels that meet the specifications of your engine builder and of the championships. If you buy pump fuel at the circuit, when was the last delivery to their storage tanks? If you buy racing fuel, check with your engine builder to determine which fuel the engine was mapped for – a deviation could decrease engine performance.
Remember that The Motor Sports Association is conducting random fuel testing on stage rallies and other events from the start of this season. Think before you use that octane booster...
Handling:
Gasoline and racing fuels/vapours are flammable and can ignite to cause a fire or explosion. Keep fuels/vapours away from open flames, heat sources, and other potential ignition sources. The invisible vapours of fuels can travel to reach potential ignition sources.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.Do not use as a cleaning solvent.
Do not ingest – so don’t siphon fuels by mouth, use a hand pump.
Do not remove the hazard identification and warning labels from the fuel container/drum.
Do not use/reuse fuel containers/drums to store other products or for other uses.
Dispose of used fuel containers/drums in a responsible manner, such as sending the containers/drums to a licensed re-conditioner.
Always conduct fuel transfer from containers/drums in a well-ventilated area away from potential ignition sources.
Additional fuel storage, handling and precautionary measure information is available from the fuel product’s material safety data sheet (MSDS).
Storage:
Store in an approved, closed container that is in good condition.
Do not store in glass.
Store containers/drums in a cool dry environment away from direct sunlight and potential ignition sources.
Tightly close/cap storage containers/drums to prevent and minimise loss of the invisible fuel vapours, which can travel long distances to reach a potential ignition source and catch fire or explode.
Avoid the accumulation of rain water, condensation or other moisture on the fuel container/drum -- water can be drawn into the container/drum even when capped.
Avoid storing part-full containers/drums for any significant time period -- air in the container/drum will allow deterioration of the fuel quality. Typically, full containers/drums of fuel can be stored for up to a year without significant deterioration in fuel properties, depending on the storage conditions.
Transport:
Gasoline and diesel fuels are classified and regulated as dangerous goods as there is a risk that incidents involving these products may cause harm to people, property and the environment, e.g. by explosion, fire or spillage.
The carriage of such goods by road on a commercial basis is governed by the ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) regulations.
There is however an exemption in these regulations for private use; “carriage of dangerous goods by private individuals where the goods are packaged for retail sale and are intended for their personal or domestic use or for their leisure or sporting activities“.
Ferries, rail and road tunnels
:The carriage of fuel in containers other than the vehicle fuel tank is either prohibited or severely limited by rail and ferry operators - restrictions also apply to some road tunnels. Check for applicable regulations with individual operators.
The heightened security due to terrorism has resulted in additional restrictions and more in-depth checks at borders and crossings. So if you’re planning even a track day at Spa or the HSCC race weekend at Pau in May, check the fuel availability at the circuit rather than taking large amounts of fuel with you. Currently most ferry operators prohibit additional fuel cans and the limit on the Channel Tunnel is 2 x 10 litre approved containers. Fuel can be transported on freight ferries and routes but compliance with ADR regulations is required.
An old favourite is updated
Finally, if you used Shell Optimax in the past, now look for Shell V-Power on the forecourts instead. It’s a newly formulated fuel that has replaced Shell Optimax.
Shell V-Power is designed to provide even higher levels of performance and bring drivers further enhancements in responsiveness. The improved formulation features higher octane (99 RON), higher detergency and use of Shell's unique Friction Modification Technology, as used by the Ferrari Formula One team in its 2006 race fuels.
So keep your racing fuel safe and in good condition and enjoy your season.