Reducing Evaporation Losses

Gasoline EVAPORATION LOSSES can be sizable from unsheltered aboveground tanks. For instance, a red gasoline storage tank exposed to direct sunlight may lose over 9 gallons of fuel a month. Therefore, paint tanks a reflective color such as white or aluminum, and shield tanks with an overhead canopy unless they are already in a shaded spot.

To further reduce evaporation losses, use an approved pressure vacuum valve rather than the standard vented cap. When tank pressure rises, the pressure relief valve is forced open allowing only enough vapor pressure to escape to relieve excess pressure. When the tank cools or fuel is withdrawn, the resulting vacuum causes the vacuum relief valve to open. This allows air into the tank to nearly stabilize inside and outside (atmospheric) pressure, thus permitting a free outflow for fast equipment refueling.

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