Don't Want To Explode

[Mc Taco]

I am planning on putting two Sceptor gas cans in AT can holders that will be attached to a custom rack that will be bolted to my Tacoma's bed. The bed of the truck is Line-Xed. The plan is to leave the Sceptors in the holders whilst filling, and using a siphon to transfer fuel into the truck's gas tank. My question is do I need to ground the plastic tanks before filling them. DOT says to remove portable tanks from the beds of trucks before filling. Especially if the bed has a bed liner. Build up of static electricity and all. The cans will be able to be removed, I just don't want the PITA of doing so.

If I need to ground them. what is the best way?

Thanks.

 

[Dave Bennett]

I've seen this done many times safely, you should be good to go with the way you have it. I've seen the Rover guys doing it from metal cans on their overhead racks...

I dont know that there is a way to ground plastic cans... you will be fine

 

[trump]

That's safe practice for filling the cans at the gas pump only. Transfering fuel while on the truck is not an issue.

 

[CoastalDefender]

That's safe practice for filling the cans at the gas pump only. Transfering fuel while on the truck is not an issue.

Bull. There's a reason refineries don't allow fuel trucks on-property with plastic cans and plastic buckets.

Safe practice for using a portable gasoline container is to ground yourself to the body of the vehicle while pouring.

Line-x and plastic cans are dangerous when transferring fuel.


"Don't die stupid" comes to my mind when people start speaking layman-ese when it comes to fuel. I do this for a living. And rule #1 is you don't **** with fuel, or fuel will **** you. Follow safe procedures each time, every time.

 

[CoastalDefender]

I've seen the Rover guys doing it from metal cans on their overhead racks...

Metal cans don't generate static electricity.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Metal cans don't generate static electricity.

I'm no expert on this.

But I would think that Metal cans could accept static electricity! (and that's the problem!).

But Plastic cans could not.

But what the heck do I know?

Just guessing.....don't follow me....you might blow up!:elkgrin:

Now just where is my Blow your truck up Smilie....when I need him?:sombrero:



.

 

[HenryJ]

Metal cans don't generate static electricity.

They can offer a differential voltage. Don't bet that they do not store static.
Plastic will generate static easily.

Safe bet is to fill on the ground, unless you ground and bond all involved. In some states it is required by law that flammable liquids can only be dispensed into approved portable containers placed on the ground to fill.

 

[CoastalDefender]

I'm no expert on this.

But I would think that Metal cans could accept static electricity! (and that's the problem!).

But Plastic cans could not.

But what the heck do I know?

Metal cans will ground, but you need a generation point. Plastic will generate and the ground is the vehicle and everything around you.

This is why you should not re-enter your vehicle while filling. (Most seats and floors are carpeted with recycled pop bottles.) As well as keeping your hand on the nozzle while filling.


I'll admit, I am not an expert on the scientific process behind fuel and static electricity. However I am a Safety Director for a small petroleum company in the PNW. There's a reason refineries will lifetime ban people for having a plastic bucket on your truck. It's the same reason I will fire an employee for having his cell phone in his pocket while delivering fuel. It's stupid and it will get people killed.

So I'll just leave you all with this- Do whatever you like around fuel. It's your truck and your life. Be sure to have someone post it on YouTube though, it's where I get some great training material for our safety meetings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gct1BmKNvU0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgAaj3DkA-w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFKrlPUSBJU

 

[CoastalDefender]

They can offer a differential voltage. Don't bet that they do not store static.
Plastic will generate static easily.

Safe bet is to fill on the ground, unless you ground and bond all involved. In some states it is required by law that flammable liquids can only be dispensed into approved portable containers placed on the ground to fill.

And then in some states they don't allow anyone untrained to dispense fuel.. :elkgrin:

 

[saburai]

more info please...

I have dual jerry cans in a swing out rear bumper.
What would be the proper device to ground them while filling w/o removing them from the carrier?

 

[trump]

"Don't die stupid" comes to my mind when people start speaking layman-ese when it comes to fuel. I do this for a living. And rule #1 is you don't **** with fuel, or fuel will **** you. Follow safe procedures each time, every time.

Ok, check this out...

The gas can is strapped into a metal can carrier. This can carrier, assuming it has been properly installed, has at least 2 decent sized bolts through it (mine has 4, 5/16" grade 8 bolts) and into the bed of the truck (they don't line-x both sides ). It is grounded to the vehicle... just the same as the factory gas tank is. When you remove it from the mount and pour, it's no longer grounded to the vehicle. Then, you must ground the can to the truck to prevent static from causing problems.

BTW, in my 10 years flying on C-130's I would say as a conservative number. I've put at least a million gallons of fuel on board. We tend to be pretty safe while fueling a $23M aircraft.

 

[CJCA]

I always fill any and all gas cans on the ground. Why tempt fate. I have no desire to be a human torch or burn my rig to the ground to save a few moments refueling.

But, straight from the horse's mouth........

http://bioengr.ag.utk.edu/Extension/ExtProg/Safety/Fire/fire-gascan.html

 

[trump]

I might have missed the OP talking about filling the container from the pump while still on the truck ...defiantly a no-no as I hinted at in my first post. You must place the container on the ground and remove from the truck. But, if the can mount is properly installed, there is no problem with siphoning gas from the can to the gas tank.

 

[Mc Taco]

Great information. Thanks very much. Not what I 'wanted' to hear, but I smart enough to know it's what I need to hear. While removing the can will be a pain, and replacing filled can even more of a PITA, it will be a lot less work than extinguishing the fire, getting home from far afield with charred equipment, replacing truck and going through painful burn therapy.

 

[trump]

Depends what can carriers you use... you could find some that are easier to get the can out of.

Mine, you just unscrew the latch and lift straight out. I know some carriers have bulky straps you have clear room to swing open, but these are really easy.

More can styles here

Goodluck.