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Diesel, off-road diesel, petrol, AdBlue or oil: each liquid needs its own pump, its own materials and its own precautions. This guide helps you choose transfer equipment suited to your product and avoid mistakes that are costly, or even dangerous.
Which liquid, which pump?
The first criterion is not flow rate, it is the product being transferred. A pump designed for water is not suitable for hydrocarbons: seals, pump body and motor must be compatible with the liquid. The table below gives the main guidelines.
| Liquid | Main point of attention | Typical equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel and off-road diesel | Combustible liquid, to be handled without flame or sparks; clean fuel matters for engines | Diesel pumps in 230 V or 12/24 V, diesel fuel dispensers |
| Petrol | Highly flammable vapours: equipment designed for petrol, often ATEX-certified | Petrol pumps, ATEX pumps |
| AdBlue | Urea-based solution, not flammable, sensitive to contamination and to incompatible metals | AdBlue pumps designed for this product |
| Engine or hydraulic oil | Viscous liquid: flow rate drops when it is cold | Oil pumps, 12 V / 24 V oil pumps |
See the full range in the fuel pumps category. Exact compatibility with your product is given on the product page.
Putting together a complete installation
A pump alone is not enough: the whole set-up ensures safe and accurate transfer. Choose the elements in this order, from the tank to the container being filled:
- The hose: it must be designed for hydrocarbons. See hydrocarbon hoses and fuel hoses, with suitable couplings.
- The filter: a fuel filter traps impurities and protects the injectors of your machines; some models also stop water, according to the product page.
- The nozzle: a fuel nozzle with automatic shut-off limits spills.
- The meter: a fuel meter measures the volumes dispensed, useful for tracking the consumption of a fleet or a worksite.
- The reel: a hose reel keeps the hose clean, stowed and out of the way.
Power supply and flow rate. The choice of energy depends on where you work. A 230 V pump suits a fixed tank connected to the mains. On a tractor, a truck or a remote worksite, a 12 V / 24 V diesel pump connects to the vehicle battery (see the guide 12 V / 24 V pumps). A manual pump remains useful for small occasional volumes.
Worked example
Filling a 1,000 litre tank with a pump delivering about 40 l/min takes about 25 minutes (1,000 ÷ 40). The real flow rate is lower than the stated one if the hose is long or narrow, if the filter is clogged or if the product is cold: allow a margin and check the curve on the product page.
Petrol and safety precautions
Petrol gives off flammable vapours at ambient temperature. An ordinary electric pump is not designed for this use: a motor or a contact that produces a spark can be enough to ignite those vapours. For petrol, choose equipment explicitly designed for this fuel, and ATEX equipment (designed for explosive atmospheres) when the installation is in a risk area.
- Choose a petrol pump or an ATEX pump rather than a diesel pump.
- A pneumatic diaphragm pump or a manual pump for hydrocarbons keeps electricity out of the area, provided the model is designed for your product.
- Forbid any flame, cigarette or source of sparks nearby, and ventilate the transfer area well.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, in particular for earthing the equipment and containers when it is required.
General precautions
- Always transfer into a container or tank designed for fuel, never into a food container.
- Never leave the pump running unattended, and stop it before disconnecting the hose.
- Install the pump and the tank on stable ground, with a containment tray if your situation requires it.
- Keep a suitable extinguisher within reach and store oily rags in a closed container.
- For any fixed installation, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the regulations applicable to your site (insurer, environmental and fire authorities…).
The selection method in 5 steps
- Identify the liquid: diesel, off-road diesel, petrol, AdBlue or oil, and check compatibility on the product page.
- Estimate the volume and flow rate: quantity to transfer per day and an acceptable filling time.
- Choose the power supply: 230 V, 12 V, 24 V, compressed air or manual, depending on the site.
- Complete with accessories: hose, filter, nozzle, meter, reel.
- Check safety: ATEX equipment for petrol, earthing as per the instructions, ventilation, containment.
The mistake to avoid
Using a pump designed for diesel for petrol, or a water pump for a hydrocarbon. The fuel is not the same, and neither are the seals: a leak or ignition can result.
Frequently asked questions
Can a diesel pump be used for petrol?
No, unless the product page expressly says so. Petrol is much more volatile than diesel: choose equipment designed for petrol, or ATEX depending on the installation area.
Do you need a meter on a diesel pump?
It is not essential for simple use, but a meter is very useful for tracking your consumption. If you have to account for or invoice volumes, check the regulations applicable to your activity.
How do you pump AdBlue?
With a pump designed for AdBlue, because the product is sensitive to contamination and to certain metals. Use clean hoses and fittings reserved for this purpose, and keep the circuit closed to keep dust out.