Fuel transfer pumps – key parameters

Pumps are indispensable in almost every technical field. They convey gases or liquids in the desired quantity and at the desired speed to where they are needed: into the tanks of machines or vehicles and from there to the engines. Depending on the fluid – for example, as feed pumps for diesel, gasoline, oil, water, gas or as DEF pumps – as well as the specific application, the design and material must comply with regulations and standards.

Transfer pumps for various types of fuel

Diesel pumps are no exception and are used primarily in two areas: firstly, in diesel vehicles as a fuel pump that transports the diesel from the tank to the injection system, and secondly, as an injection pump that directs the fuel via the valves into the combustion chamber. However, before the fuel can power an engine, it must first get into the tank. This is the second essential application of diesel pumps: the rapid refuelling of vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorboats or other machines such as aggregates that run on this fuel. There are different solutions for this, depending on tank size, mobility and financial possibilities.

Electric diesel pumps

The simplest form of diesel feed pump are hand pumps. They are suitable for filling small tanks such as those used for lawn mowers, mini excavators or power generators. As the name suggests, these diesel pumps are operated manually – usually with a crank – and require a certain amount of time and effort. The advantage is clear: This type of diesel pump is ideal for mobile use or wherever there is no power source.

If you want to make things easier for yourself or have to fill larger or several tanks, you should go for a diesel pump with an electric drive. These can also be used in mobile applications and, depending on the model and performance, can be supplied with power either via a 12- or 24-V connection, via the classic power socket or a high-voltage connection (400 V). Through nozzles, the flow rate can be precisely controlled. Diesel pumps with totalizers additionally enable precise control over the volume of fuel refilled.

A special form of diesel pumps are dispensers, which in high-performance variants can pump up to 130 litres of fuel per minute – for refuelling trucks, for example. Petrol pumps are fixed stationary installations and are primarily suitable for refuelling vehicles. In addition to the classic service station, fuel dispensers are also used in freight companies, large fleets of vehicles or large industrial plants.

Self-priming vs. normal priming diesel pump

In addition to this classification, pumps can be divided into self-priming and normal-priming or non-self-priming models according to their basic mode of operation. Although an electric diesel pump is self-priming in almost all cases, both versions have their advantages and disadvantages which are briefly presented here:

A normal-priming diesel pump cannot convey air, cannot compensate for differential heads on the suction side and must be vented. The main advantage here is lower energy consumption. This is how you air a diesel pump: Loosen the bleed screw and top up with diesel until all the air bubbles have escaped. As soon as the diesel comes out without bubbles, the vent screw can be closed again.

Self-priming pumps are much more convenient to use because they can actually prime themselves to a certain extent (depending on the design) – but they must be filled first. However, their convenient handling comes at the expense of power consumption.

Fuel feed pumps – main parameters for a successful purchase

Anyone thinking about buying a diesel or fuel oil pump should first consider how much fuel should be transported with it, whether the pump needs to be mobile and whether there is a power connection available.

When making the purchase decison, the following parameters should be considered: Is it a self-priming or normal-priming diesel pump? Which power connection do I need (12 V, 24 V, 230 V 400 V)? What are the maximum flow rate and height, what is the maximum working pressure and with what power does the pump operate? Last but not least, check the connections and protection class to safely choose the right model.

By the way: Many electric diesel pumps – for example, those from the expondo range – can be used not only for diesel but also as oil change tools or electric heating oil pumps (not to be confused with the oil burner pump).

How to use fuel transfer pumps?

Depending on the design, diesel pumps such as pumps for heating oil or the like are easy to install as well as use and come with a detailed instruction manual tailored to this model. Nevertheless, there are general instructions that must be followed when using electronic pumps:

Select a safe place to install the pump and, if necessary, fasten it according to the operating instructions and with suitable mounting materials.

Check the mains voltage. This must correspond electrically with the technical data of the diesel pump.
Always use pumps only with the fluids explicitly intended for them. Oil pumps should not be operated to draw in water, food, beverages, abrasive, corrosive, explosive or grease.
Never exceed the maximum head or temperature.
Do not move the pump while it is in operation.
Seal connected hoses additionally with Teflon tape.

If the pump is not used for a longer period of time, it should be emptied (including the hoses) and stored in a dry place.

How to prime a diesel pump?

Diesel pumps are rarely prone to failure and also require little care and maintenance. If the pump does go on strike, the following are the most common causes:

The maximum delivery head of the pump has been exceeded. In this case, unfortunately, the only thing that helps is to switch to a more powerful pump.
On the other hand, one fault that can be quickly rectified is: if it is a normal-suction oil pump, it has been forgotten to let out the air.

However, a malfunctioning may simply be due to a suction hose that is too long or clogged. The hose then only needs to be cleaned, replaced or shortened.
Leaky connections between the suction hose and the pump can also cause problems. These should be checked regularly and renewed if necessary.
Also, check the filters for contamination from time to time to ensure a smooth workflow.

Diesel transfer pump

Whether fuel oil pumps, diesel pumps with 12 V or pumps with 230 V, whether tool kits from valve spring compressors to lifting platforms: With the products of MSW you rely on quality and durability at unbeatable prices. Our tools have been developed by experts for experts and are unbeatable in terms of ergonomics, ease of use and duration of use, making our range suitable for both commercial professional use and any ambitious do-it-yourselfer.

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