Diesel Transfer Pumps Explained

A diesel transfer pump is a device used to transfer diesel fuel from one location to another. It is commonly used in various industries, such as agriculture, construction, transportation, manufacturing and on a domestic level by fuel suppliers and plumbers.

The diesel pump works by creating a vacuum or positive pressure to move the diesel fuel. It typically consists of an electric motor that drives an impeller or a piston, creating a suction force. The fuel is then drawn into the pump and discharged through an outlet hose or pipe. These pumps can either be electric or manual. Many fuel transfer pumps are 12 volt or 24 Volt and can be operated using a car battery for use anywhere without an electrical supply. Alternatively, there are hand operated diesel transfer pumps for transferring small volumes of fuel into containers. For transferring larger volumes of fuel, electric pumps such as the ones you find at petrol stations are used. 

Because fuel tends to dissolve the gaskets and other materials used in water pumps, water pumps cannot be used to transfer diesel and diesel pumps cannot be used to transfer water. It is recommended that you use the correct pump for your application. There are also specific transfer pumps with liquids of high viscosities.

Our Diesel pumps come in difference voltages starting from 12v going all the way up to 400v with the most popular being 230v options.

Coming in a vast variety of shapes and fixing to suit all possible needs, you can get these pumps to mount drums, you can also retro fit the diesel pumps into existing dispensing set-ups or use these pumps for a completely new installation.

We also offer a range or self priming pumps for ease of use so you can go ahead and start to use the pumps right away.

Diesel transfer pumps also come in different flow rates ranging for around 56lpm (litres per minute) to 100lpm depending on how quickly you would like to dispensing (just bear in mind an average petrol station is 56lpm and anything higher could keep turning off the nozzle)

If you would like our advice on choosing the correct water or diesel pump, then please get in touch with our friendly team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a fuel transfer pump work?

A fuel transfer pump works simple by pumping fuel such as diesel or kerosene from one tank or container to another. Some diesel transfer pumps are rotary vane pumps, others are gear pumps. Electric diesel transfer pumps can be purchased in 12 volt, 24 volt, 230 volt and in ac and dc versions. Some diesel transfer pumps can also be battery operated for remote use.

What is the best diesel transfer pump?

There are various types of diesel transfer pumps available depending on the application and the volume of fuel you are pumping. For large volumes of fuel, there are disel pumps integrated into fuel management systems so you can track your fuel consumption. 

If you would like our advice on choosing the correct diesel pump, then please get in touch with our friendly team today.

For links to our fuel management systems please click Fuel Management Systems

What voltage do I need?

With a range of voltages this can become a little confusing when selecting your tank.

The 12v and 24v pumps tend to be used when mains power isn't available - an example of this will be farmers filling remotely in fields oppose to having to come back to the farm.

A 230v which is the most popular choice with our customers is a mains powered option and will work on a standard 3 pin UK plug. This option is mainly chosen with people who have constant access to power sockets.

The 400v option goes more into 3 phase which we suggest speaking to a qualified electrician to see if this is the voltage you require. 

Is it safe to use a water pump to transfer fuel?

Because fuel tends to dissolve the gaskets and other materials used in water pumps, water pumps cannot be used to transfer diesel and diesel pumps cannot be used to transfer water. It is recommended that you use the correct pump for your application. There are also specific transfer pumps with liquids of high viscosities

Can I use a diesel pump to transfer petrol?

No, to transfer petrol you must use an ATEX rated pump which is safe to use in an explosive atmosphere. There are strict guidelines that must be followed in an areas where flamible substances are stored. 

To learn more about the ATEX Directives go to the HSE's website here

One of our Atex Rated Pumps is the Piusi EX100 Fuel Transfer ATEX Pump