FAQs - Pumps

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 diesel 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

12v pumps tend to be more popular for people who are working more remote or on the travel where mains power isnt an option, These style of pumps come with 2 crocodile clips that attached onto a power source such as a car battery. 230V is more popular for use with static tanks in a working yard or a farm (for example). They tend to come with a 3 pin caravan plug or a 3 pin UK domestic plug.

With a large range of pumps we can offer it may be difficult to know where to begin. Because the pumps have different flow rates and this can impact your choice especially if you already have a nozzle or hose already on site. We recommend if you are unsure to give us a call on 01643704328 or email us on sales@fueltankshop.co.uk and we can assist you in your search.

We try to keep our lead times all up to date and in a ever changing industry with high demand we cant always guarantee that we have every pump in stock. If the website doesn’t advertise a lead time we suggest popping on to the online chat, giving us a call or email just to double check and we can advise of the currently lead time.

Fuel dispensing pumps are mainly installed on static fuel storage tanks. They can be purchased as a complete unit with a tank, or they can be retrofitted to existing tanks.

Typically, fuel transfer pumps are used in non-resale refuelling environments as it is not weights and measures approved. (If a weight and measure pump is needed, we ask for you to contact us or send us an email on sales@fueltankshop.co.uk so we can discuss your requirements).

The fuel dispensing pump is an ideal solution for the refuelling of fleets of vehicles, agricultural machinery as well as plant equipment.

Unfortunatly no. Kerosene has a lower flash point that diesel.

Because of this lower flash point there will be a greater chance of a spark resulting in ignition during the pumping phase.

**Please note: All kerosene, just like petrol must be ATEX approved, meeting they are certified as being safe for use in potentially flammable environments**

A hand fuel transfer pump can be used to move fuel from one container to another. Useful in many different industries, including automotive, industrial, and agricultural, hand fuel transfer pumps are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them ideal for use in remote locations or in areas where power is not available. They can be used for refuelling vehicles, boats, and other equipment.

If you’re working remotely or travelling to areas where there isn’t mains power, 12v pumps are a good option. These types of pumps come with two crocodile clips that you attach onto a power source such as a car battery. Our 230v diesel pumps are more popular for use with static tanks on a working farm, for example, and tend to come with a 3-pin caravan plug or a 3-pin UK domestic plug. 

Our engine driven fuel transfer pumps are an efficient way to move fuel from one location to another. These pumps are powered by an electric motor and are generally used for transferring fuel from a storage tank to a vehicle or other equipment. Available in a range of sizes, they can be used for a variety of applications in agricultural, industrial, and commercial. Learn more about these products with our helpful guide to diesel pumps.

This will depend on several factors, including the type and size of the battery, the pump's motor efficiency, and the amount of fuel being transferred. A fully charged 12V pump should run for several hours. However, if you are transferring a large amount of fuel or using the pump for an extended period, the battery may run out of power more quickly. It helps to choose a high-quality battery with a high amp-hour rating. Additionally, you can reduce the strain on the battery by using a pump with a more efficient motor, or by using the pump intermittently rather than continuously. It is also important to monitor the battery's charge level and recharge it as needed. Some 12V pumps come with built-in battery monitors or low-voltage shut-off features to help prevent damage to the battery.

It is not recommended to use an 18V battery on a 12V pump. This is because the voltage of the battery needs to match the voltage of the pump to ensure proper function and prevent damage to both the pump and the battery. When you use a battery with a higher voltage than the pump is designed for, the motor in the pump will spin faster than intended. This can cause excessive wear and tear on the motor, which can lead to overheating, damage to the pump's internal components, and even total failure of the pump. In some cases, a pump may have a voltage range that it can operate within, which could allow it to function with an 18V battery. However, it is always best to consult the manufacturer's instructions and specifications before using a battery with a different voltage than what is recommended.

Recognised for their simplicity, efficiency, and versatility, gear pumps are one of the most popular types of oil pumps, widely used across various industries. The design typically involves two meshing gears within a housing. As the gears rotate, they create a suction that draws oil into the pump, and as the gears mesh, they discharge the oil, creating a steady flow. The straightforward design of gear pumps make them reliable and easy to maintain, contributing to their popularity.

Gear pumps come in two primary variations; external gear pumps and internal gear pumps. External gear pumps, with gears located outside the housing, are suitable for low to medium viscosity fluids, making them ideal for a wide range of oil transfer applications. Internal gear pumps, where one gear is inside another, are capable of handling higher viscosities and are often employed for more demanding oil transfer tasks.

When considering the most common type of oil pump, it's essential to acknowledge the widespread use of centrifugal pumps as well. While more commonly associated with water and other low-viscosity fluids, centrifugal pumps are also employed in the oil industry. These pumps use an impeller to create a centrifugal force that propels the oil outward, generating a continuous flow. Centrifugal pumps are known for their efficiency and suitability for high-capacity applications, making them common in large-scale oil transfer operations.

Typically, oil transfer pumps function on the principle of positive displacement, ensuring a consistent and controlled flow of oil from one location to another. The pump's core components include an electric motor, which provides the necessary power, and a mechanism that displaces a specific volume of oil with each cycle. As the oil transfer pump initiates operation, it creates a vacuum or suction force that draws oil into the pump chamber. This suction is typically facilitated by the movement of pistons, vanes, or gears within the pump, depending on its design. These components work together to create a low-pressure zone, allowing oil to be pulled into the pump from the source, such as a storage tank or reservoir. Once the oil is within the pump chamber, the positive displacement mechanism comes into play. Pistons, gears, or vanes compress and displace the oil, creating pressure within the pump. This pressure forces the oil out of the pump through the discharge port and into the designated destination, whether it's another container, a processing unit, or any other part of the industrial process.

Oil transfer pumps can come in various designs, including gear pumps, vane pumps, and piston pumps, each with its unique positive displacement mechanism. Gear pumps, for instance, utilise meshing gears to create the displacement, while vane pumps use sliding vanes, and piston pumps rely on reciprocating pistons.

One of the primary advantages is the capability to control the flow of oil with precision. Oil transfer pumps are designed to provide accurate and consistent flow rates, ensuring that the right amount of oil is transferred to its destination. This level of control is crucial for maintaining the integrity of processes, reducing waste, and optimising resource usage.

Another notable benefit is the increased speed and efficiency of oil transfer operations. These pumps are engineered to handle various viscosities, allowing for swift and smooth transfers, even with high-viscosity oils. The streamlined process not only saves valuable time but also enhances overall productivity within your operations. Whether you are moving oil between containers, from storage tanks to processing units, or within complex industrial systems, the efficiency gained with an oil transfer pump is invaluable.

By automating the transfer process, they reduce the need for manual handling of oils, minimising the risk of spills, leaks, and worker exposure to potentially hazardous substances. The controlled and contained nature of pump operations adds an extra layer of safety, ensuring a secure working environment for your team.

Flexibility is another key advantage of oil transfer pumps. These pumps come in various types and designs, allowing you to choose one that aligns with the specific needs of your operations. Whether it's a gear pump for moderate-viscosity oils or a centrifugal pump for high-capacity transfers, the versatility of oil transfer pumps makes them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. Their adaptability ensures that you can tailor the pump to meet the unique requirements of your oil transfer tasks.

Through precise control, increased efficiency, and reduced manual handling, these pumps help minimise waste, optimise energy consumption, and decrease operational costs. The initial investment in an oil transfer pump is quickly offset by the long-term benefits of improved productivity, safety, and resource utilisation, making it a valuable asset for any industry involved in oil handling and transfer.

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 EX50 Atex Pump

If you want to learn more about these pumps, read our beginners guide to diesel pumps here.

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.