Diesel Transfer Pumps Explained

Diesel Transfer Pumps

The diesel pump works by collecting fuel from a source like a tank or truck and transferring it into another source. 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. Diesel transfer pumps are used in various industries such as automotive, agricultural, construction and on a domestic level by fuel suppliers and plumbers transferring home heating oil from one oil tank to another.

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.

To browse through our range of fuel transfer pumps click here. 

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 water or diesel pump, then please get in touch with our friendly team today.

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

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

If you are looking for a water pump click Water Pumps to see our range.

Some of our high viscosity pumps are as follows:-

• Piusi Viscomat 70
• Piusi Viscomat 90

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 EX50 Atex Pump