This is is in regards to that 20 kW generator that I bought. It comes
with a 100 gallon day tank, which I think is insanely too big. So
unless someone makes me realize the error of my ways, I want to sell
that day tank and get something smaller.

And I am thinking that I can safely make a simple tank.

I have three sheets of stainless, I believe them to be 12 or 14 gauge
and 12x50 inches or so. From them, I could make a 20 gallon tank,
probably 12x12x36 inches or some such, it would be compact and it
would not rust with stainless as material.

If I tig this tank, and pressure test it, there sshould not be any big
problems, or deterioration of this tank as time goes on. Right?

i

are you planning on using biodiesel?

On 2008-08-10, erik litchy wrote:


are you planning on using biodiesel?

Definitely not. This is a backup generator. The benefits would be near
zero, but the costs would be comparatiuvely huge. By the way, I saw a
guy a few weeks ago who converted his diesel Chevy to biodiesel.

i

Why don't you look at buying a polyethene tank.

If you already have the tank, why not just keep it? If you are using
anywhere near the capacity of the generator, that's not overkill in my
mind. I don't know the history of this purchase, but whether its gas or
diesel, just treat the fuel with "Stabil" or whatever and forget about
it. It could even be a place to store fuel when the price is right.

Pete Stanaitis
-------------------------

Ignoramus6985 wrote:

This is is in regards to that 20 kW generator that I bought. It comes
with a 100 gallon day tank, which I think is insanely too big. So
unless someone makes me realize the error of my ways, I want to sell
that day tank and get something smaller.

And I am thinking that I can safely make a simple tank.

I have three sheets of stainless, I believe them to be 12 or 14 gauge
and 12x50 inches or so. From them, I could make a 20 gallon tank,
probably 12x12x36 inches or some such, it would be compact and it
would not rust with stainless as material.

If I tig this tank, and pressure test it, there sshould not be any big
problems, or deterioration of this tank as time goes on. Right?

i

On 2008-08-10, spaco wrote:
If you already have the tank, why not just keep it? If you are using
anywhere near the capacity of the generator, that's not overkill in my
mind. I don't know the history of this purchase, but whether its gas or
diesel, just treat the fuel with "Stabil" or whatever and forget about
it. It could even be a place to store fuel when the price is right.

Well, I would not store 100 gallons of gasoline regardless of price.
The tank is for diesel fuel only.

I would estimate the average consumption in winter to be 3 kW, and in
summer, if we use A/C, to be 10 kW. The peaks, of course, would be
higher than averages.

I expect the diesel fuel consumption to be between 0.5 to 1.5 gallons
per hour depending on load. Thus a 100 gallon tank, would last 100-200
hours.

I already own eight steel fuel jerry cans full of diesel fuel.

One of them is already serving as a fuel tank, since I added fuel
supply and return to the fill cap. It is not very convenient.

I now think that the most realistic approach to this issue is to buy a
brand new jerry can and tig weld on fittings to the jerry can as
opposed to the screw on fill cap. (something that I could not do
before due to not having a tig).

i

Pete Stanaitis

Ignoramus6985 wrote:

This is is in regards to that 20 kW generator that I bought. It comes
with a 100 gallon day tank, which I think is insanely too big. So
unless someone makes me realize the error of my ways, I want to sell
that day tank and get something smaller.

And I am thinking that I can safely make a simple tank.

I have three sheets of stainless, I believe them to be 12 or 14 gauge
and 12x50 inches or so. From them, I could make a 20 gallon tank,
probably 12x12x36 inches or some such, it would be compact and it
would not rust with stainless as material.

If I tig this tank, and pressure test it, there sshould not be any big
problems, or deterioration of this tank as time goes on. Right?

i

Ignoramus6985 wrote in news:98c4n5-
:

I expect the diesel fuel consumption to be between 0.5 to 1.5 gallons
per hour depending on load. Thus a 100 gallon tank, would last 100-200
hours.

Until you've actually measured the fuel consumption rate, don't be in a
hurry to downsize the tank.

I've got a gasoline-fuelled 7KW Onan - a unit far smaller than yours - that
uses about the same as your projection.

Also, you'll need to figure on 24-hour operation: that 1.5 gallon rate of
yours translates to 36 gallons and the 100 gallon tank to not quite 3 days
of use.

All in all, you may want a larger tank. grin

On 2008-08-11, RAM³ wrote:
Ignoramus6985 wrote in news:98c4n5-
:

I expect the diesel fuel consumption to be between 0.5 to 1.5 gallons
per hour depending on load. Thus a 100 gallon tank, would last 100-200
hours.

Until you've actually measured the fuel consumption rate, don't be in a
hurry to downsize the tank.

I've got a gasoline-fuelled 7KW Onan - a unit far smaller than yours - that
uses about the same as your projection.

Also, you'll need to figure on 24-hour operation: that 1.5 gallon rate of
yours translates to 36 gallons and the 100 gallon tank to not quite 3 days
of use.

All in all, you may want a larger tank. grin


I am also afraid of legalities of owning a 100 gallon tank.... but
yes... If **** hits the fan, the 100 gallon tank would definitely be
helpful.

i

Ignoramus6985 wrote:


I am also afraid of legalities of owning a 100 gallon tank.... but
yes... If **** hits the fan, the 100 gallon tank would definitely be
helpful.
Don't people around there use oil heat? I don't see that much
difference between heating oil and Diesel.

Jon

Stainless tanks are hard to make in thin materials. Distortion is a problem
in materials thinner than 3 mm. All seams must be back gassed to prevent
porosity in the seams and both sides of the welds must also be passivated.
Think expensive. If you want such a small tank, go to the bone yard and buy
a used autumotive poly tank for peanuts and they will come with a supply
pump and a sensor. Secondly, your generator sizing is way too small. Please
consider your phase loads, not overall wattage. You will never acheive
balanced coil loading. A single household should typically be supplied with
a 10 -15 KVA unit.
Steve

"Ignoramus6985" wrote in message
...
This is is in regards to that 20 kW generator that I bought. It comes
with a 100 gallon day tank, which I think is insanely too big. So
unless someone makes me realize the error of my ways, I want to sell
that day tank and get something smaller.

And I am thinking that I can safely make a simple tank.

I have three sheets of stainless, I believe them to be 12 or 14 gauge
and 12x50 inches or so. From them, I could make a 20 gallon tank,
probably 12x12x36 inches or some such, it would be compact and it
would not rust with stainless as material.

If I tig this tank, and pressure test it, there sshould not be any big
problems, or deterioration of this tank as time goes on. Right?

i

"Ignoramus6985" wrote in message
...
This is is in regards to that 20 kW generator that I bought. It comes
with a 100 gallon day tank, which I think is insanely too big. So
unless someone makes me realize the error of my ways, I want to sell
that day tank and get something smaller.

And I am thinking that I can safely make a simple tank.

I have three sheets of stainless, I believe them to be 12 or 14 gauge
and 12x50 inches or so. From them, I could make a 20 gallon tank,
probably 12x12x36 inches or some such, it would be compact and it
would not rust with stainless as material.

If I tig this tank, and pressure test it, there sshould not be any big
problems, or deterioration of this tank as time goes on. Right?

i

Don't clean your welds with a carbon steel wire brush, use a stainless one.
Carbon steel will contaminate the tank and cause it to rust.

"Ignoramus6985" wrote in message
...
This is is in regards to that 20 kW generator that I bought. It comes
with a 100 gallon day tank, which I think is insanely too big. So
unless someone makes me realize the error of my ways, I want to sell
that day tank and get something smaller.

And I am thinking that I can safely make a simple tank.

I have three sheets of stainless, I believe them to be 12 or 14 gauge
and 12x50 inches or so. From them, I could make a 20 gallon tank,
probably 12x12x36 inches or some such, it would be compact and it
would not rust with stainless as material.

If I tig this tank, and pressure test it, there sshould not be any big
problems, or deterioration of this tank as time goes on. Right?



That tank should out live you many times. One point of caution though, don't
mount it directly on the engine as the vibration can cause work hardening
and cracking after a while.If it is only used on a stand by basis, and
really need to mount it on the engine skid, use some vibration mounts to
isolate it. Email me in 50 years and let me know if I'm wrong. ( don't
expect a quick rely then as I'll be 111 years old, ald probably a little
slow)

Ignoramus6985 wrote:
This is is in regards to that 20 kW generator that I bought. It comes
with a 100 gallon day tank, which I think is insanely too big. So
unless someone makes me realize the error of my ways, I want to sell
that day tank and get something smaller.

And I am thinking that I can safely make a simple tank.

I have three sheets of stainless, I believe them to be 12 or 14 gauge
and 12x50 inches or so. From them, I could make a 20 gallon tank,
probably 12x12x36 inches or some such, it would be compact and it
would not rust with stainless as material.

If I tig this tank, and pressure test it, there sshould not be any big
problems, or deterioration of this tank as time goes on. Right?

i

100 gallons sounds like a lot, BUT if that rig runs anything like the
25K back-up unit my neighbor has that 100 gallons only handles about 2
days of running.

--
Steve W.

"Steve W." wrote in :

100 gallons sounds like a lot, BUT if that rig runs anything like the
25K back-up unit my neighbor has that 100 gallons only handles about 2
days of running.

People DO tend to forget to multiply per-hour numbers by 24 for
emergency/backup power generators, don't they? grin

On Aug 10, 3:07 pm, Ignoramus6985
wrote:
This is is in regards to that 20 kW generator that I bought. It comes
with a 100 gallon day tank, which I think is insanely too big. So
unless someone makes me realize the error of my ways, I want to sell
that day tank and get something smaller.

And I am thinking that I can safely make a simple tank.

I have three sheets of stainless, I believe them to be 12 or 14 gauge
and 12x50 inches or so. From them, I could make a 20 gallon tank,
probably 12x12x36 inches or some such, it would be compact and it
would not rust with stainless as material.

If I tig this tank, and pressure test it, there sshould not be any big
problems, or deterioration of this tank as time goes on. Right?

i

What ever you use for a fuel tank, be sure to use a water trap and a
very fine particle filter on the output. Diesel doesn't look like it
will absorb moisture, but it does. Also will gel up in the winter
unless some type of additive (kerosene?) is added. A backup generator
won't do you any good in the winter if the filters get plugged!

Paul

Ignoramus6985 wrote:
This is is in regards to that 20 kW generator that I bought. It comes
with a 100 gallon day tank, which I think is insanely too big. So
unless someone makes me realize the error of my ways, I want to sell
that day tank and get something smaller.

And I am thinking that I can safely make a simple tank.

I have three sheets of stainless, I believe them to be 12 or 14 gauge
and 12x50 inches or so. From them, I could make a 20 gallon tank,
probably 12x12x36 inches or some such, it would be compact and it
would not rust with stainless as material.

If I tig this tank, and pressure test it, there sshould not be any big
problems, or deterioration of this tank as time goes on. Right?

Could you just go to a scrapyard and get a tank from a small truck? I
think making a neat tank is probably harder than it sounds.

Nice generator. Is the tank in the pictures? I couldn't see it.

Best wishes,

Chris

On 2008-08-11, Christopher Tidy wrote:
Ignoramus6985 wrote:
This is is in regards to that 20 kW generator that I bought. It comes
with a 100 gallon day tank, which I think is insanely too big. So
unless someone makes me realize the error of my ways, I want to sell
that day tank and get something smaller.

And I am thinking that I can safely make a simple tank.

I have three sheets of stainless, I believe them to be 12 or 14 gauge
and 12x50 inches or so. From them, I could make a 20 gallon tank,
probably 12x12x36 inches or some such, it would be compact and it
would not rust with stainless as material.

If I tig this tank, and pressure test it, there sshould not be any big
problems, or deterioration of this tank as time goes on. Right?

Could you just go to a scrapyard and get a tank from a small truck? I
think making a neat tank is probably harder than it sounds.

Nice generator. Is the tank in the pictures? I couldn't see it.

Best wishes,


The tank is pictured he

http://igor.chudov.com/tmp/Day-Tank/

It is still at the seller's place,m but I took a lot of pictures.

i

Ignoramus6985 wrote:
On 2008-08-11, Christopher Tidy wrote:

Ignoramus6985 wrote:

This is is in regards to that 20 kW generator that I bought. It comes
with a 100 gallon day tank, which I think is insanely too big. So
unless someone makes me realize the error of my ways, I want to sell
that day tank and get something smaller.

And I am thinking that I can safely make a simple tank.

I have three sheets of stainless, I believe them to be 12 or 14 gauge
and 12x50 inches or so. From them, I could make a 20 gallon tank,
probably 12x12x36 inches or some such, it would be compact and it
would not rust with stainless as material.

If I tig this tank, and pressure test it, there sshould not be any big
problems, or deterioration of this tank as time goes on. Right?

Could you just go to a scrapyard and get a tank from a small truck? I
think making a neat tank is probably harder than it sounds.

Nice generator. Is the tank in the pictures? I couldn't see it.

Best wishes,



The tank is pictured he

http://igor.chudov.com/tmp/Day-Tank/

It is still at the seller's place,m but I took a lot of pictures.

Wow. Looks the size of a washing machine!

Your generator isn't one of those which has a big flywheel to store
energy and make the output uninterruptable, is it? Now that would be cool.

Is it three phase?

Best wishes,

Chris

On 2008-08-12, Christopher Tidy wrote:
The tank is pictured he

http://igor.chudov.com/tmp/Day-Tank/

It is still at the seller's place,m but I took a lot of pictures.

Wow. Looks the size of a washing machine!

Quite a bit bigger actually. It is 30 by 30 inches, or in metric
units, 75x75cm and about 4ft/1.2 meters tall.

Your generator isn't one of those which has a big flywheel to store
energy and make the output uninterruptable, is it? Now that would be cool.

No, as I said it is the same kind of motor as I fixed two years ago,
it has a flywheel but it is small. The generator rotor is also a
flywheel, but probably not too heavy, maybe 100 lbs.

Is it three phase?

It is reconnectable to a LOT of voltages and phases, three and
single. 20 kW 20 kVa on single phase, 20 kW 25 kVa on three phase.

i

Best wishes,

Chris

On Aug 12, 8:21*am, Ignoramus6985
wrote:
On 2008-08-12, Christopher Tidy wrote:

The tank is pictured he

http://igor.chudov.com/tmp/Day-Tank/

It is still at the seller's place,m but I took a lot of pictures.

Wow. Looks the size of a washing machine!

Quite a bit bigger actually. It is 30 by 30 inches, or in metric
units, 75x75cm and about 4ft/1.2 meters tall.

Your generator isn't one of those which has a big flywheel to store
energy and make the output uninterruptable, is it? Now that would be cool.

No, as I said it is the same kind of motor as I fixed two years ago,
it has a flywheel but it is small. The generator rotor is also a
flywheel, but probably not too heavy, maybe 100 lbs.

Is it three phase?

It is reconnectable to a LOT of voltages and phases, three and
single. 20 kW 20 kVa on single phase, 20 kW 25 kVa on three phase.

i

Best wishes,

Chris

Iggy,

Do you really need a backup generator? You live in town. Do you have
issues with power there?

Living in the country I have long gotten used to brown/black outs, but
I didn't think that was much of an issue in the metro areas. Most of
our issues are due to the lines touching in high winds (or idiots
running into power poles). Neither of which should be a concern in
town.

And if you are running a generator in town, do you have means of
disconnecting yourself from the mains? I would hate to be a lineman
in your area if you don't.

JW

Ignoramus6985 wrote:

It is reconnectable to a LOT of voltages and phases, three and
single. 20 kW 20 kVa on single phase, 20 kW 25 kVa on three phase.

You don't need that phase convertor anymore, then? :-)

Chris

We have ranch trucks here with larger tanks than that in the back!
They are often duals in the rear and super duty and drag 20 horse/steer
trailers or a tractor and all implements. Stuff the 'hood' folk don't
normally have in the backyard. :-)

Martin
Martin H. Eastburn
@ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net
TSRA, Endowed; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal.
NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Founder
IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member.
http://lufkinced.com/


Ignoramus6985 wrote:
On 2008-08-11, Christopher Tidy wrote:
Ignoramus6985 wrote:
This is is in regards to that 20 kW generator that I bought. It comes
with a 100 gallon day tank, which I think is insanely too big. So
unless someone makes me realize the error of my ways, I want to sell
that day tank and get something smaller.

And I am thinking that I can safely make a simple tank.

I have three sheets of stainless, I believe them to be 12 or 14 gauge
and 12x50 inches or so. From them, I could make a 20 gallon tank,
probably 12x12x36 inches or some such, it would be compact and it
would not rust with stainless as material.

If I tig this tank, and pressure test it, there sshould not be any big
problems, or deterioration of this tank as time goes on. Right?
Could you just go to a scrapyard and get a tank from a small truck? I
think making a neat tank is probably harder than it sounds.

Nice generator. Is the tank in the pictures? I couldn't see it.

Best wishes,


The tank is pictured he

http://igor.chudov.com/tmp/Day-Tank/

It is still at the seller's place,m but I took a lot of pictures.

i



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