Many people store gasoline in their house to operate chainsaws, lawnmowers, tillers, etc., whenever they want. However, if stored incorrectly, gasoline can start a fire or explosion, which can then, unfortunately, cause injuries or even death.
Now pumping gasoline in milk jug and then putting it in the trunk or back of the car is quite dangerous. The fuel may expand, rupturing the jug or blowing its top. They are after all, not durable enough to withstand any pressure.
To know more, please go through the rest of the discussion now.
What are Milk Jugs Made of?
Milk jugs are generally manufactured from HDPE or high-density polyethylene. The HDPE pellets are mixed with recycled polyethylene flakes. Now HDPE loses its sturdiness after it has been used.
Even though many materials are available, milk jugs are made of HDPE because it is food safe. When full, milk jugs can hold a substantial volume than a glass bottle without compromising its strength, specifically when transported.
Can gas be put in milk jug? Keep on reading to find out.
Why Shouldn’t You Store or Carry Gas in a Milk Jug?
Flammable Liquid Gasoline
Can you store gas in a milk jug? The answer will be no. Gasoline is quite flammable because it will ignite or explode if it comes into contact with oxygen. In other words, if a certain amount of gasoline leaks into the air, it will cause a fire. If you plan on carrying or storing gasoline, you must never opt for a milk jug.
Dissolves the Plastic of Milk Jug
Can gasoline dissolve plastic? Well it is true that gasoline can dissolve several types of plastic, leading to additional spillage. If the gas exposed to even the tiniest spark, it may trigger a life-threatening fire. The officials suggest people to opt for a transportation department-approved containers with proper lids. Make sure the containers can handle flammable liquids seamlessly.
Weak Infrastructure of Milk Jug
Milk jugs have an incredibly weak infrastructure. So, will gasoline melt a milk jug? Yes, it will and in no time. The plastics milk jugs are made of become brittle, thus, incompatible with gasoline over time.
Not Enough Airtight Container
Most of the milk jugs are not airtight. So you can use them to carry, store, ship, and dispense milk but not something dangerous like gasoline. If you spill gasoline around your house, you may start a fire in no time.
Which Plastics Can Hold Gasoline?
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic
Among all the plastics that are used for storing gasoline, FRP or fiberglass reinforced plastic is considered best. FRP storage tanks are known for their immense reliability and durability. They last for a long period since they have abundant thermal properties and are chemically resistant.
FRP tanks are light in weight so you can carry them from one place to another. They have high tension and strength and available for a reasonable price. So, will gasoline eat through a milk jug? Yes. Will it eat through FRP? No.
Petrochemical Plastics
As gasoline is stored commonly in households, it has plenty of regulations. You have to store it about fifty feet away from the source of ignition. Also, always store them at room temperature away from direct sunlight, furnaces, and space heaters.
Most people store gasoline in petrochemical plastics because the material can prevent contamination and resistant to rust.
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
Due to the chemical inertness, PTFE is the best place to store gasoline. You can keep gasoline in PTFE containers because they offer high-temperature resistance and has almost zero coefficient of friction.
Can You Put Gas in a Milk Jug Temporarily?
As evident from the above discussion, it is not safe to use milk jugs for storing gasoline. But what if you put gas in milk jugs temporarily like for an hour? Well, you can do so but it would be better if you do not. It is believed to be a ridiculous shortcut that in so many cases have caused an explosion or started a disastrous fire. Also remember to never fill the milk jug at the gas station.
Is it Illegal to Put Gas in a Milk Jug?
Now we know storing gas in milk jugs is unsafe. But is it illegal to put gas in a milk jug? The answer is yes. If you wish to store fuel, according to the legal guidelines, you must purchase the right type of container. You can either use the ten-liter metal can or the five-liter plastic can. Milk jugs would not work. The pressure created by the gasoline will slowly build up and the jug will explode.
What Can You Put Gas in Besides a Gas Can?
Metal Container
Metal containers are the safest when it comes to storing gasoline. Plastics tend to leach into the fuel and also plastic degrades after a specific period. Metal might rust but it still lasts longer than plastic. As per the state and local laws regarding fuel storage, metal containers do not contract or expand when there is a change in temperature. Based on how much you store; they also stack well.
Drums
Metal drums have also been used to store gas. When kept in a sealed and labeled drum, gasoline degrades and loses its combustibility slowly. Drums are airtight so you can avoid spills successfully. They remain cool and you do not have to worry about igniting the flammable liquid by accident.
Steel Bottles
Finally, yet importantly, steel is also a great choice for storing gasoline. After all, gasoline does not impact steel in the way it impacts plastic over prolonged periods. If you can keep steel bottles clean and away from water leakages, they can keep gasoline safe for years. Always remember, steel is immensely durable, much more than metal and plastic.
FAQ’s
How long can you store gas for?
The shelf life of regular gasoline is three to six months, while diesel can last up to one year before degrading. Organic-based ethanol, however, can lose its combustibility even after just one to three months due to oxidation and evaporation.
Are Plastic Gas Cans Safe?
According to the PFCMA, portable plastic gas cans are more or less safe. However, you cannot store gasoline in plastic containers for long. Over time, the gasoline will start permeating and breaking down the plastic. This can cause harmful leakage and ruin the fuel.
Can I hold gas in a plastic bottle? It is not recommended to store gasoline or any other fuel in plastic drums.
Can you put gas in a water jug?
According to VDFP, which supports fire and emergency organizations in the states and advises against the use of gasoline in containers that are not designed to hold it. A great deal of care should be taken when handling gas because it is flammable.
Conclusion
Gasoline expands too rapidly in milk jugs, so they cannot hold its expansion pressure. The thin-skinned plastic of milk jugs can also melt and cause a fire. Because of the airtightness of these containers, the liquid can mix with air and cause severe damage. Therefore, putting gas in a milk jug is not a good idea.
Hope this article was helpful to you. If you have any queries, you can let us know. Thank you for reading 🙂
