Fuel Suction and Transfer Equipment

Frequently Asked Questions About Fuel Suction and Transfer

Professional fuel extraction and transfer equipment enables the controlled removal, transfer, and delivery of suitable fuels as well as—depending on the equipment model—the bleeding of fuel systems. In doing so, the type of fuel, equipment certification, and the specific safety requirements for handling flammable substances must be observed.

• What is a fuel extraction device used for?

  A suitable fuel extraction device can be used for various workshop and service tasks.

  These include, for example:

  • Draining fuel from a tank or fuel system
  • Transferring fuel between suitable containers
  • Removing fuel prior to repair work
  • Filling fuel circuits
  • Bleeding suitable fuel systems
  • Mobile service and maintenance work

  Which applications are permitted depends on the type of fuel and the approval status of the device being used.

• Can a vehicle's fuel tank be emptied using a fuel extraction device?

  Fuel can be drained from a tank or fuel system using an appropriate device.
  
  Access to the fuel must be provided via a suitable and safe connection point.
  
  In modern vehicles, simply inserting a hose through the fuel filler neck is not always possible due to tank geometry, check valves, or safety devices.
  
  Therefore, the appropriate drainage point must be determined on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis.

• Can the KEG 01 be used in the event of a fuel mix-up?

  The KEG 01 can generally be used to extract and transfer the fuels for which the unit is approved.

  Therefore, the first crucial step is to determine which fuel mixture is actually in the tank.

  Before use, if there is uncertainty regarding a fuel misfill, a fuel identification should be performed first, if necessary.

  Next, it must be verified whether the present medium is approved for use with the suction device.

• Can gasoline be extracted using the KEG 01?

  The current product approval for the KEG 01 lists diesel, ethanol, and kerosene as suitable fuels.
  
  Gasoline is not listed in this approval.
  
  Therefore, the KEG 01 should not be used automatically for gasoline solely on the basis of its ATEX certification.
  
  For each fuel, the device’s explicit media approval must be observed.

• Which fuels are eligible for funding under the KEG 01 program?

  According to the device specifications, the Leitenberger KEG 01 is intended for use with the following media:

  • Diesel
  • Ethanol
  • Kerosene

  Other fuels or liquids may only be used if the device is expressly approved for them.

  Therefore, especially in the case of unknown fuel mixtures, it should first be determined exactly what medium is present.

• Why is media approval for a fuel extraction device important?

  Fuels differ in terms of flammability, chemical properties, and material compatibility.
  
  Pumps, diaphragms, seals, hoses, and other components must be compatible with the specific medium.
  
  Therefore, ATEX certification alone does not automatically mean that a device is suitable for any fuel or flammable liquid.
  
  Both explosion protection and specific media approval are always crucial.

• How does the KEG 01 work?

  The KEG 01 operates with a compressed-air-powered diaphragm pump.
  
  This allows the unit to pump or extract suitable fuels without requiring an electrical power connection to drive the pump.
  
  According to the unit’s specifications, the required workshop compressed air pressure ranges from 4 to 15 bar.
  
  The unit is designed to be portable and can therefore be used at various workstations.

• How fast can the KEG 01 pump fuel?

  With unobstructed flow, Leitenberger specifies a maximum flow rate of 540 liters per hour for the KEG 01.

  The actual flow rate achievable in practical use can be influenced by the following factors, among others:

  • Hose length
  • Hose cross-section
  • Height difference
  • Connection geometry
  • Fluid
  • Compressed air supply
  • Flow resistance in the vehicle or container

  The maximum flow rate should therefore not be equated with a guaranteed emptying time for every vehicle.

• Can the KEG 01 also pump fuel back into a system?

  Yes. The device is not intended solely for suction; it can also pump suitable fuels.
  
  This makes it suitable, for example, for transferring fuel between compatible containers or for servicing the fuel system.
  
  Before filling, ensure that the fuel type, container, and connection are suitable for the application.

• Can the KEG 01 also be used to bleed a fuel system?

  Yes. In addition to pumping and suction, the KEG 01 is designed for bleeding suitable fuel systems and fuel circuits.
  
  This means that the same unit can be used, for example, to refill or bleed the system after certain repair or maintenance work.
  
  However, when bleeding modern diesel systems, the procedures specified by the vehicle and engine manufacturers must still be followed.

• What is the difference between the KEG 01 and a diesel venting unit?

  The KEG 01 is a high-performance, versatile pumping, extraction, and venting unit designed for approved fuels.

  Special diesel venting units, on the other hand, are specifically designed for venting certain diesel fuel systems or vehicle applications.

  Which solution makes more sense depends on whether the primary purpose is venting or whether larger quantities of fuel also need to be extracted and transferred.

• Why does the KEG 01 have a ground wire?

  When pumping fuel, dangerous electrostatic charges must be avoided.
  
  The KEG 01 is therefore equipped with a grounding cable and an alligator clip.
  
  This is part of the device’s safety design and must be used in accordance with the operating and safety instructions.
  
  In addition, containers, hoses, and the entire work area must be suitable for handling the specific fuel.

• What does the ATEX certification for the KEG 01 mean?

  ATEX applies to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
  
  The KEG 01 has the appropriate ATEX certification and a flameproof stainless steel housing.
  
  However, this does not mean that it can automatically be used to pump any liquid.
  
  ATEX compliance and media approval are two separate requirements, both of which must be met.

• What are the discharge and suction pressures of the KEG 01?

  According to the unit specifications, the KEG 01 achieves a delivery pressure of up to 6.9 bar.
  
  A suction pressure of less than 600 mbar absolute is specified for the suction side.
  
  These technical specifications describe the unit’s performance capabilities.
  
  However, the permissible pressure of the connected tank, container, or fuel system must not be exceeded.

• Does the extracted fuel need to be collected separately?

  Yes. Drained fuel must be collected in a suitable container approved for the specific substance.
  
  In particular, in the event of a fuel mix-up, care must be taken to prevent different fuels from being unintentionally mixed with clean fuel.
  
  Whether drained fuel may be reused or must be disposed of depends on the fuel type, its degree of contamination, and the applicable operational or legal requirements.

• If the wrong fuel is put in the tank, should the fuel be checked first or pumped out immediately?

  If the fuel type or mixture ratio is unclear, it may be advisable to perform a fuel identification first.

  This makes it easier to determine:

  • what type of fuel is present,
  • what additional diagnostic steps are necessary,
  • which extraction device is suitable for the fuel,
  • and whether components of the fuel system need to be further inspected.

  In cases of clearly identified misfueling, the procedure should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s and repair shop’s guidelines.

• Does the fuel system need to be inspected further after draining?

  That depends on why the fuel was drained.

  After misfueling, further inspection may be necessary, depending on whether the engine has already been run.

  Possible measures may include:

  • Cleaning or flushing the fuel system
  • Replacing the fuel filter
  • Filling the system with the appropriate fuel
  • Bleeding the diesel system
  • Checking the feed pressure
  • Checking the common-rail high-pressure system
  • Inspecting the injectors

  In the event of a tank removal or repair, a leak test of the tank system may also be advisable or required afterward.

• What safety rules apply when draining fuel?

  Strict safety requirements must be followed when siphoning and transferring fuel.

  These include, in particular:

  • Use only equipment approved for the specific fuel
  • Avoid ignition sources
  • Ensure adequate ventilation
  • Use appropriate collection containers
  • Avoid electrostatic buildup
  • Ground the equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Check hoses and connections for damage
  • Use personal protective equipment
  • Prevent fuel leaks and immediately clean up any spilled fuel

  In addition, the safety data for the respective fuel and company regulations must be observed.