A fuel tank (also known as a petrol tank or gas tank) is a secure container storing flammable liquids, typically gasoline or diesel fuel.
Though any gasoline storage tank can be referred to as such, the phrase is commonly used to describe a component of an engine system in which fuel is kept and either propelled (fuel pump) or discharged (pressurized gas) into the engine.
Fuel tanks vary in size and complexity, from the little plastic tank in a butane lighter to the multi-chambered cryogenic Space Shuttle external tank.
Uses
- Typically, a gasoline tank should allow or deliver the following:
- Filling: The fuel tank must be filled securely, without sparks.
- Provide a means for determining the level of fuel in the tank by gauging.
- Venting (if over-pressure is not permitted, fuel vapors must be controlled via valves).
- Engine supply (via a pump).
- Prepare for probable damage and ensure safe survival.
Plastic (high-density polyethylene HDPE) as a fuel tank construction material is functionally viable in the short term but has the potential to become saturated over time when fuels such as diesel and gasoline infiltrate the HDPE material.
Given the inertia and kinetic energy of fuel in a plastic tank transported by a vehicle, environmental stress cracking is a real possibility. Stress cracking is a potential cause of catastrophic failure due to fuel’s flammability. Aside from emergencies, HDPE plastic can be used to store diesel and gasoline for brief periods of time. In the United States, tanks that have been authorized by Underwriters Laboratories (UL 142) are the minimal design consideration.
Fuel tank construction
While the majority of fuel tanks are manufactured, some are still created by metal craftsmen or hand-made, as in the case of bladder-style tanks.
These are custom and repair tanks for automobiles, planes, motorbikes, boats, and even tractors. The process of building gasoline tanks is divided into several distinct parts.
To determine the exact size and shape of the tank, the craftsman typically builds a prototype out of foam board. Next, design issues affecting the tank’s construction are addressed, such as the location of the outlet, drain, fluid level indicator, seams, and baffles.
After the sheet is cut into the required shapes, several parts are twisted to form the basic shell, ends, and baffles for the tank.
Many fuel tank baffles (especially in aircraft and racecars) have lightening holes. These flanged holes serve two purposes: they reduce the tank’s weight while strengthening the baffles.
Openings for the filler neck, fuel pickup, drain, and fuel level transmitting unit are added at the end of the construction process. These holes are sometimes drilled into the flat shell, while others are added at the end of the construction process. Baffles and ends can be riveted in place.
Fuel Tank Sealants are commonly used in the aerospace sector to seal high temperature integrated fuel tanks. This offers great resistance to fluids like water, alcohols, synthetic oils, and petroleum-based hydraulic fluids.
Automotive fuel tanks
Passenger vehicles
A larger fuel tank gives the automobile a longer range between refills, but the weight and space requirements of a larger tank are undesirable, particularly in compact cars. The usual gasoline tank volume for automobiles is 50-60 L (12-16 US gallons).
The most frequent gasoline tank materials are metal or plastic. Metal (steel or aluminum) fuel tanks are often constructed by welding stamped sheetmetal components together. Plastic fuel tanks are typically manufactured via blow molding, which enables for more complicated forms to be used.
Some vehicles have a small reserve tank that is utilized when the main fuel tank is empty. Some additional vehicles, usually 4WD vehicles, include a big auxiliary tank (or “sub-tank”) that increases the vehicle’s range.
Racing fuel cell
A racing fuel cell has a solid outer shell and a flexible inner lining to reduce the possibility of punctures in the case of a collision or other catastrophe that causes significant damage to the car.
Ship in a bottle
The ship in a bottle fuel tank is a manufacturing design invented by TI Automotive in Rastatt, Germany, with all gasoline supply
The pump, control electronics, and the majority of the hose are housed in a blow-molded plastic fuel tank, which is called after the traditional ship-in-a-bottle mechanical puzzle.
The approach was designed to lower gasoline vapor emissions in response to the Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards.
