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Stainless Steel Gas Tanks
Many motorcyclists and classic car enthusiasts are attracted
to the high polish of a stainless steel gas tank and its ability to be custom fitted to
the vehicle. Stainless steel tank manufacturers strive to produce tanks that
are airtight and without cracks or leaks so that gasoline does not diffuse into
the air or drip out of the tank. As a storage container, the tank itself has no
moving parts; for an average automobile, it is usually rectangular with rounded
corners and a capacity of around 16 gallons.
Airplanes carry from around 6,000 to more than 80,000 gallons of fuel in
multiple tanks that are mounted in the wings or installed in a designated
compartment. Stainless steel is gaining popularity as a material for gas tanks
as it resists rust, does not deposit impurities into the gas and has minimal
cracking over time.
Traditionally, gas tanks are made from molded ceramic,
carbon fiber or steel coated in zinc or aluminum. These materials are prone to splitting, flaking
and corrosion, which lower the quality of the gasoline and can decrease the
engine’s performance. If the tank begins to develop cracks, gasoline can diffuse
into the air which is costly and damaging to the environment. Stainless steel, however, does not break down
or get worn away, and the tanks maintain a good seal, especially if they are
carved from a billet. A billet is a
rectangular piece of steel, and they are often melted down then cast or forged
into mechanical and industrial products. The disadvantages of those processes
is that they result in thick and thin areas in the steel which can warp and
crack from internal stress, and a weaker steel must be used so that it can be
worked properly. If the gas tank is carved from a billet of stainless steel, it
will have even walls and can be made from a higher grade of steel. Gas tanks
can also be welded from sheets of stainless steel or, for larger tanks, bolted
together. A fuel delivery system is also welded or soldered into place with
tubes to deliver the fuel to the engine and pressure gauges to provide the
operator an accurate reading of how much gas remains.
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