PRINCIPLES GASOLINE/DIESEL FUEL SYSTEMS - OD1620 - LESSON 1/TASK 2
(1) The removable fuel tank (figure 1) is most commonly used in
wheeled vehicles. The most common material for fuel tanks is thin sheet
metal coated with leadtin alloy to prevent corrosion. Because corrosion is
a major concern, fiberglass and a variety of molded plastics are also widely
used in the manufacture of fuel tanks.
The walls of the tank are manufactured with ridges to give strength.
Internal baffles are installed in the tank to prevent the fuel from sloshing
and to increase its overall strength. Some tanks are made with a double
wall with a layer of latex rubber in between. The purpose of the wall is to
make the tank selfsealing.
(2) The fuel cell is a compartment that is integral with the body or
the hull of the vehicle. Fuel cells can be located anywhere there is an
empty space. They are used in vehicles that require a large fuel storage
capacity. A fuel cell can take advantage of hollow areas of the vehicle
where use of a removable fuel tank would be impractical. Fuel cells are
particularly suited for combat situations because they may be located in
areas that provide a maximum of shielding.
FIGURE 1. TYPICAL REMOVABLE FUEL TANK CONSTRUCTION.
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