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Fuel Tank Construction
Evan,
You are correct, but here is the rub. Diesel is hygroscopic and with tanks this size water, being more dense than fuel oil, will settle at the bottom and EAT the aluminum pretty damn quick. Steve "Evan Gatehouse" wrote in message ... "Steve Lusardi" wrote in message ... Wayne, you are talking about a reasonable effort and significant cost regardless of the material chosen, Do not use aluminum, it is far too reactive. Do not use gavanized steel. The diesel will disolve the zinc. The ultimate material should be 316TI SS and next best would be mild steel blasted and painted with the special Permatex tank paint. This paint is designed for large storage tanks and must be ordered specially. I just finished 2 water tanks slightly smaller than yours in stainless and the material cost was $3200 and that included access hatches. Steve Commercial small / medium size vessel practice is usually aluminum or mild steel. I don't see using plastic tanks, the size you are suggesting is pretty big for plastic of non cylindrical shapes. Saying aluminum is "too reactive" isn't really true. The only problem with aluminum is if the tank is let to sit with moisture trapped against it. Stand-offs or similar methods to keep any condensation from the skin of the tank is a good idea. Mild steel is generally not painted inside and the steel tanks do last at least 20 years (the diesel on the inside tends to give a nice coating). That said you can coat the inside of steel tanks for additional protection. No I wouldn't use stainless steel - generally weld cracking can occur with the thin plates of tanks. If you do go S.S., I would probably select 316L, which is a low carbon version of 316 that is suited for welding. Much better for corrosion than 304. But it's a pretty big price premium for doubtful benefit. -- Evan Gatehouse you'll have to rewrite my email address to get to me ceilydh AT 3web dot net (fools the spammers) |
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