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Subject: Re: TWL: Was "Fuel Tank Manufacturers"
From: Arild Jensen (elnav@XXX.XXX)
Date: Sat Sep 28 2002 - 15:34:53 EDT
Steve asked:
> Is this really the best we can do?
> What can one do in order to increase the probability of getting
> stuck with tanks that are in need of costly replacement? Does one look for
> dry (and clean) fuel? Lack of rust on the outside? Is there a
> non-destructive test for measuring wall thickness?
REPLY
If the tank is black iron there is a thickness gauge available to measure thickness. This tool is routinely used to inspect steel hulled ships.
Fibre scopes are routinely used in everything from surgery to machine shop inspections of complexity internal structures. Such a scope can be used to peek inside the
fuel tank using either the inspection/clean out ports or the filler hose inlets or the vent connection.
Past experience of the list members who posted to the list suggest that certain area are more prone to corrosion than others.
From memory this appear to include the welded seams at the corners, flat sections in contact with tank supports or holddown straps.
Based on my own experience with cars rusting from road salt accumulation, it seems to me that tapping lightly with a small hammer or such will produce a ring if the
metal is solid and thud if it has a rusty buildup.
Based on what I have seen regarding fuel polishing etc, this group more than likely has a considerable knowledgebase concerning fuel tank corrosion and fuel dirt
accumulation.
Cheers
Arild
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