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Why does a fuel tank need to be aerated?
Why does a fuel tank need to be aerated?
Tips and advice

Why does a fuel tank need to be aerated?

02.04.2024

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When it comes to fuel tanks, ventilation is of vital importance. Why is this? Poor ventilation encourages two phenomena that can cause breakdowns or even major damage to your tanks: "negative pressure" and "positive pressure".

Depression and its consequences on a reservoir

If the pressure in the tank is lower than the external pressure, this is a negative pressure phenomenon. In a poorly ventilated tank, several situations can cause excessive negative pressure, in particular :
  • A drop in temperature: A tank must contain two elements: fuel and gas (a mixture of air and fuel vapour). In a hermetically sealed tank, if the gas is cooled, it will naturally shrink and its pressure will drop. This creates a vacuum.
  • Rapid draining: Generally speaking, a pump is needed to drain a storage tank. During this operation, the pump sucks in not only the fuel, but also the air. Without adequate aeration, the volumes of fuel and gas sucked in will not be replaced, a vacuum will be created and the tank pressure will drop.

What are the risks of a vacuum in your tank?
If the internal pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure, the external force exerted on the tank will be greater. If this imbalance is too great, it will eventually deform or even crush the tank. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as the "implosion" of the tank.
Storage tank deformed as a result of negative pressure.
In addition to deformation or implosion, a vacuum is also synonymous with failure. In a tank with a venting defect, the lower the fuel level, the more difficult it will be to feed the pump and the less fuel will flow. On a vehicle or machine fitted with an internal combustion engine, combustion will be too lean, and you will see a loss of power, or even the engine stopping.

Overpressure: what are its effects?

Overpressure occurs when the pressure inside the tank is higher than atmospheric pressure. Here are some of the causes of this phenomenon:
  • A rise in temperature: When the temperature of a gas or liquid rises, it expands inside the tank. The internal pressure increases accordingly.
  • Too much fuel: In hot weather, if a fuel tank is too full, the fuel may expand and take up more space inside the tank. This lack of space can lead to excess pressure.

If the venting system or the ventilation valve fails, the excess pressure cannot be evacuated. The risks involved are: deformation of the tank, increased risk of fire and even explosion of the tank.

The importance of a breathing vent

Breathing vents allow air to escape or enter the tank as required. The internal pressure is balanced, avoiding negative pressure or excess pressure and the risks they entail.
By ensuring good ventilation, you can guarantee the integrity of your tanks, the safety of your operators and the smooth running of your equipment. However, this air intake can be a source of contamination, which can affect the quality of the fuel.

Contamination of fuel in a tank

Diesel, biodiesel, petrol... All these fuels can be contaminated via the tank vent if it is faulty or unsuitable.
Recurring contaminants include solid particles and water.
  • Solid particles (particularly dust): Once inside your vehicle, these contaminants from the outside environment prematurely wear out engine system parts and impair engine performance, leading to costly damage and repeated downtime.
  • Water: Condensation (caused by temperature variations) can lead to water in your tank. This phenomenon can be exacerbated by moisture ingress due to a faulty vent. Water contamination encourages bacterial proliferation and corrosion of system parts. To find out more about water contamination, take a look at our dedicated article.
Read the article

Reservoir aeration filters: what are the benefits?

To avoid contamination, the installation of high-performance filters is essential to protect your tanks and the purity of your fuel. HIFI FILTER® tank aeration filters are a 2-in-1 solution. Placed on the breathing vent of a tank or on the tank of a vehicle, they stabilise the pressure thanks to air flow exchanges, while retaining contaminants.

Breather filters

Before reaching the tank, the contaminated air passes through a filter medium (made of foam, cellulose or fibre) designed to capture particles such as dust, pollen and other impurities. Some of these aeration filters are fitted to the tank vent, while others are integrated directly into the tank cap.
By installing one of these filters, you'll avoid a build-up of contaminants that could clog a vehicle's system and cause costly damage. Equipment life and engine performance will be preserved.
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FSNR breather filters

In addition to particle filtration, an FSNR filter captures moisture. How does it do this? By combining two filter media. In practice, the filter is placed vertically and air enters through its dedicated openings. Inside, a PPI foam absorbs the moisture, then a cellulose filter medium retains the solid particles. Decontaminated, the air passes through the central tube before reaching the tank and the motorisation system.
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Air-drying breather filters

Air-drying breather filters offer superior protection. How do they do it? Their silica gel beads (a desiccant material) are responsible for removing all traces of moisture, while their filter media capture solid particles. This dual filtration helps maintain a dry environment in the tank, reducing corrosion, microbial growth and system deterioration.
🔍 If the silica gel beads change colour, your filter is saturated with moisture. It's time to replace it.
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Want to find out more about one of these products? Consult our online catalogue.
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“⚠️ No matter what your working environment, condensation is a widespread phenomenon. To avoid contamination of fuel by water, we strongly recommend that you fit your vehicle or storage tank with a filter capable of absorbing moisture.“

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Control, to store your fuel better

High-performance filters are not the only way to protect your fuel. Regular maintenance also helps. Here are a few good practices to adopt:
  • Use appropriate storage tanks: Opt for a tank specially designed for fuel storage that complies with local safety standards and regulations.
  • Check the storage temperature: Ideally, store the tank in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Otherwise, wide variations in temperature could lead to a vacuum or excess pressure in the tank. Fluctuating temperatures also encourage condensation, leading to water contamination of the fuel.
  • Make sure the tank is watertight: A well-sealed, watertight tank considerably reduces the risk of contaminants getting in. Regularly check the condition of seals and valves to make sure they are in good working order.
  • Check regularly: Inspect the tank regularly for leaks and make sure the filters are working properly. Clean the tank if necessary and replace the filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Our other fuel distribution solutions

⚠️Before reaching service stations, CNG storage tanks or your vehicles, fuel undergoes multiple transfers. At each stage, there is a risk of contamination. HIFI FILTER offers a wide range of solutions for protecting your fuel distribution chain and your equipment, either upstream or in your tanks.
 
These include absorbent strips capable of attracting and absorbing up to 3.7 litres of water in less than 24 hours. Or the very high efficiency RED SERIES range from HIFI FILTER, dedicated to the filtration of bulk fuel, which quickly decontaminates large quantities while guaranteeing the cleanliness required by manufacturers.
Used on all vehicles with a fuel tank, such as construction equipment, agricultural machinery, boats, etc., or on tanks in oil depots, service stations and airports, RED SERIES . Fuel aeration filters, absorbent strips and high-efficiency filters are ideal for use on all types of vehicles:
  • ✅ Guarantee safe refuelling with clean fuel
  • ✅ Extend the life of tanks and vessels
  • ✅ Preserve the engine and its performance
  • ✅ Reduce your maintenance costs
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