Bertram31.com General Bulletin Board

Re: SS Tannks are used by the Coast Guard

Posted By: Gary Gibson
Date: Monday, 10 January 2005, at 9:39 p.m.

In Response To: Re: SS Tannks are used by the Coast Guard (Capt. Dave Kosh)

There are many stainless alloys, some will work better than others for fuel tanks. Type 316L (L for Low-carbon) or 317L is probably the best of the non-exotic stainless alloys (The alloy manufacturer makes a BIG difference on the quality of the alloy!). As others have indicated, embrittlement of the welds can be a problem; but, is significantly a factor of the alloy, weld-filler and the SKILL of the fabracator. Additionally, the ABYC has limitations on stainless gasoline fuel tanks.

With the best materials, properly designed and a skilled stainless welder (e.g., certified pressure vessel welder) the tanks will last many decades...but most stainless tanks are not built this way.

That said, as UV indicated, Monel is generally considered the best material for fuel tanks (but, the material si very expensive). Vinylester/fiberglass is hard to beat for longevity and cost. Aluminum is the least expensive, but has a much shorter lifespan even in ideal conditions (~10 years typical service, more if overbuilt and well protected).

Inconel should be used for high temperature exhaust systems !

Gary

Messages In This Thread

Stainless Steel Diesel Fuel Tanks
Jim Kilbane -- Sunday, 9 January 2005, at 7:49 p.m.

Re: Stainless Steel Diesel Fuel Tanks
Vic Roy -- Sunday, 9 January 2005, at 8:35 p.m.

Re: Stainless Steel Diesel Fuel Tanks
Charlie Haws -- Sunday, 9 January 2005, at 9:10 p.m.

SS Tannks are used by the Coast Guard *LINK*
ZeroCavity -- Monday, 10 January 2005, at 8:25 a.m.

Re: SS Tannks are used by the Coast Guard
carl -- Monday, 10 January 2005, at 1:12 p.m.

Re: SS Tannks are used by the Coast Guard
Capt. Dave Kosh -- Monday, 10 January 2005, at 3:23 p.m.

Re: SS Tannks are used by the Coast Guard
bruce -- Monday, 10 January 2005, at 9:24 p.m.

Re: SS Tannks are used by the Coast Guard
carl -- Tuesday, 11 January 2005, at 5:32 p.m.

Re: SS Tannks are used by the Coast Guard
Capt. Dave Kosh -- Wednesday, 12 January 2005, at 12:47 p.m.

Re: SS Tannks are used by the Coast Guard
Gary Gibson -- Monday, 10 January 2005, at 9:39 p.m.

Re: SS Tannks are used by the Coast Guard *LINK*
Doug C/O NAUTIC MARINE WELDING INC. -- Thursday, 30 March 2006, at 8:16 p.m.

Re: SS Tannks are used by the Coast Guard
bruce -- Friday, 31 March 2006, at 6:11 a.m.

Re: SS Tannks are used by the Coast Guard
Carl -- Friday, 31 March 2006, at 7:09 a.m.

Re: SS Tannks are used by the Coast Guard
CMP -- Friday, 31 March 2006, at 8:24 a.m.

Re: SS Tannks are used by the Coast Guard
Capt Dick Dean -- Friday, 31 March 2006, at 5:26 p.m.

Re: SS Tannks are used by the Coast Guard
randall -- Friday, 31 March 2006, at 6:00 p.m.

Re: SS Tannks are used by the Coast Guard
Harv -- Friday, 31 March 2006, at 7:02 p.m.