Contact person
Magnus Bobert
Civilingenjör
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Testing of plastic fuel tanks
Plastic fuel tanks are now days the most common fuel tank model within the automotive industry. One of the major benefits compared to metal fuel tanks is the almost unrestricted freedom of shape. However, there are various specific regulations for plastic fuel tanks concerning fire resistance, impact strength, permeability etc. with which they must comply.
Purpose
The requirements for plastic fuel tanks are regulated in the UN standard UN Regulation 34 Annex 5. Testing according to this standard, but also according to the customer's own requirements is performed at RISE
Method
The UN tests are, in general terms, as follows:
Fire resistance
The tank is filled to half its volume with fuel and exposed to an open flame for two minutes. More information on fire testing of plastic fuel tanks can be found via the link below.
Evaporative emission testing
This test measures the average permeation of petrol vapor over an eight-week period, by weighing the tanks and recording the loss of weight. During the test, the tanks are stored at a temperature of +40 °C in explosion-resistant areas.
Mechanical strength
The tanks are filled with water at +53 °C, and then subjected to an internal positive pressure of 30 kPa for five hours. The ambient temperature is also maintained at 53 °C.
Impact testing
The tanks are filled with a glycol/water mixture and cooled to -40 °C, before being subjected to blows from a pyramid-shaped body with an impact energy of 30 Nm.
Thermal testing
The tanks are filled with water at a temperature of +20 °C, and then placed in a test chamber for one hour at a temperature of +95 °C.
Deliveries
Performed testing with associated report can be used as a basis for certification of the fuel tank. Often, certification organizations (TÜV, VCA, RDW, TS etc.) require tests to be witnessed by the relevant organization.