Fuel container



A fuel container  is a container such as a steel can, bottle, drum, etc. for transporting, storing, and dispensing various fuels.

Construction
A wide variety of container types and constructions are used for fuels. Each has its own engineering challenges.

The jerrycan is a robust liquid container originally made from pressed steel. It was designed in Germany in the 1930s for military use to hold 20 litres (4.4 imp gal; 5.3 US gal) of fuel. Three handles allow for two people carrying a full can or one person handling an empty can. The basic design is still in use today although construction is often of high density polyethylene.

Portable plastic gasoline containers are commercially available and are in common use. These are usually blow molded polyethylene or other polymers compatible with the designated fuel. It has been found that the use of flame arresters reduces the chance of fire or explosion of gasoline. Child resistant caps or closures are required in some regions or jurisdictions.

A drum (also called a barrel) is a cylindrical container used for shipping fuels. A typical drum has a nominal capacity of 200 litres (55 US or 44 imp gal). Drums are usually made of steel, but plastic drums are used for some liquids. Fuel drums need have the appropriate certification for shipment of dangerous goods: Flammable liquids, etc. Steel drums are suited for reconditioning for multiple uses.

Grounding
Pouring of a flammable liquid has the potential of generating static electricity. Having the fuel container on the ground or having a grounding strap helps reduce the risk of sparks. In particular, loading a fuel container on a flatbed truck or vehicle can be dangerous because it is insulated.

Regulations
Shipments of flammable or explosive liquids are highly regulated. Based on the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods model regulations, each country has coordinated design and performance requirements for shipment. For example, in the US, the Department of Transportation has jurisdiction and published requirements in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

The applicable regulation depends on the flash point of the fuel, quantity being shipped, mode of transit, etc.