Low permeation multilayered polymer fuel tank

摘要

A method of forming a fuel tank (10 see fig 1) comprises forming a polymeric structural layer 34 to which a first polymeric barrier layer 30 is applied which is less permeable to hydrocarbons. The fuel tank (10) typically comprises a second polymeric barrier layer 40 such as polyvinylidene chloride which is solvent soluble and is also less permeable than the structural layer 34. A further structural layer 33 may be provided on the inside of the tank (10). The structural layers 33,34 and the first barrier layer 30 may be bonded by adhesive layers (31,32 see fig 2) to form a multilayered wall (11 see fig 2). The fuel tank (10) typically comprises shell halves (16,18 see fig 1) welded together prior to spray application of the second barrier layer 40. An outer coating 42 such as polyurethane enamel may then be sprayed onto the second barrier layer 40.