Things to Look for in EPA Standards Marine Gas Tanks

In 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) changed the rules for how much gasoline vapor could escape from a fuel system. It was to control unnecessary gas emissions in the environment. Marine engines exhaust a lot of smoke and miscellaneous oxides of nitrogen and sulfur that eventually dissolve in the atmosphere creating a serious threat to vegetations and the natural environment. EPA standards marine gas tanks are built in compliance with EPA rules and regulations. These tanks also meet the diurnal storage requirements and other USCG boating safety standards.

Different USCG requirements for fuel tanks

The United States Coast Guard had introduced many requirements for fuel systems that are installed in gas-powered boats. These requirements are documented in a lengthy file which you can find here. Each regulation is described in precise terms by the agency. Although it might be easy for professional boat gas tanks builders to understand that specific jargon, common boaters may lead to confusion.

·         These rules are applicable to all the boats that run on gasoline engines and do not include diesel fuel.

·         The tank must be pressure tested attentively for any leaks. The determined pressure should be mentioned on the label that is affixed to the tank.

·         Tanks with capacity up to 25 gallons should be designed and constructed to resist a specific level of shock. The testing procedure is thoroughly described in the official document of the USCG.

·         Following the testing, the boat gas tanks should be tested for permeation emissions.

·         The use of terneplate material is prohibited for tanks that meant to be permanently installed with inboard gasoline engines.

·         The tank must have a label attached on it that clearly states the fuel tank manufacturer’s name, year of manufacturing, capacity, type of material used, pressure testing psi, model number, and other details as elaborated in the original release.

EPA compliant marine gas tanks

If you tend to purchase EPA standards marine gas tanks, there are a few things you should confirm. There are many companies that claim to be certified for building boat tanks but actually not all of them are honest. EPA insistently requires all manufacturers to install a carbon canister or a pressure relief valve in line with the fuel tank vent meet diurnal requirements.

Once you have ensured that the company from which you’re buying a fuel tank for your vessel obeys with the EPA rules, the next thing you should check is the tank’s material, design, and strength. There are components that help tank manufactures meet EPA requirements.

The first is a fuel tank that is entirely sealed and strong enough that could inflate at least 20 pounds per square inch without bursting. It should be closed with a filler cap that has a vent on it. Fuel demand valve is another thing that ensures the engine pulls the fuel through it. It doesn’t let the fuel pass until the engine demands the fuel and it will come through at atmospheric pressure.