Fuel Tank Tumbler

Older fuel tanks can develop rust and small holes, causing safety hazards such as leaks and fuel system problems. Many of these tanks are no longer manufactured and cannot be purchased aftermarket. For these tanks to once again be usable, they can be put through a process that lines the inner walls with a specialized sealant. Distributing this sealant is often done through manual tank rotation, which can lead to inconsistent coverage and is a time intensive task. A machine was designed to yield consistent coverage in a fraction of the time. The machine uses two rotation axes to ensure complete coverage of the fuel tank. Due to the flammability of the sealant, pneumatics are used to drive the system. In order to decrease the drying time of the sealant, a regulated air supply is used to supply air flow through the tank. This drying air is used in a closed loop, allowing for the sealant fumes to be handled in accordance with local regulations. The machine allows for varying fuel tanks to be reconditioned safely and efficiently.