what all is there to a fuel cell? i can do the math to get the size i want but are there baffles inside, what all fittings/vents do i need yada yada. just looking for a parts list essentially
thanks

 

if you don't know what you need, you should probably get someone else go build it, or just buy one that is already made. anything that has fuel in it shouldn't be taken lightly.

 

http://www.fuelsafe.com/faqs.htm

You can buy them with a plastic (polyethylene) or aluminum case, or a steel case with a rubber or plastic liner (bladder). A fully-metal fuel cell isn't all that safe, especially if it's located in the passenger compartment. One bad wreck could puncture it, and spill fuel. The idea behind the bladder is that the case will absorb most of the impact, and the bladder will stretch/deform enough to not puncture.

If you are building it for a specific race class, good luck. Most, if not all, require a certified fuel cell.

 

I've always wondered about what people did for a bladder on custom made fuel cells. I am making an aluminum one for my shop car, and I want it outside, under the car. I want to run a bladder inside, but don't know how to make a custom one.

 

yeah, i'm in the same boat as you markku, but i'm skipping the bladder thing. i don't think you can make a custom one because how are you going to make it seal properly unless it is similar to the one in the link provided where all the inlets/outlets are through one hole in the top. also, having the blader makes it difficult to add a baffle. the triangle engineering one i had didn't have a bladder (foam baffle inside) so i don't see the issue with doing something similar.

 

Markku, Fuel Safe makes custom bladders

 

They do, but they cost a LOT. They have to be made with fuel-safe rubber, which is not cheap. They can have baffels though, but it's not easy like a poly-lined blader where it's all molded in. Generally they use safety foam and a rather large surge tank.

I was thinking about a bladder systme for my next project for safety (tank right behind rear bumper). After seeing prices, it will be easier & cheaper to use 2 smaller tanks further in the frame connected with a balance tube.

 

To make a custom bladder you would need un-vulcanized rubber strips to seal the corners of the bladder then find a way to vulcanize the rubber when you have what you want (heat and pressure). Probably not cost effective.