Basics

This page aims to lay out the design of a (hypothetical) improvement of the Jerry Can , bringing the design into the modern era
Much of the design is copied over though
Mostly hypotheticals/ideas by User: Eric for now, but feel free to add more info!

Parts

This would essentially just be an Aluminum or Stainless Steel Jerry Can (with the single weld)
Ideally would be robotically welded as well, a mold like jig aiding in Workholding
The goal is something that wouldn’t rust/corrode (such as a Mild Steel version), but coatings to prevent Liquid Fuel-Tank Material Reactions will be added as well

The “main one” would be lower risk as it would have the conventional single spout version
A version with a Cam-Lock fitting for the spout may be interesting, although may introduce more leaking than it would make worthwhile
- This or the treaded design could also adapt a Jerrycan into a giant Drip Torch potentially
A version with separate “Fill” and “Pour” Nozzles may be nice
- This would be akin to some COTS]] Safety Cans
- This allows one to have:
  - A Flexible Pour Spout
  - A Flashback Arrestor / Flame Mitigation Device and/or a Fuel Filter on the fuel-in part
  - Allows you to put the fill port parallel to the flat base, thus allowing a great visual of the fill volume
A version with one or more “cleanout” ports
- Would be very Design for Cleaning oriented
  - A BIT overkill, since a Clean in Place Tool could PROBABLY be lowered into the spout of even a STANDARD jerrycan, but having separate spouts for your cleaning tool/jet of water in, and dirty PCW out is nice
  - Main issue would be implementing this on a flat + thin metal can
- A “False Floor” allowing for a semi-Cone Bottom Tank and recessed threaded plug may suffice, albeit adding to the vertical height of the overall device

This exists to prevent the Liquid Fuel from reacting with the Metal of the can
- To an extent this also prevents corrosion, but one of the Design Decisions in this is to use an Intrinsically Corrosion Resistant container SUCH THAT any coating wear doesn’t lead to Flash Corrosion / Damage and Leaks
Traditionally some sort of Enamel Paint or Epoxy / Paint is used
While some sort of Vitreous Enamel / process akin to Glass Lined Steel MAY work, there are some concerns with differing Thermal Expansion rates leading to cracks long term
Furthermore Micro/Nanoplastic Pollution is particularly acute from Paint/Coatings, so having a coating be Biodegradable is perferable
- Albeit hopefully Slow/Negligible Biodegradation UNTIL it is Micronized and/or Not Biodegradable by anything that can survive a Hydrocarbon Rich Environment
Furthermore from a Design for Inspection perspective, having a Base Coat of a High Vis color, followed by an Opaque layer of White/Grey or Black would allow for the quality of the lining to be discerned easily solely by Visual Inspection / with an Inspection Camera ; No Wall Thickness Sensors needed

This exists to reduce wear and tear on the metal tank, to aid in Visual Inspection of the tank, and depending on policy to communicate what fuel is contained within (Re: Fuel Can Color Codes )
- To an extent though any color can be used as long as sufficient labeling/placarding is used
The Intrinsically Corrosion Resistant nature of the tank reduces MOST of the need of this coating to prevent corrosion/UV Exposure etc, but protection from those isn’t HORRIBLE per se
As previously stated however, M/NP Pollution is a concern, ESPECIALLY for a surface exposed to abrasion/the elements (UNLIKE the tank lining)
A coating similar to Japanning or a Bituminous Paint should suffice
A Base coat of a High Vis color, and a Black Topcoat will also allow for easy inspection for coatings/chippings in the paint etc
Some form of Biodegradable Clear Coat and/or Vehicle Wax may be warranted too
All of this should also be Fuel Compatible such that any spills do not dissolve/foul the coating