Development of minimum design requirements on a flexible fabric tank standard for the aerial transport of fuels

Transport Canada (TC) wishes to gain a deeper understanding of eleven (11) identified physical properties and performance requirements of flexible fabric tanks (FFT). These performance requirements are to be studied and assessed according to the FFTs use case of carrying dangerous goods in aerial transport, either on board or underslung aircraft such as helicopters.

Results of this performance requirements review will be used as guidance towards developing minimum design criteria for FFTs.

FFTs that carry dangerous goods should be made up of materials that exhibit good resistance to physical and chemical degradation, such as high-resistance polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These tanks are strapped to aircraft either on board or underslung where they are exposed to the environment during each flight. They are expected to be in service for many years without any cuts, tears, rips, delamination, or other damage that will affect its ability to contain the commodity.

To ensure manufactured flexible fuel tanks are suitable for transporting dangerous goods while withstanding its service environment, minimum design criteria would need to be established. The minimum design criteria should be performance-based to allow flexibility and acceptance of multiple tank designs. The CSA Technical Committee is currently considering eleven requirements listed in Table 1 as some of the performance requirements the tanks and/or their constructed materials will have to meet. For each performance requirement, a test reference and additional test requirements have also been specified. Transport Canada wishes to gain an understanding of these performance requirements, and is looking for a Contractor to undertake a literature review of each of the requirements and provide a deeper understanding of the requirement, the test reference, additional test requirements, and assess if the requirement will be sufficient for the application of FFTs transporting diesel fuel (UN1202, Packing Group III), aviation fuel (UN1863, Packing Group III) and gasoline (UN1203, Packing Group II).