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History of Fire Truck Water Tanks & the Future of HDPE

Fire truck manufacturers originally constructed their tanks from the same material used for the body. This evolution can be traced through different materials over the decades. Now in the modern day, steel is less common and materials like HDPE Plastic are taking center stage. 

Evolution of Materials Steel, Aluminum Fiberglass & HDPE Water Tanks

1950s to 1970s: Steel Tanks

  • 1950s: Untreated steel tanks.
  • 1960s and 70s: Galvanized steel tanks.

1980s: Stainless Steel, Aluminum, and Fiberglass

  • Stainless Steel and Aluminum: Became the norm until the mid-1980s.
  • Fiberglass: Started appearing around the same time.

Mid-1980s to Present: Polypropylene

  • Polypropylene Water Tanks: Introduced in the mid-1980s and currently dominate the market.

Types of Fire Truck Water Tanks

Steel, Stainless Steel, and Aluminum Tanks

Stainless Steel Tanks

  • Usage: Uncommon today, typically found in elliptical shapes.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Often chosen for untreated brushed or mirrored finishes.
  • Cost and Durability Issues: High material cost, prone to cracking and microbiologically influenced corrosion.
  • Cost-Saving Alternatives: Wrapping fiberglass or polypropylene tanks with stainless steel.

Aluminum Tanks

  • Preferred Applications: High system operating pressures or vacuum-style applications.
  • Mechanical Properties: Superior mechanical properties compared to other materials.

Steel Tanks

  • Maintenance: Annual maintenance required to prevent rust.
  • Cost Comparison: Lowest initial cost among metallic tanks.
  • Weight Considerations: Heavier, reducing the available payload of the truck.
  • Recyclability and Warranties: Most metallic tanks can be recycled, with warranties ranging from one to seven years.

Fiberglass Tanks

Benefits

  • Integration: Easily integrates tank and body structure.
  • Surface Finish: Excellent finish, suitable for exposed automotive applications.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Excels in corrosion resistance and high tensile and flexural properties.
  • Volume Efficiency: Fewer structural supports, resulting in increased volume.

Challenges

  • Brittleness: Relatively brittle and difficult to repair if the core material absorbs water.
  • Dimensional Tolerances: Can vary greatly, requiring additional allowances for tank frame and interfacing components.
  • Environmental Impact: High impact due to VOC emissions.
  • Recyclability: Not recyclable.
  • Warranties: Range from one year to limited lifetime.

Polypropylene Tanks (HDPE Water Tanks)

Composition and Value

  • Material: (HDPE) Co-polymer polypropylene with a small amount of polyethylene for added impact resistance.
  • Cost-Efficiency: Excellent total life cycle costs, slightly more expensive than stainless steel but significant weight savings over steel.
  • Durability: Long lifespan as the material will never corrode or crack.
  • Warranties: Typically come with a limited lifetime warranty.

Limitations

  • Mechanical Properties: Not ideal for high fill rate and pressure or vacuum applications.
  • Environmental Impact: Lowest environmental impact in terms of raw material manufacture and processing.
  • Recyclability: Completely recyclable.

Conclusion

Polypropylene tanks are the standard in the fire service today. However, given the variety of applications, other materials might be better suited for specific functions. It is advisable to consult with the tank supplier or OEM for unique circumstances.

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