Nanotechnologies to prevent explosion in fuel tanks

The Austrian company Hirtenberger Prosafe Safety Technology GmbH uses the Bayer MaterialScience AG multi-wall carbon nanotubes i.e. Baytubes™ for an innovative safety technology that significantly reduces the risk of explosions in fuel tanks. In fact this Austrian company has developed innovative hollow spheres which have been designed to prevent the formation of explosive gas mixtures in fuel tanks. These carbon nanotube filled-spheres that will be soon introduced on the global market under the trade name Safeball™ are treated with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agents. They are an interesting alternative to extruded metal mesh or plastic foam usually used for this purpose. They have to be introduced into fuel tank in order to completely fill it, the available tank volume being only reduced by 8.5% due to their special shape that allows fuel to flow freely while preventing any dangerous surging, which occurs when large volumes of liquid are displaced.