Toroidal tanks are a type of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) tank used in automotive gas installations. They are so named because of their characteristic shape resembling a torus, i.e. a geometric block in the shape of a bagel. Toroidal LPG tanks are also referred to by the term wheel gas cylinder, as they are usually fitted in place of the spare wheel.
Advantages of toroidal LPG tanks
Aesthetics: Toroidal tanks are mounted in place of the spare wheel, making them invisible in the luggage compartment.
Space utilisation: They take up space that is normally unused - no loss of boot volume.
Low weight: Toroidal tanks are generally lighter than cylindrical tanks.
Safety: Toroidal tanks are manufactured from high-strength materials and meet stringent safety standards.
Disadvantages of toroidal LPG tanks
Limited capacity: Due to their shape, they usually have less capacity than cylindrical tanks.
Need to remove the spare wheel: The spare wheel has to be placed elsewhere, e.g. in the boot. At the ZAMEL Autogas plant, our customer is supplied with a spare wheel cover.
Assembly of the LPG toroidal tank
Assembly of the LPG toroidal tank should be carried out by a qualified gas fitter. Fitting includes:
Selection of a suitable tank: The LPG tank must fit the size of the spare wheel bay.
Tank installation: The tank is attached to the vehicle chassis using special brackets.
Installation connection: The tank is connected to the LPG system with hoses (in Poland usually thermoplastic) and an LPG multi-valve.
Leak check: After installation, the installation is checked for leaks with dedicated gas leak testers.
Is the toroidal LPG tank suitable for your car?
Choosing the right LPG tank depends on several factors, such as:
Car model: Not all cars have a spare wheel bay suitable for fitting a toroidal tank.
Range needs: Toroidal tanks tend to have a smaller capacity than cylindrical tanks.
If you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing and safe solution to fuel your car with LPG, a toroidal tank may be a good choice. Consult a qualified gas fitter to see if fitting a toroidal tank is possible on your car.
