How does ambient air temperature affect fuel storage?

Ambient air temperature significantly impacts fuel storage by influencing both fuel density and evaporation rates. As the temperature rises, the density of fuels, particularly gasoline and other volatile compounds, tends to decrease. This means that warmer temperatures can lead to an increase in the volume of fuel for a given weight, potentially affecting fuel measurements and inventory calculations.

Additionally, higher temperatures can elevate evaporation rates of fuels. Volatile components in fuels are more prone to vaporization as temperature increases, which can result in losses of fuel through evaporation in storage facilities. This is particularly critical for gasoline and other lighter fuels, where evaporative losses can not only reduce the quantity of available fuel but can also pose safety and environmental risks.

Conversely, when temperatures drop, fuel density increases, and evaporation rates decrease, which can help in maintaining more stable fuel storage conditions. Understanding how ambient air temperature affects these characteristics is crucial for effective fuel management and ensuring fuel quality over time.