Intank

Intank, often written as in-tank, is a term used to describe components that are located inside a liquid-containing tank. In automotive engineering it most commonly refers to the fuel pump assemblies installed inside the fuel tank. The intank configuration is standard in many modern vehicles, where the pump, feed line, electrical connections, and often the fuel level sending unit are integrated into a single module mounted within the tank. This arrangement contrasts with external or in-line pumps located outside the tank.

In automotive use, the intank pump module is typically powered by an electrical connection routed through the tank. The module may include a pressure regulator, a filter or strainer, and a hanger or mounting assembly that keeps the unit stable. The fuel level sensor is frequently co-located with the pump, feeding data to the vehicle’s gauge cluster. The design is favored for its compactness and the continuous cooling provided by surrounding fuel, which can extend pump life and reduce noise.

Advantages of the intank approach include improved cooling, quieter operation, and a shorter suction path that can improve fuel delivery stability. It also helps mitigate vapor emissions by enclosing the pump within the tank. Disadvantages include greater difficulty of access for replacement or repair, the need to drain or partially disassemble the tank for service, and a higher potential consequence in the event of a leak.

Beyond automotive use, the term can apply to other fluid-storage systems that house pumps or sensors inside a tank to protect components and save space.