What is the purpose of inert gas blanketing in fuel storage?

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Inert gas blanketing is used to keep air contact with the stored fuel to a minimum by displacing oxygen with an inert gas such as nitrogen. This protects the fuel from oxidation and contamination, preserving quality and reducing the formation of gums, sediments, and degradation products. With less oxygen and often drier gas, the risk of corrosion and unwanted chemical reactions is lowered, and the chance of vapor ignition in the tank headspace is reduced. It does not heat the fuel, it does not increase air contact, and it does not function as a filter for the fuel.