In a fuel supply system, which component is required to be installed as close as practical to the tank?

The component that is required to be installed as close as practical to the tank is the thermally acute shutoff valve. This valve is designed to prevent the flow of fuel in the event of a fire or overheating conditions. Its close proximity to the tank is crucial because it enables the valve to respond quickly to hazardous situations, minimizing the risk of a disastrous fuel spill or fire. In an emergency, the valve can close and isolate the tank from the rest of the fuel supply system, thereby enhancing safety.

The other components, while important, do not have the same critical requirement for placement near the tank. Filters are typically placed to protect pumps and equipment further down the line. Gauges and flow meters are usually installed in locations where monitoring is easier for operational purposes, but they do not have the immediate safety implications that require them to be near the tank. Therefore, the installation of the thermally acute shutoff valve as close to the tank as practical is a safety measure that complies with regulations designed to protect against fire hazards.