Fuel Vent Line
Although not the "Ausie Mate" referred to, I have done a similar thing
for
the same reason. Having seen the result after a Kis flipped inverted on
a
soft patch of runway, with its rollcage partially collapsed, it occurred
to
me that this could be a very worrying situation for Europa
occupants,with
its gullwing doors. My concerns at the time were met with "It can't
happen",
but I am not so sure.
On the standard design, if inverted, the fuel would run via a 1/4 "
line
---From the lowest point in the tank to the ground just behind me. I found
this
disconcerting enough to try to improve it .The vent line is standard,
(with
the extension inside the tank), up to the original Classic filler point
at
the top of the fuselage, but does not exit at the top.It simply extends
down
the rear of the baggage bay bulkhead to exit at the bottom. This makes
the
vent line exit the highest point when inverted.
The problem of fuel siphoning out during flight is only relevant to
the
fuel above the pickup point of the vent line. As this is at the highest
point in the tank, it can only happen to fuel at a higher level in the
filler tube. I have not flown yet to see if this actually occurs.
For the cost of a meter of plastic tube, this seemed like a worthwhile
safety addition.
Regards Graham Higgins #263 in Oz.
----- Original Message -----
From: Tony Renshaw <renshaw@ozemail.com.au>
Subject: Fuel Vent Location
> Bob,
> A mate of mine downunder chose to put his fuel vent line on the
underbelly
> but for different reasons. He was worried about being inverted after a
> prang and having fuel leaking out around his ears. Can you verbalise,
or
> type up your routing, such as any additional bends and why, as I
recall
> this fellow had bends in place to serve specific purposes such as anti
> syphon etc.
> Reg
> Tony Renshaw
>
>
> >Since we are on the subject of fueling - I thought I might mention
the
fuel
> >vent/fill location. With the vent on the top of the fuselage the
vapors
> >coming out of the vent would travel down the fuselage side right past
the
> >fuel fill. It would seem a static spark would have an easier time
setting
> >off these vapors than liquid fuel in the tank.
> >
> >I have noticed that when fueling the factory U.S. demonstator they
hook a
> >tube to the vent and run it down the side to the ground. It keeps
the
fuel
> >from running down the paint also. Personally I moved my vent to the
belly
> >to avoid this problem altogether.
> >
> >Bob Jacobsen
> >A131
> >
> >(p.s. put a couple new pics on my web site today www.galaxyhobby.com)
> >
>
http://www.hotmail.com
> >
>
> >The Europa List is supported by Aviators Network UK -
info@avnet.co.uk
> >
> >
> Reg
> Tony Renshaw
> Builder No.236
>
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