jas56d@msn.com
In a message dated 12/07/2001 1:58:31 PM Pacific Standard Time,
grasingleton@avnet.co.uk writes:
> There are only two ideal places for a gascolator, one to filter fuel as it
> is being poured into the tank and one to filter it before it goes to the
> fuel pump and on to the engine.
>
> The first one can be one of those separator funnels that stop water and
> dirt getting into the tank. (ACS) The second could be an Andair. Reliable,
> also blocks water but won't easily get blocked, unless there is a large
> build up of debris, which would block any filter system.
>
> I don't believe 2 gascolators is a good idea because the one on the right,
> the reserve, will tend to get any rubbish poured into the tank, but also
> you would need to drain the tank or fit extra stop cocks to be able to
> check the bowls if any contamination is found during drain checks.
>
> If this isn't logical please tell us?
> OK - here is what I am thinking, for what it is worth. The idea for 2
> gascolators is that if there is significant contamination in the fuel (I
> will additionally filter fuel being added to the tank -- especially mogas)
> the gascolator can be plugged stopping the fuel flow with associated
> problems. If there is one gascolator per tank -- i.e., reserve and main --
> then if one becomes plugged, the alternate tank would be free to flow
> enough to get the airplane on the ground. If I need to add a shut off valve
> prior to each gascolator, that may be worth it. I never like the idea of a
> single failure point stopping the engine, unless it is required (like the
> crank shaft for example). Adding a shut off valve does increase the chances
> of a fuel leak, but I think it may be worth the risk. I am still in the
> brainstorming phase of this and have barely written things down. At some
> point, I will diagram this all out, but for now it seems I would have 2
> separate circuits for fuel. They would both be the same. First fuel tank
> outlet, then shutoff valve, then gascolator and then off to the fuel
> selector valve. From the fuel selector valve would be the 2 inline electric
> fuel pumps each powered by a separate alternator from the 914 engine. This
> idea will be refined as time goes on -- to be sure.
More later,
Dave
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