europa-list
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: Europa-List: coolant issues?

Subject: Re: Europa-List: coolant issues?
From: Ralph Hallett <n100rh@sbcglobal.net>
Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2006 22:05:06

Gilles,

Thanks for all the info, as usual you are a great resource. I'm still 
over a year from completing the Europa, but I won't forget this one.


Ralph
XS motorglider
Reno,NV


Gilles Thesee wrote:
> <Gilles.Thesee@ac-grenoble.fr>
>
>
> Ralph,
>
>> "...I just heard today that the new waterless fluid is flammable. I 
>> saw it burn today/ Stemme has issued an urgent SB to remove the stuff 
>> - I heard 2 fatalities of coolant leak catching fire. The 50 - 50 
>> solution will not burn. Oh well! Have you heard anything about this? 
>> I also discovered that the 100% solution of antifreeze burns too..."
>
> Yes glycols are flammable. Remember those WWII air combat stories ?
>
> The NPG+ consists of a blend of different glycols (propylene glycol 
> seems to be the main component, as in the regular NPG coolant).
> Propylene glycol (1,2 propanediol) has a 107C flash point.
> Please see SDS here http://www.sargentwelch.com/pdf/msds/sch94661.pdf
>
> In my opinion, the main hazard is with mists and fumes. A pinpoint 
> leak may well produce some  heavier-than-air flammable mist under the 
> cowling.
> Do you have additional info on this Stemme SB ?
>
> Nowadays, very few people in Civil Aviation Authorities, if any, have 
> a clear understanding of what is involved in internal combustion 
> engine cooling...
> From a pure technical point of view, there is little to be gained by 
> using those water-free coolants.
>
> Regards,
> Gilles Thesee
> Grenoble, France
> http://contrails.free.fr
>
>



<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>