I'm far from an expert on this as I do by 100LL from an FBO (with no engine problems to date.) But, it's my understanding that the plastic can problem arises from static electricity generated by the flow of gasoline through the spout and into or out of the plastic can. Thus, I don't see how just resting the cans on the ground before using would solve the problem. Additionally, I think that the hose and nozzle of a fuel filling system are grounded and the clip on wire is a safety redundancy should the usual ground be broken, Thus, the idea of using metal cans which are grounded, grounding the aircraft as well. and keeping the metal spout of the can in contact with the aircraft fuel tank while fuel is flowing is possibly the best way to have a redundant and safe fueling system if you are using portable cans. If it's too complicated to be safe, that's just another risk that you must be willing to take. If the problem caused an explosion or fire at every potentially unsafe fueling, we'd be hearing about a lot more fires. To me. the decision really amounts to one of safety and convienence which is why I buy my gas at the FBO pump. Does it cost more to fly safely? Sure does. always. Is it worth it? Thats a decision each of us has to make.
John Roach N 2427H Hartmut Beil wrote: > > John, > wouldn't you think that just resting the cans on the ground before > using will do the same job? > After all, this is what the gas stations are recommending. Put the > container on the ground before filling. > Same problem should be solved by pretty much the same solution. > Hartmut > > ----- Original Message ----- > *From:* John Cooper <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > *To:* [email protected] > <mailto:[email protected]> > *Sent:* Friday, February 29, 2008 4:59 PM > *Subject:* RE: [ercoupe-tech] Re: Plastic Gas Cans > > The danger of plastic cans is very real. I had an article about a > plane that was lost due to static discharge during a fueling > incident using a plastic can, but I can’t lay my hands on it right > now. > > Anyone who has used a shop vac with a plastic hose has felt the > hairs on his arm stand up when the hose passes close by. This is > the same effect. The fuel running out the plastic spout can > generate a serious static charge, but the real issue is when the > plane’s tank and the can are at different potentials prior to > touching. Now you’re touching the can’s spout to the tank filler > neck and the spark, if any, will be in just the right place to > light the vapors above the filler neck. The solution is to ground > the can to the airframe away from the spout and filler neck. A > ground point can be made by attaching a wire to the upper (above > the fuel level) part of the can with a big aluminum pop rivet and > backing washer. The logistics are left as an exercise for the > student. Attach the ground to the airframe, or the tank if it’s a > plastic tank, away from any vapors, then pour away. > > When filling the can, remember, the pump is grounded to the earth. > Put the can on the ground first; problem solved. > > John Cooper > > Skyport Services > > 518 797-3064 > > www.skyportservices.net > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ercoupe-tech/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ercoupe-tech/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
