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>Leslie, I couldn't access the url, but here is one I think anyone can >access. Oh bummer! I didn't realize it wasn't an open site. Here's the text from the page. FYI, folks this is copyrighted info from EAA. Leslie Holbrook Alon A2 N161LH (Flying Colors #1) Chester, CT 3B9 Oxygenated Gasoline FIELD INFORMATION NO. 305 REVISED 5/20/96 The following are a series of questions being asked by automobile gasoline STC users because of the confusion caused by the introduction of oxygenated gasoline in some major cities. What is Oxygenated Gasoline? Oxygenates include a broad range of alcohol's and ethers. While there are several alcohol's and ethers that are being used in unleaded gasoline, two such components, Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and ethanol have seen significant level of commercial use. Another ether used is Ethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (ETBE) and it to has been tested by EAA and approved by the FAA. All alcohol's and ethers add oxygen to the gasoline. Why are they oxygenating our gasoline? The EPA has required the use of oxygenates because it reduces exhaust emissions of carbon monoxide. What is MTBE? MTBE is manufactured by the chemical reaction of methanol and isobutylene. It has been a blending agent in gasoline to raise the octane number for over 20 years. The conversion of methanol to MTBE eliminates the unfavorable characteristics associated with alcohol's, such as materials compatibility problems, water tolerance and corrosive action. More recently, MTBE has been classified as an oxygenate by the EPA. Is it safe to use gasoline with MTBE? Yes, all industry and FAA testing to date indicate no safety problem. EAA believes, but cannot prove, that MTBE was in the automobile gasoline in our initial STC testing in the early 1980's. MTBE was not an issue at that time, so its presence was not determined. You might notice a slight leaning of the mixture when using gasoline with MTBE. Is gasoline with MTBE or ETBE okay under the EAA STC? Yes! On December 14, 1992, EAA received clarification from the FAA that: "Automobile gasoline blended with MTBE is approved for use in aircraft that are approved for use of automobile gasoline STC's." EAA, Petersen Aviation and others have worked with the FAA to have MTBE "approved" based on the common industry knowledge that it has been in automobile gasoline for years. The FAA's determination that gasoline blended with MTBE can be used safely in aircraft (that are STC approved) was based, in part, on FAA tests, research and review of service difficulty reports. No material compatibility or performance problems were found. The FAA also approved the use of automobile gasoline that contains ETBE on December 1, 1995. This approval was based on flight test, ground tests and material compatibility test performed by EAA, FAA and Petersen Aviation. What is Ethanol and can I use it in my aircraft? Ethanol is often confused with methanol. These two alcohol's have distinctly different characteristics; however, all STC's prohibit the use of gasoline containing alcohol - either methanol or ethanol. FAA News - Alcohol and Aircraft Don't Mix Are all parts of the country being affected or is this an isolated situation? Most highly populated areas of the country are affected by oxygenates, because they have not yet achieved the required standards for air quality. Because of production volumes and distribution systems, the use of oxygenated fuels sometimes spreads beyond these specific areas. How do I find out if MTBE, Ethanol and other additives have been added to my fuel if my station attendant does not have the information? Only with laboratory testing can you tell the make up of your fuel. However, currently the only additives that is not approved is alcohol. EAA has published a simple procedure to test for alcohol, which is practical to use at your airplane and includes this instruction sheet with every STC. These instructions are in EAA Field Information No. 306. So, How does all of this affect my auto fuel stc? There is no affect on your STC; except for fuel containing alcohol. If you live where state law requires the addition of ethanol (alcohol) to gasoline for political reasons (ethanol is made from corn), either a source of alcohol-free fuel must be found, or aviation gasoline must be used. All STC information clearly spells this out. What is EAA doing about all of the new gasoline additives? EAA is continually testing new fuels and fuel additives to ensure that STC owners will continue to be able to use automobile fuel. However, based on earlier testing by EAA and the FAA, we believe that extensive modifications would be necessary to use gasoline's that have alcohol as an additive; therefore, we are no longer testing for the approval of any alcohol additives. 305-2 Revised 5/20/96 FIELD INFORMATION NO. 306 Field test for determining presence and amount of alcohol in gasoline EAA AVIATION FOUNDATION, appreciates the permission of Conoco Inc. to base this field test procedure on one developed by the company. Scope This method determines the amount, if any, of alcohol present in gasoline. This test is designed specifically for field testing where time and simplicity are important factors. Summary of Method A sample of gasoline is shaken at room temperature with an amount of added water. The volume increase of the water is proportional to the amount of alcohol initially in the fuel sample. Nine (9) parts of the gasoline sample are combined with one (1) part of water. Appartus Required (for either of the methods below) Graduated Cylinder Method One (1) one-thousand milliliter (1000 ml) transparent plastic graduated cylinder (can be purchased at photo supply store). Measuring Cup Method One (1) 2-quart clear plastic container such as a fruit juice container purchased from a supermarket. One (1) 4-fluid-ounce measuring cup (1/2 cup). One (1) 32-fluid-ounce measuring cup (1 quart). Preparation Clean Containers On the 2-quart juice jar, mark the level of exactly 4 fluid ounces (1/2 cup) permanently on the side (a piece of masking tape may be used). Procedure Graduated Cylinder Method. To 9 parts of gasoline sample (900 ml), add 100 ml of water for a total of 1000 ml in the graduate. Shake thoroughly, let stand for 10 minutes or until the gasoline is again bright and clear. Record the apparent level of the line between the gasoline and water. This "Final Volume" is used in the calculation below. 306-1 Revised 5/20/96 Measuring Cup Method To 9 parts of the gasoline sample (36 ounces or 1 quart plus 1/2 cup), add 4 fluid ounces (1/2 cup) of water for a total of 40 fluid ounces in the 2-quart juice container. Shake thoroughly, let stand for 10 minutes or until the gasoline is again bright and clear. Record the apparent level of the line between the gasoline and water. The Measuring Cup Method is intended to indicate the presence of alcohol and it is not practical to evaluate the amount of alcohol. If the final line between gasoline and water is measurably higher than the 1/2 cup mark, the presence of alcohol is indicated. NOTE: Erroneous results are probable if sample and water are not thoroughly shaken and mixed. Calculation Graduated Cylinder Method Note the final volume and calculate the percent of alcohol in the sample using the following calculation: percentage of Alcohol in Gasoline = (V-100 divided by 900) x 100. Where: V = "Final Volume" of water as determined in procedure above (read at separation line between water and gasoline). Precision Within 1% alcohol if you measured and recorded accurately. Action to be taken In the opinion of EAA, and in the interest of most conservative operations, the following observations are offered: If alcohol content is less than 1%, fuel will probably have no effect on aircraft. If fuel contains up to 5% alcohol, caution must be exercised. Do not permit it to remain in tanks or fuel system more than 24 hours, then drain and refill with alcohol-free fuel, ensuring that no alcohol concentration remains in fuel lines or sump. Vapor lock may be a problem. DO NOT FLY. If alcohol content is more than 5%, DO NOT FLY. Drain fuel system, flush all parts, replace with clean alcohol-free fuel and run up engine long enough to exchange fuel in carburetor bowl. 306-2 Revised 5/20/96 Known Problems Alcohol attacks some seal materials and varnishes on cork floats of fuel level indicators. This could cause leakage of seals and release particles of varnish from floats, causing blocked screens in fuel lines or blocked carburetor jets. Excessive entrained water carried by alcohol could lead to fuel lines blockage or blockage at screens or valves when operating at low ambient temperatures at ground level or at high altitude. Fuel volatility is also increased with the addition of alcohol in a manner that is not detected by the Reid Vapor Pressure test which is used to determine if a fuel meets the automotive specification. For example, a gasoline with alcohol will meet the Reid Vapor Pressure limit of 13.5 psi but it will behave as though it has a volatility of roughly 20 psi. Gasoline's with alcohol will also phase separate. Phase separation occurs as the gasoline/alcohol blend cools, such as when a plane climbs to a higher altitude. When water that is absorbed in the fuel by the alcohol comes out of solution, it takes most of the alcohol with it. The quantity that comes out of solution cannot be handled by the sediment bowl and tank sumps. Furthermore, if the alcohol is used to raise the octane of the base gasoline, the gasoline that remains will not have sufficient octane to prevent detonation. A good reference for this phase separation problem is: Paul Corp., Laboratory Investigations into the Effect of Adding Alcohol to Turbine Fuel, DOT/FAA/CT-TN88/25 July, 1988, FAA Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport, NJ 08405. Precautionary Gasoline is volatile, extremely flammable and harmful, or fatal, if swallowed. Avoid prolonged or repeated breathing of vapor or contact with skin or eyes. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting, get medical care immediately. Test Kits Octane & Alcohol Fuel Test Kits are available from Sporty's Pilot Shop. Call 1-800-LIFTOFF (543-8633) to place your order or to receive a free catalog. Octane Range Fuel Test Kit - Order# 8409A, Alcohol Fuel Test Kit - Order # 8010A. Call for current prices. 306-3 _________________________________________________________________ Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 ========================================================================== ==== To leave this forum go to: http://ercoupers.com/lists.htm
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