From: N295VV@aol.com
Message-ID: <df.cbcc9d5.274d24ed@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2000 08:32:29 EST
Subject: Re: Gas Tank Foreign Objects
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Mime-Version: 1.0

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I am a chemist, as some of you may know.  From my viewpoint, putting 
explosion inhibiting materials in the gas tank of an airplane is inherently 
unsafe,  anectdotal information to the otherwise:

Shredded Aluminum  or foam with high surface area provides enormous potential 
to combine with foreign materials in the gasoline, and may do so with 
uninteded results.

Shredded Aluminum or high surface polymer foam creates a potential for 
condensation of moisture when the gas level recedes below the foam level.  
This may be what some people have seen and reported.  The gas tanks 
"breathe", and cold Aluminum is an exellent condenser of water.  The 
condensate would then pool at the lowest part of the tank.

High surface area materials with thin cross section may be subject to 
friability--rubbing and shedding of small  particles that may plug filters 
and injectors.

It you consider the objections mentioned above, and still decide to use one 
of these materials,  please stamp the information on your ID plate, so when 
your engine stops running, we will be able to figure out why, and learn from 
your mistakes.

David Jones
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LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
LML Builders' Bookstore:   http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair

Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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