Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #7679
From: <N295VV@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Gas Tank Foreign Objects
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2000 08:32:29 EST
To: <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
         <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
          <<  Lancair Builders' Mail List  >>
          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>
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
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Subscribe (FEED) Subscribe (DIGEST) Subscribe (INDEX) Unsubscribe Mail to Listmaster