Topping up, aloft (careful with the comma, this is serious (:-))) is made
easy in the Europa by the proximity of the tank, feed hose and crew. While
not wishing to cut across anything in the pipe-line (sic) for long range
tanks, on-board fuel transfer needs only a small piece of kit to carry out
safely. This consists of a length of plastic pipe dipping into the bottom
the the main tank at one end (via the filler hose, see recent note on float
gauge addition) and into the storage tank in the baggage compartment.
Midway along this pipe is a T-branch. Applying suction momentarily at the T
T is pinched off.. (Obviously you must not have an empty main tank before
doing this).
While down-under or in Alaska they might just suck the T-tube (:-)), the
sanitary solution is a bicycle pump with the washer reversed, (thanks Ted).
One stroke is all that is required, hopefully non-fatal.
Dependent of the relative positions and levels of the two tanks, one can have
everything from full, via partial to reverse transfer. The latter is a very
handy way of draining the tank and/or calibrating the gauge whatever the
type, far quicker than using the drain plugs if fitted. Indeed this is the
only way you should try this out in the absence of design approval. It is
necessary to modify the storage fuel tank closure not only to seal in the
outlet pipe, but also to vent it to the existing tank vent, to keep the cabin
fume free. You also need a tap or pinch-off in the T-line to make the
syphoning continue unattended, and also in the storage tank line if using
more than one. I imagine that static hazards would less than with external
fuelling, but offer no guarantee. We really need the clever chemists to ome
up with a catalytic additive to make epoxy/ glass conduct, preferably post
cure !.
Graham C.
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