Frans
These are very good points, and I wondered about them myself. To add
to that list, plastic tanks are seamless constructions and do not
rust. UV damage is an issue in boats (where they may be exposed to
direct sun), but probably not a concern in aircraft. It is also
partially transparent so it is possible to use an optical level sensor
---From the outside of the tank.
If made from the right plastic and installed correctly, I think a
plastic tank should be significantly better. Unfortunately, the Europa
tanks are not made from the right kind of plastic, and the
installation method is flawed.
On Thu, Nov 21, 2013 at 7:08 AM, Frans Veldman <frans@privatepilots.nl> wrote:
>
> On 11/08/2013 10:37 PM, bill wrote:
>
>> My question to the forum is, has anyone tried fabricating a metal
>> (aluminium) tank rather than using the Polyethylene plastic one as
>> supplied with the kit.
>
> Why would you do that? Metal tanks can also leak.
> There are a few things to consider:
>
> 1) Metal is heavier.
> 2) The plastic tank offers great safety in a moderate crash. A metal
> fuel tank will likely rupture catastrophycally, releasing its full
> capacity at once in your lap or under your seat. Metal will spark when
> it scratches the surface (which will happen if you loose the gear during
> the mishap) igniting the fuel instantly. Metal fuel tanks are sort of ok
> in the wing, but I would never ever want one just behind my back, with
> its bottom just above the belly of the airplane.
> 3) A metal tank will cause much more water in the fuel. Moisture in the
> air will settle against the cold metal walls of the fuel tank and
> eventual run down and cause a pool of water at the bottom of the tank.
>
> I think a good quality plastic tank is preferable in our situation. Too
> bad that some of the supplied tanks were of inferior quality, but it
> doesn't have to be like that.
>
> Frans
>
>
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