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  #41  
Old 03-29-2013, 08:36 PM
MikeT MikeT is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Commerce Twp. Mich.
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I don't know if it's true, but I was told the reason for the self venting in the fill nozzle, was to slow the fuel down, to stop the static electricity build up in the plastic can. The faster the fuel flows, the greater potential for a spark.
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  #42  
Old 03-29-2013, 08:56 PM
JBPILOT JBPILOT is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Jesup, Iowa
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Default What I do - -

I fill the fast-flow can thru a Mr. Funnel, then thru a special funnel I made that fits the filler neck. Dumps it quickly. I have posted those pictures before.
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  #43  
Old 03-30-2013, 11:00 AM
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rv7boy rv7boy is offline
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Location: Austinville, Alabama
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Exclamation Safety concerns

I have been anxiously awaiting this thread to go down the route(s) of electrical grounding methods and fire extinguishers. When we buy self-service fuel, we always ground the plane to the pump, don't we? Seems to me a small, coiled ground wire should be attached to the plane somewhere. I didn't notice the good ol' boys in the video including that topic, nor did I expect them to.

I've seen a chart that describes the likelihood of static electricity with the decrease of relative humidity, but I can't find it right now. On dry days self-feelers should be especially aware of the likelihood of static electricity.

And a small, CO2 or Halon fire extinguisher should be available outside the plane especially if it is being refueled inside the hangar. A dry powder fire extinguisher would be my last choice for any fuel fire on the airplane itself.

Should this become a new thread? Maybe so...in any case, y'all be careful out there!
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  #44  
Old 03-30-2013, 11:09 AM
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DonFromTX DonFromTX is offline
 
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I elected to go another way, as an old guy lifting those containers seemed a bit much for me. By putting it all in one container with a pump, seemed to be a better way for me. I have not actually used it yet, mostly because of no provisions for grounding, and static electricity scares me - a lot!
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  #45  
Old 03-30-2013, 02:53 PM
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Sam Buchanan Sam Buchanan is offline
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Location: North Alabama
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rv7boy View Post
And a small, CO2 or Halon fire extinguisher should be available outside the plane especially if it is being refueled inside the hangar.
I will absolutely never fuel my plane inside a hangar....hope others won't either. Probably violates code at most airports.
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  #46  
Old 03-30-2013, 03:26 PM
SHIPCHIEF SHIPCHIEF is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Seattle
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Have you ever checked yourself with an OHM meter?
Yes, you have measurable resistance. That means you also have conductance as well.
If you are holding the gas can and touching the airplane, you are slowly depleting any voltage between the fuel container and the aircraft.
The Safety siphon claims their hose is static proof, so it must conduct electricity sufficient to prevent the build up of a static charge, presuming the hose is touching the tank.
I don't think you should fuel your plane while wearing an angora sweater
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  #47  
Old 03-30-2013, 03:33 PM
chaskuss chaskuss is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: SE Florida
Posts: 1,499
Default A REAL gas can

I'll second Sam's comments about using a Mister Funnel. For my money, I think that all of the plastic gas cans are worthless. I live in SE Florida [hurricane central]. Every summer, I stock up on fuel, to be saved for emergencies. Fuel is purchased in early June [Sta-Bil added] and if I'm lucky [no hurricane] the fuel is used in October.
It has been my experience over the past 15 years that plastic gas cans [stored inside] can not be relied upon to stay fuel tight for that period of time, in 90+ degree heat. The best gas cans I've found are old [mine are 1969 to 1972 vintage] surplus NATO military 20 liter cans. I paid about $13 each for mine at a military surplus store.
As old as they are, the red interior coating is still intact. The E10 fuel has not harmed that coating. They have the most positive lock on the lid you will ever see. They absolutely do not leak liquid or vapor. I found the photos below on the Internet, as I never took any photos of mine. The one in the first photo is a 2002 model. My 30+ year old cans look just as good. These can be really pricey, unless you are willing to hunt for a good deal. They are definitely worth it. My plastic cans now go unused.



Lid latch detailed below





Red coated interior clearly visible



High quality nozzles are also available for these cans. The nozzles have the same locking feature as the lid.

One of my customers had the misfortune to store his "hurricane" gas in plastic 5 gallon cans [the older style] outside. This past winter, he blindly poured the fuel into his minivan. He had to tow it to my shop. I pumped out 19 gallons of fuel and 6 gallons of water! 'Nuff said.

Charlie
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  #48  
Old 03-30-2013, 04:06 PM
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KRviator KRviator is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Sydney, Aust.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rv7boy View Post
And a small, CO2 or Halon fire extinguisher should be available outside the plane especially if it is being refueled inside the hangar. A dry powder fire extinguisher would be my last choice for any fuel fire on the airplane itself.

Should this become a new thread? Maybe so...in any case, y'all be careful out there!
For the VAFers in Australia, be aware that overwing refuelling is strictly forbidden inside hangars under the CAO's, so if something goes wrong and you burn down your hangar and your mates Spamcan, you'll be about as popular as a turd in a wedding punchbowl when they find out your insurer has refused the claim.
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  #49  
Old 03-30-2013, 04:43 PM
Norman CYYJ Norman CYYJ is offline
 
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Location: Victoria B.C.
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IMHO I don't think a fire extinguisher would do you much good if a fire started as you were filling your gas tank. I don't think I could run fast enough to get out of dodge.
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  #50  
Old 03-30-2013, 06:29 PM
rv7charlie rv7charlie is offline
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Pocahontas MS
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Norman CYYJ View Post
IMHO I don't think a fire extinguisher would do you much good if a fire started as you were filling your gas tank. I don't think I could run fast enough to get out of dodge.
Actually happened to a friend of mine, fueling a 6A (outside, of course). IIRC, he was able to get the can away from the plane & his vehicle, and extinguish the flames without any damage to the plane. Remember, the gas *in* the tank & can won't burn; just the fumes outside the containers. He won't fuel from cans any more, though. :-)

Charlie
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