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YUKONFLYR -> RE: 0% nitro 20% castor fuel? (3/5/2008 8:59:58 PM)
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quote:
XJet Date 2/13/2008 8:49:11 PM
quote:
ORIGINAL: YUKONFLYR
I would definatly mix my own. I have also been able to keep mixed fuel good for a very long time by not allowing air to touch the fuel for very long. After mixing I pump propane thru the mix and also use the gas to propel the mix when filling the fuel tank as well. The propane displaces the moist air which can put water in your fuel. I use a 3litre pop bottle for the fuel and propane torch with the head cut off and a mini regulator for the pressure. I have had 3 cups of fuel remain good for over 5 years with this method. Plus side is no noisy pumps when filling your plane
Wow.. this is dangerous on *so* many levels.
Firstly, you should *never* put a poisonous fluid in a soda-pop bottle. If little kids ever came across this (which you can't guarantee they wont) the potential for tragedy is enormous.
Secondly, you should *never* use any kind of pressure to propel a flammable fluid. Any small split in your container or tubing will produce a fine spray of highly volatile mist that is incredibly explosive and can be ignited by the smallest spark (static electricity) or source of heat. Even worse, methanol/glow-fuel burns with a colorless flame so the first indication you would get that you're on fire is when your skin starts to blister.
Thirdly, using a gas such as propane is also a bad idea, since it is also flamable -- meaning any leak in the pressurization system will also create a huge fire risk -- right alongside all that highly volatile fuel in an easily melted plastic container.
Many people significantly over-estimate the effect of a little good old "air" inside their fuel container will produce.
It's really not that bad!
The thing that poses most risk to fuel going "stale" is excessive sunlight. It promotes the breakdown of nitromethane, methanol and sometines the oil being used.
Store your fuel in a cool dark place and you'll be fine.
Turn it into a bomb by pressurizing a plastic container full of it and I can't vouch for your safety at all.
Thanx X-Jet for the very informative reply, however I believe that your statements are way off base.
I don't find propelling a flamiable fluid with another flamiable gas a problem. Both are flamiable and proper safety procedures when fueling and defueling need to be followed or an accident will follow. The bottle that I am using now is stripped of any soda labels and with hoses coming out the top does not look like a soda bottle, just clear plastic. We also usually do not have unaccompained children running around everyones expensive airplanes. Most children at fields are accompanied by their parents, at least in my experience.
Do you leave your pump on after fueling your plane? I also do not. If you read my post I use a regulator, it is adjustable and I usually set it to 3 psi and then vent the pressure after, same as using a regular pump. I am well aware that Methanol burns without a visable flame.
Your last statement about a "bomb" is distrubing to me! If I were pressurizing the fuel bottle to 100 psi I would agree with you, at 3 psi and then venting the pressure after, my fuel is as safe as yours. If your fuel jug sprung a leak, fuel would vent and vapor would be flamiable, just like propane. Your comments make me sound like someone who has no regard for myself or others!! I the eight years that I have been doing this I have never had any problems like the ones that you have presented, mainly because I know how to be safe with what I am using. Also in the eight years I have been doing this you are the first ever to have any negative comments to the system. I have only had positive comments and questions to the system by those who have seen it.
For future refrence I have seen small soda bottles used as fuel tanks, and as pressure tanks for retract systems. They tend to be good right up to about 120 psi prior to failure. And before you ask, yes I have taken the bottles up to and to the point of failure prior to using one as a fuel container.
My current fuel bottle is my origional fuel bottle, at eight years old, it should now be a testament to the quality of the container.
Richard
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