Fuel Question... Why the metal cans?

[Atwood, Mark]

Storage.  Apparently the plastic jugs do NOT meet fire safety codes for storage purposes...meaning that it's ok to ship in those jugs, but not for warehouse storage.  It's been a non-inforced issue until a small fire two years ago was greatly exacerbated by a stockpile of fuel in jugs that melted. It was one of PM's distributors storage facilities, so it was either make a change, or find a new distributor.

Powermaster actually expected that all of the manufacturers were going to be forced to switch so they bit the bullet early. I don't know the codes but I know the cans are designed to withstand a certain pressure point and tempurature, with a plastic plug designed to vent at 300deg etc. 

Only recently though have I heard any new news on this...we have one hobby shop in the area, and I'm told Rider's Hobby in MI, are no longer allowed to carry fuel jugs stored in their stores. I believe in both cases it was local fire marshalls, but I can't say for sure. But I do know they'll only be carrying PM at least for the near future.

If that trend continues...I'm sure you'll see all the manufacturer's switch...but probably not before then.

I'll admit the cans were a change for me, but I've gotten use to them.  Slimline now makes a very nice cap and pump assembly that quickly attaches to each can (the cans use a different thread than the jugs, so the other caps don't work).  As for seeing how much fuel...well...I agree...I've just gotten use to the "feel" for volume.

-M

-----Original Message-----
From:	Keith Black [mailto:tkeithb at comcast.net]
Sent:	Sun 7/6/2003 3:38 AM
To:	discussion at nsrca.org
Cc:	
Subject:	Re: Fuel Question... Why the metal cans?

So Mark, why did Powermaster change to the metal cans?

The metal cans seem like they might actually be superior containers, but to
me a downside is that I can't see through them to easily tell how much fuel
I have left so I know if I should carry and extra gallon. I know that's a
silly reason, but it's true.

What's the reason? Performance, esthetics, environmental, economic...?

Keith Black


----- Original Message -----
From: "Atwood, Mark" <atwoodm at paragon-inc.com>
To: <discussion at nsrca.org>
Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2003 8:25 PM
Subject: RE: Fuel Question...Age?


According to the folks at PowerMaster, the Polypro jugs are not actually
"air tight" in that they will "wick" fuel out over time, and moisture in,
THROUGH the plastic. This takes years, not weeks or months.

Not sure how much this would affect old fuel, and it's NOT the reason they
changed to metal cans, but they do consider it a side benefit.  The canned
fuel, if sealed, should have a significantly longer shelf life.

Moisture is an enemy..it sours fuel pretty quickly.

-Mark  (Sponsored Powermaster flyer)

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Pastorello [mailto:rcaerobob at cox.net]
Sent: Sat 7/5/2003 5:50 PM
To: NSRCAMail
Cc:
Subject: Fuel Question...Age?

I know this is a newbie kind of question...but I've never run into this
before.  Sealed (good caps, tight) jugs in the dark, Mag 1/10% mix that I
use all the time.
    Ran my 1.60 fine on the ground, but couldn't get a needle, and sounded
lean at high end in flight; even dead sticked a couple times.
    Changed to a jug of fresh Ritch's Brew 15% (should have been about the
same nitro) and it ran a lot better, had needle range, didn't try to
overheat.

What can happen to sealed jugs, kept in temp.controlled, dark box....??

Bob Pastorello, Oklahoma
NSRCA 199, IMAC 1320, AMA 46373
rcaerobob at cox.net
www.rcaerobats.net






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