...about using 5" irrigation tube for wing tanks,
Robin,
Problems with using long skinny pipes for fuel tanks are:
It is difficult to impossible to install a fuel gauge that will make any
sense and our FAA airworthiness inspectors will insist that each tank be
fitted with a fuel gauge. However, if you rig the plumbing so that each
of the pipe tanks must feed into a header tank that does have a
reasonably accurate fuel gauge, then you don't need a gauge in the
skinny pipe and problem solved. The header tank should hold at least 45
minutes worth of fuel at cruise power. The header tank will also help
eliminate erratic fuel feed due to the slosh factor in the skinny pipe
tanks. The down side is you will have to build another tank for a
header and it would probably be in the cockpit. Don't forget venting
circuits.
Most irrigation pipe is aluminum. If you plan on welding ends and
fittings, make sure the alloy is weldable. If you use rivets, make sure
you are not setting up a corrosion situation with dissimilar alloys.
Sid Wood
Tri-gear KR-2 N6242
Mechanicsville, MD, USA
