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Re: Fuel Cells

To: clark <clark@dnf.com>
Subject: Re: Fuel Cells
From: Susan and John Roper <vscjohn@iamerica.net>
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 09:55:54 -0600
clark wrote:
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> I had the opportunity to visit a fellow list member's shop today to examine
> a car he's building.  One thing that intrigued me was his fuel cell.  He
> had had a welder make essentially a box out of aluminum in which he had
> inserted the Fuel Safe foam.  It seems so simple that it requires that I
> ask a few naive questions:
> 
> First, what separates a "fuel cell" from a "fuel tank", by definition?
> 
> Second, is aluminum the best material?  What guage aluminum is common?  Is
> steel not used only because of weight?  (Steel can be coated so it won't
> rust.)
> 
> Third, the tops of the Fuel Safe appear to be screwed on, is this for easy
> replacement of the foam, or ease of manufacture?
> 
> Fouth, how many vintage racers with cars '60 and prior run bladders in
> their cells?
> 
> Last, are there mandatory fillers, vents, and fittings?
> 
> Thanks for your thoughts.
> 
> Clark
> 
> "Hay Bales and Asphalt"
> a video featuring vintage footage
> of motor racing from 1957 to 1961.
> Images and description at
> http://www.dnf.com
> 
> My 1953 Devin-Porsche Restoration project
> http://www.dnf.com/devin-porsche.html

Clark, a metal box with foam is not much more that a fuel tank.  The
foam will slow down the leakage if the tank is massively ruptured.  A
fuel cell refers to the bladder, which is designed to contain the fuel
even if the tank is breached.  If you value your body, buy a good cell. 
John

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