GB483676A - Fuel tanks for aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

483,676. Filling and emptying tanks. ELLOR, J. E. Oct. 26, 1936, No. 29101. [Class 21] [Also in Groups XXIX and XXVIII] In a liquid-fuel tank installation for aircraft of the type in which at least two tanks A to which air under pressure is supplied, deliver to a common pump, each tank is divided into at least two compartments B<1> ... B<6>, or is replaced by a series of two or more tanks each forming a compartment, each compartment communicates with the next in the series by a passage D, D<1>, D<2> at or near the bottom of the former, the pressure air is supplied only to the compartment B<1> at one end of the series, the fuel outlet to the pump is from the compartment B<6> at the other end of the series, and means are provided for the escape of air from the last compartment when the fuel therein is exhausted. The fuel is forced by the air pressure from one compartment to the next, so ensuring a supply of fuel in the final compartment from which the pump draws until the fuel is exhausted. Should one tank be emptied before the other the relief of the air pressure in it prevents the delivery of air to the pump and the resulting failure to supply fuel from the other tank. In the construction shown, each tank A is divided into six compartments by partitions formed with apertures D, D<1>, D2 at the bottom through which the fuel passes successively through them from the compartment B<1>, to which air is supplied by a pipe C<1>, to the compartment B<6> to which the pump suction pipe A<1> is connected. Within the compartment B<6> is a cylinder E, perforated at the top and bottom and containing a metal float F slidable on a rod F2 connected by a universal joint to the stem of a spring-pressed mushroom valve F4 which normally closes the orifice of an air-escape pipe G. When the fuel level falls sufficiently the float bears on a flange F3 on the rod F<2> and opens the valve. Air-vent pipes H4 lead from each compartment into the wall H of the filling-opening, the outlets being closed by the tapered body H<1> of the screwed plug which closes the opening. In a modification, each tank A is replaced by an uncompartmented main tank connected to a separate small tank to which the pump suction pipe is connected, and in which the air pressure relief valve is arranged. According to the Provisional Specification the float device in the final compartment or tank may operate to close the outlet to the pump suction instead of relieving the air pressure when. the fuel level falls.