Replacing batteries in Oil Level Sender (unsuccessfully)

[bernardgreen]

Read this https://www.aviationtoday.com/2001/06/01/safety-in-avionics-time-to-stop-fuel-tank-explosions/

( Jet fuel is a clear to straw-colored fuel, based on either an unleaded kerosene (Jet A-1), or a naphtha-kerosene blend (Jet B) )

Limiting the current that can flow from the battery prevents a failure in the electronics from having enough current to create enough heat to become a source of ignition.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Limiting the current that can flow from the battery prevents a failure in the electronics from having enough current to create enough heat to become a source of ignition.

A part empty, or empty tank which contain(ed)s fuel is much more dangerous than a full one.

Limiting the available current to the sensor/transmitter and containing the power source in a flameproof container, is a standard method of preventing the equipment causing an ignition. I wonder if the batteries and current limiting resistor, might have been able to be mounted in a less robust container, but mounted remote to the tank?

 

[bernardgreen]

but mounted remote to the tank?

The ignition source would be a fault in the electronics mounted on the depth / level sensor which is inside the tank.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

The ignition source would be a fault in the electronics mounted on the depth / level sensor which is inside the tank.

Unlikely, if the available current is limited, which is why they include a resistor in the power pack.

 

[oilboffin]

If you take my advice get the new type watchman drill a hole in the tank and fit it it's easy to do no farting about.Bob

 

[bernardgreen]

If you take my advice get the new type watchman drill a hole in the tank and fit it it's easy to do no farting about.Bob

Beware sparks if cutting a hole in metal,

A new Watchman might cost more than buying a new battery pack that ensures that the existing system is intrinsically safe.

 

[andrew_ysk]

Poor Mr French! It is highly unlikely that any gas would surround the sealed and vaselined power tube in sufficient concentration to explode. It is also highly unlikely that a spark would arise from the assembled contraption to cause an explosion. And if I need light to inspect the tank's contents after opening the top, I use a modern torch, not an oil lamp. Remembering the knack required to get a pressure stove going, I also think that if I dropped a lighted match into the tank, it would probably just fizzle out.

L......living in a ten year old house - still standing.

I believe the same thing! Kerosene is just like diesel.. the match drop into a tank of diesel will just fizzle out.. It has being tested to be truthful.