new set up for fuel

Takson · 23 February 2020, 11:45

Whn I have the floor out to be replaced in the Ocean, I thought about updating and replacing all the fuel lines etc. While I've got it out I thought I would put some redundancy in place so I have the ability to isolate the fuel source too.

The boat has a below deck tank, I'm not sure of size at the moment, but will drain, wash out and work out the size before putting it all back together.

My thoughts are to put a removable fuel tank in place, somewhere around 25l. By doing this I have a separate fuel source in case of contamination or issue with the main fuel system, plus a removable tank if I end up somewhere where I have to fill up and carry to the boat.

this drawing is my plan as it stands.

I'd be interested in your opinions. Overkill? missed something?

Takson · 23 February 2020, 11:54

Sorry, I've realised I managed to put this in the wrong section, it should be in general RIB stuff. Can a mod move it over or shall I just recreate teh post int he correct thread area?

John Kennett · 23 February 2020, 15:18

Sorted

Tim M · 23 February 2020, 16:04

Probably a bit overkill! If you do go down that route I wouldn’t have both tanks going through the same filter/separator as you’re stuffed if the filter gets blocked or it fills up with water. Keep everything separate otherwise it defeats the object. Why not simply have the portable tank just for your aux engine with a simple hose/priming bulb that can be brought out as and when you need to use it, along with the ability to plug it into your main tank if the need ever arose? Keep it simple!

Takson · 23 February 2020, 18:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Sorted

Thank you.

Takson · 23 February 2020, 18:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

Probably a bit overkill! If you do go down that route I wouldn’t have both tanks going through the same filter/separator as you’re stuffed if the filter gets blocked or it fills up with water. Keep everything separate otherwise it defeats the object. Why not simply have the portable tank just for your aux engine with a simple hose/priming bulb that can be brought out as and when you need to use it, along with the ability to plug it into your main tank if the need ever arose? Keep it simple!

The plan would be for two separate filters/separators, 1 from the small tank, 1 from the primary.

They only engine trouble over ever experienced on a yacht was due to a dodgy seal on the separator, getting air into the system.

Once bitten twice shy, as they say.

GuyC · 23 February 2020, 22:31

If you are going down the route of two tanks to reduce the risk of contamination, I'd also have a filter between the primary and the secondary tank so you can 'polish' the fuel going into the secondary tank and remove the risk of pumping contaminated fuel from you primary tank into your secondary tank. I don't think I'd go with a reversible pump because you could just pour or jiggle syphon the fuel from the secondary tank into the primary tank, if you were transferring in that direction

You do end up with three filters - primary tank to engine, secondary tank to engine and primary tank to secondary tank.

An alternative would be to dispense with the secondary tank and polish the fuel in the primary tank.

jeffstevens763@g · 24 February 2020, 12:14

i take it you will be filling up from the same petrol pump if so both would be contaminated one fuel separator would do [see through glass]a transfer pump not needed you could tee the fuel line off disconnect from the secondary tank and use the main tank with a quarter turn valve in the line to isolate that when using the secondary tank i use to have three tanks in my rib 70ltr main and two 22ltr secondary i would use half of the main then switch to the secondary's using them to fill up at the petrol station and top up the main just a suggestion.

Pikey Dave · 25 February 2020, 21:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Takson

Whn I have the floor out to be replaced in the Ocean, I thought about updating and replacing all the fuel lines etc. While I've got it out I thought I would put some redundancy in place so I have the ability to isolate the fuel source too.

The boat has a below deck tank, I'm not sure of size at the moment, but will drain, wash out and work out the size before putting it all back together.

My thoughts are to put a removable fuel tank in place, somewhere around 25l. By doing this I have a separate fuel source in case of contamination or issue with the main fuel system, plus a removable tank if I end up somewhere where I have to fill up and carry to the boat.

this drawing is my plan as it stands.

I'd be interested in your opinions. Overkill? missed something?

Personally I think you’re over thinking/engineering it, & that’s coming from an inveterate over engineerer.
Every joint has the potential to leak petrol out & air in. You’re introducing more failure points than the risks you’ve mitigated.
All imo naturally.

Takson · 26 February 2020, 00:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Personally I think you’re over thinking/engineering it, & that’s coming from an inveterate over engineerer.
Every joint has the potential to leak petrol out & air in. You’re introducing more failure points than the risks you’ve mitigated.
All imo naturally.

good point.

I was taking inspiration from Steve Dashew's offshore setups and simplifying them, (Day tank, many filters, redundant lines etc), but the fact that going on the water with a boat with an engine is where the similarities in our journeys end!