Header Tank Otical Sensors

10-05-2012, 02:14 AM

Russ Kotlarek | Header Tank Otical Sensors

I researched Optical sensors and the plastic sensors which come in varied lengths will not stand up to fuel. However, Side tank mounted Optical Sensors can offer a solid, easy to use solution and could be placed in various heights in the tank.

One of the best options is the GEM ELS-950M Series has a 12V version that can be seen at this web site. Brass and Fused glass lens construction it works well with any fuel system.

http://ecatalog.gemssensors.com/ecat...evel/en/232177

Various kits are available to aid in and easier install, for instance:

http://www.aircraftextras.com/FuelSensor1.htm

This is a perfect way to insure you know fuel issues before the engine gets real quiet. I would suggest it is a must on all the Seawinds despite the venting system you have. Each venting system has concerns this will eliminate the unknown between fuel and air in the Header tank.

Russ

10-05-2012, 08:40 AM

Planemakers

Hi Guys,

Some of you might not know, but Chris. his wife Claudia and I are the owners and manufactureers of Pillar Point Elcetronics UFS series of optical fuel sensors. Our prisms are made of cast acrylic and have stood the test of time in fuel. We can make them with longer prisms for coming in from the top like the ones we make for Lancair.

If you have any questions let us know.

Check out our website:

http://www.pillarpointelectronics.com

Thanks and have a great day,

John J

10-05-2012, 11:51 PM

Russ Kotlarek

John I had no idea for certainly I would have looked there had I have known.

If you can make a sensor with a 1/4 NPT that is about 4" in depth that would be GREAT !!! I know a couple of the Seawinders would indeed use them.

THANKS !!

Russ

10-08-2012, 02:15 PM

Planemakers

Hi Russ,

Chris is going to talk to Clauida about making some experimental ones that long. Why 4"? Wouldn't you want to know sooner than that?

Thanks,

John J

10-10-2012, 10:29 AM

Russ Kotlarek

John I guess that depends on where one measures it from and comfort. No special reason for 4" in my mind other than getting it low enough into the tank to ignore a bubble here or there but certainly high enough to give ample warning if inserted from the top of the tank. I was thinking overall length from body down.

You guys may be a better judge of guessing where that might solid fuel might be more likely. My tank will be sufficiently larger with a taper to the top. Possibly measuring form bottom of the threads down maybe 2.5" or ??? Hate to see the thing flickering all the time base on air bouncing around the top of the tank randomly so to speak.

Please do let us know what she has to say for it is an important addition to our planes.

Russ