tank pressure test

Ralph Baker · Post by **Ralph Baker** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:38 pm

Jesse,
We used a rubber expanding plug to seal the fuel inlet. These are used
in the plumbing trade and are widely available. Fuel guage outlets were
sealed with pipe plugs. Air was introduced with a pump/guage used by
off road motorcyclists to pressurize air forks. Do not put over 5 psi
in the tanks! That is an upper limit and 3 pounds will tell the tale.
Check for leaks at all the tank inlets / outlets so you don't get false
leakage data. Remember that temperature will change the pressure. My
opinion is that any positive pressure overnigh is a pass.

You can get 3 psi by mouth (no remarks please!) and make up a ballon
pressure indicator using proper fitings at less cost than the pump/guage
if you wish. Just remember to seal all the external (not tank related)
places and check for leaks.

Good Luck!
Ralph Baker

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Jesse Jenks · Post by **Jesse Jenks** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:38 pm

Thanks Drew and Ralph,
I think I will go the glove route. I just went and bought a 30 psi pressure
gauge with 1/4 NPT, and some 1/8 plugs, but I forgot that I would have to
seal the filler with something anyway since the cap has holes in it. How
long should I let the proseal sit before I pressurize it?
Jesse

From: "Ralph Baker" <rebaker@sc.rr.com>
Reply-To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Subject: tank pressure test
Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2005 13:08:58 -0400

Jesse,
We used a rubber expanding plug to seal the fuel inlet. These are used
in the plumbing trade and are widely available. Fuel guage outlets were
sealed with pipe plugs. Air was introduced with a pump/guage used by
off road motorcyclists to pressurize air forks. Do not put over 5 psi
in the tanks! That is an upper limit and 3 pounds will tell the tale.
Check for leaks at all the tank inlets / outlets so you don't get false
leakage data. Remember that temperature will change the pressure. My
opinion is that any positive pressure overnigh is a pass.

You can get 3 psi by mouth (no remarks please!) and make up a ballon
pressure indicator using proper fitings at less cost than the pump/guage
if you wish. Just remember to seal all the external (not tank related)
places and check for leaks.

Good Luck!
Ralph Baker

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Jeff McMurrer · Post by **Jeff McMurrer** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:38 pm

Hi Jesse,

Here

Ralph Baker · Post by **Ralph Baker** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:38 pm

I would let the ProSeal set up for at least 10 days. No point in
blowing out an area and having to go back in. Wayne O'Shea - Proseal
Expert, may have another recommendation. Personally, I have seen it
slump for several days.
Ralph Baker

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Jesse Jenks · Post by **Jesse Jenks** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:38 pm

Thanks for the info Jeff and Ralph,
I have to admit that I couldn't resist blowing up the glove yesterday. All
the stuff around the stringers was already pretty firm, as I did that about
a week ago, It's just the "gasket" around the top that is fresh. I'm the
kind of guy that has to touch wet paint I guess. Anyway I just inflated the
glove for a short while to see if there where any major holes, Which there
are not. That was a relief, then I thought a big hole would be easier to
find than a small one. Oh well, I'll let it sit for a few more days and then
do the overnight test. How much pressure do you figure you are putting in by
inflating the glove? It doesn't seem like much. Is that really an adequate
test?
Jesse

I would let the ProSeal set up for at least 10 days. No point in
blowing out an area and having to go back in. Wayne O'Shea - Proseal
Expert, may have another recommendation. Personally, I have seen it
slump for several days.
Ralph Baker

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Wayne G. O'Shea · Post by **Wayne G. O'Shea** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:38 pm

As Ralph indicates...I never pressure test for over 2 weeks on a new tank.
I've done well over a dozen wings Jesse and have only ever had one leak and
that was my first wing on my own Rebel.

My pressure test is a condom over the filler neck with a heavy elastic and
the condom "lube" helps with the sealing. Just gets your Sister-in-law a tad
concerned when you go into her store to buy them!!. NPT plugs in all ports
and a snifter valve (fancy name for the valve with NPT threads that goes in
a water pressure tank for well systems) in one of them. Inflate 'till the
condom looks like a town water tower and leave it alone. Due to temp changes
and pressure changes in the atmosphere from when you filled it you may find
the condom inside the tank and inflated. A few days of watching it cycle and
especially a day when you find it fully inflated inside the tank.....
showing the tank will hold a vacuum..... and you know you've got a good one.

5 psi....you guys are scaring the F out of me...... 5 psi x 48" x 20" = 4800
lbs of force trying to blow that lid off the tank..top and bottom....not to
mention the root rib and rear bulkheads. Even full fuel at 180 lbs x 6 G's
is only 1080 lbs and only on the bottom skin. Wings not designed for that
load and you're playing with fire.

Leave it alone Jesse...nothing you can change immediately by testing it
right away..don't chance blowing the good seal you appear to have. Set it
aside and get to work on something else for now...seat frames for when
visitors come over to watch TV etc...

Cheers,
Wayne

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jesse Jenks" <jessejenks@hotmail.com>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Friday, September 16, 2005 12:26 PM
Subject: RE: tank pressure test

Thanks for the info Jeff and Ralph,
I have to admit that I couldn't resist blowing up the glove yesterday. All
the stuff around the stringers was already pretty firm, as I did that

about

a week ago, It's just the "gasket" around the top that is fresh. I'm the
kind of guy that has to touch wet paint I guess. Anyway I just inflated

the

glove for a short while to see if there where any major holes, Which there
are not. That was a relief, then I thought a big hole would be easier to
find than a small one. Oh well, I'll let it sit for a few more days and

then

do the overnight test. How much pressure do you figure you are putting in

by

inflating the glove? It doesn't seem like much. Is that really an adequate
test?
Jesse

I would let the ProSeal set up for at least 10 days. No point in
blowing out an area and having to go back in. Wayne O'Shea - Proseal
Expert, may have another recommendation. Personally, I have seen it
slump for several days.
Ralph Baker

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Jeff McMurrer · Post by **Jeff McMurrer** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:38 pm

Wayne,

No where in my response did (I) say to pressure to 5psi. I use a low pressure gauge 0 to 5 psi for checking my tanks. I do not or recommend to exceed 2 1/2 to 3 psi while testing tanks. Quick and easy system & accurate. Zero leaky tanks.

Jeff

----- Original Message -----
From: "Wayne G. O'Shea" <oifa@irishfield.on.ca>
Date: Friday, September 16, 2005 9:54 am
Subject: Re: tank pressure test

As Ralph indicates...I never pressure test for over 2 weeks on a
new tank.
I've done well over a dozen wings Jesse and have only ever had one
leak and
that was my first wing on my own Rebel.

My pressure test is a condom over the filler neck with a heavy
elastic and
the condom "lube" helps with the sealing. Just gets your Sister-in-
law a tad
concerned when you go into her store to buy them!!. NPT plugs in
all ports
and a snifter valve (fancy name for the valve with NPT threads
that goes in
a water pressure tank for well systems) in one of them. Inflate
'till the
condom looks like a town water tower and leave it alone. Due to
temp changes
and pressure changes in the atmosphere from when you filled it you
may find
the condom inside the tank and inflated. A few days of watching it
cycle and
especially a day when you find it fully inflated inside the tank.....
showing the tank will hold a vacuum..... and you know you've got a
good one.

5 psi....you guys are scaring the F out of me...... 5 psi x 48" x
20" = 4800
lbs of force trying to blow that lid off the tank..top and
bottom....not to
mention the root rib and rear bulkheads. Even full fuel at 180 lbs
x 6 G's
is only 1080 lbs and only on the bottom skin. Wings not designed
for that
load and you're playing with fire.

Leave it alone Jesse...nothing you can change immediately by
testing it
right away..don't chance blowing the good seal you appear to have.
Set it
aside and get to work on something else for now...seat frames for when
visitors come over to watch TV etc...

Cheers,
Wayne

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jesse Jenks" <jessejenks@hotmail.com>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Friday, September 16, 2005 12:26 PM
Subject: RE: tank pressure test

Thanks for the info Jeff and Ralph,
I have to admit that I couldn't resist blowing up the glove
yesterday. All
the stuff around the stringers was already pretty firm, as I did
thatabout
a week ago, It's just the "gasket" around the top that is fresh.
I'm the
kind of guy that has to touch wet paint I guess. Anyway I just
inflatedthe
glove for a short while to see if there where any major holes,
Which there
are not. That was a relief, then I thought a big hole would be
easier to
find than a small one. Oh well, I'll let it sit for a few more
days and
then
do the overnight test. How much pressure do you figure you are
putting in
by
inflating the glove? It doesn't seem like much. Is that really
an adequate
test?
Jesse

I would let the ProSeal set up for at least 10 days. No point in
blowing out an area and having to go back in. Wayne O'Shea -
Proseal> >Expert, may have another recommendation. Personally, I
have seen it
slump for several days.
Ralph Baker

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Wayne G. O'Shea · Post by **Wayne G. O'Shea** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:38 pm

I know you didn't Jeff...it was brought up elsewhere as a max and I've seen
it suggested in past posts as well. Wayne

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff McMurrer" <westcoastkitplanes@shaw.ca>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Friday, September 16, 2005 3:25 PM
Subject: Re: tank pressure test

Wayne,

No where in my response did (I) say to pressure to 5psi. I use a low

pressure gauge 0 to 5 psi for checking my tanks. I do not or recommend to
exceed 2 1/2 to 3 psi while testing tanks. Quick and easy system &
accurate. Zero leaky tanks.

Jeff

----- Original Message -----
From: "Wayne G. O'Shea" <oifa@irishfield.on.ca>
Date: Friday, September 16, 2005 9:54 am
Subject: Re: tank pressure test

As Ralph indicates...I never pressure test for over 2 weeks on a
new tank.
I've done well over a dozen wings Jesse and have only ever had one
leak and
that was my first wing on my own Rebel.

My pressure test is a condom over the filler neck with a heavy
elastic and
the condom "lube" helps with the sealing. Just gets your Sister-in-
law a tad
concerned when you go into her store to buy them!!. NPT plugs in
all ports
and a snifter valve (fancy name for the valve with NPT threads
that goes in
a water pressure tank for well systems) in one of them. Inflate
'till the
condom looks like a town water tower and leave it alone. Due to
temp changes
and pressure changes in the atmosphere from when you filled it you
may find
the condom inside the tank and inflated. A few days of watching it
cycle and
especially a day when you find it fully inflated inside the tank.....
showing the tank will hold a vacuum..... and you know you've got a
good one.

5 psi....you guys are scaring the F out of me...... 5 psi x 48" x
20" = 4800
lbs of force trying to blow that lid off the tank..top and
bottom....not to
mention the root rib and rear bulkheads. Even full fuel at 180 lbs
x 6 G's
is only 1080 lbs and only on the bottom skin. Wings not designed
for that
load and you're playing with fire.

Leave it alone Jesse...nothing you can change immediately by
testing it
right away..don't chance blowing the good seal you appear to have.
Set it
aside and get to work on something else for now...seat frames for when
visitors come over to watch TV etc...

Cheers,
Wayne

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jesse Jenks" <jessejenks@hotmail.com>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Friday, September 16, 2005 12:26 PM
Subject: RE: tank pressure test

Thanks for the info Jeff and Ralph,
I have to admit that I couldn't resist blowing up the glove
yesterday. All
the stuff around the stringers was already pretty firm, as I did
thatabout
a week ago, It's just the "gasket" around the top that is fresh.
I'm the
kind of guy that has to touch wet paint I guess. Anyway I just
inflatedthe
glove for a short while to see if there where any major holes,
Which there
are not. That was a relief, then I thought a big hole would be
easier to
find than a small one. Oh well, I'll let it sit for a few more
days and
then
do the overnight test. How much pressure do you figure you are
putting in
by
inflating the glove? It doesn't seem like much. Is that really
an adequate
test?
Jesse

Proseal> >Expert, may have another recommendation. Personally, I
have seen it

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Jesse Jenks · Post by **Jesse Jenks** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:38 pm

OK, I'll wait,
I like the condom idea. I have a bunch. Havn't used a single one since I
started building the plane. Hmmm.

From: "Wayne G. O'Shea" <oifa@irishfield.on.ca>
Reply-To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Subject: Re: tank pressure test
Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2005 12:54:13 -0400

As Ralph indicates...I never pressure test for over 2 weeks on a new tank.
I've done well over a dozen wings Jesse and have only ever had one leak and
that was my first wing on my own Rebel.

My pressure test is a condom over the filler neck with a heavy elastic and
the condom "lube" helps with the sealing. Just gets your Sister-in-law a
tad
concerned when you go into her store to buy them!!. NPT plugs in all ports
and a snifter valve (fancy name for the valve with NPT threads that goes in
a water pressure tank for well systems) in one of them. Inflate 'till the
condom looks like a town water tower and leave it alone. Due to temp
changes
and pressure changes in the atmosphere from when you filled it you may find
the condom inside the tank and inflated. A few days of watching it cycle
and
especially a day when you find it fully inflated inside the tank.....
showing the tank will hold a vacuum..... and you know you've got a good
one.

5 psi....you guys are scaring the F out of me...... 5 psi x 48" x 20" =
4800
lbs of force trying to blow that lid off the tank..top and bottom....not to
mention the root rib and rear bulkheads. Even full fuel at 180 lbs x 6 G's
is only 1080 lbs and only on the bottom skin. Wings not designed for that
load and you're playing with fire.

Leave it alone Jesse...nothing you can change immediately by testing it
right away..don't chance blowing the good seal you appear to have. Set it
aside and get to work on something else for now...seat frames for when
visitors come over to watch TV etc...

Cheers,
Wayne

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jesse Jenks" <jessejenks@hotmail.com>
To: <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Sent: Friday, September 16, 2005 12:26 PM
Subject: RE: tank pressure test

Thanks for the info Jeff and Ralph,
I have to admit that I couldn't resist blowing up the glove yesterday.
All
the stuff around the stringers was already pretty firm, as I did that
about
a week ago, It's just the "gasket" around the top that is fresh. I'm the
kind of guy that has to touch wet paint I guess. Anyway I just inflated
the
glove for a short while to see if there where any major holes, Which
there
are not. That was a relief, then I thought a big hole would be easier to
find than a small one. Oh well, I'll let it sit for a few more days and
then
do the overnight test. How much pressure do you figure you are putting
in
by
inflating the glove? It doesn't seem like much. Is that really an
adequate
test?
Jesse

I would let the ProSeal set up for at least 10 days. No point in
blowing out an area and having to go back in. Wayne O'Shea - Proseal
Expert, may have another recommendation. Personally, I have seen it
slump for several days.
Ralph Baker

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