IVA and fuel tank bulkheads

[biturbo228]

Hi all,

Have a bit of a question about the IVA and fuel tanks. It states in the regs that the fuel tank cannot be within or form a bulkhead of the passenger compartment, or any compartment integral to it.

Basically, to pass IVA cars need some kind of divider between the fuel tank and the passenger compartment (which my Spit doesn't have):



So, the question is. Does this bulkhead need to be a welded in piece of steel, or could it be a bolt-on aluminium sheet? Originally it would have had a trimmed MDF panel between the two, but I'm assuming that won't fly!

[crockpot]

The bits that matter-

10. The fuel tank must be positioned so that in the event of a leak the fuel could not accumulate or find a path to the passenger compartment. (if fitted in a compartment there must be a drain which does not exit onto a heat source)

11. A Fuel Tank must not be located in, or form part of the passenger compartment, or other compartment integral with it and the bulkhead that separate the passengers from the fuel tank must be free from holes through which any escaped fuel could travel.

12. The fuel tank must be fitted with a vent (to permit release of a pressure build up) which does not exit on to the exhaust or into the vehicle or be situated at such a height that fuel would be likely to leak when the vehicle is driven.

13. Any fuel filler neck or vent must not allow spilt fuel to be able to fall onto the exhaust system.

14. Fuel tank filling points must not be located in the passenger compartment, luggage compartment or within an engine compartment.


BIVA manual section 03a
Note that material and fixing are not mentioned. A welded in bulkhead would have no issues.

[biturbo228]

Thanks, dead helpful.

I've got 12, 13 and 14 covered already, but I think the tank would be classified as being part of a space integral with the passenger compartment.

It sounds like a bulkhead welded across the front of the fuel tank would be the easiest option to cover off 10 and 11, with a box surrounding the rear spring access hole so I can get to it from the front, and an access panel at the top to let me get at the fuel filler hose.

Just as well I didn't paint the damn thing already...oh wait...

[Darkspeed]

Fixing: Screwed welded bonded riveted etc. does not really matter. Any one or all.

Material: A metal of some sort would be good but most of my cars use glassfibre - you could use wood if you so desired but hardboard is probably pushing it even if coated in aluminium paint

The rest of it is common sense. For example should a fuel line split and high pressure fuel get sprayed directly at the bulkhead behind you - How much of it do you want under your seat?

As flimsy as all my cars are the tanks are behind a sealed bulkhead open to the floor / very well ventilated.

[legend]

would the sill tanks on a gt40 be ok?

[Darkspeed]

Dec 14, 2019 22:03:55 GMT legend said:

would the sill tanks on a gt40 be ok?

Probably have to reduce the capacity quite a bit for the Spitfire.....

[legend]

Sorry, that was badly phrased. In terms of the BIVA test, the GT40 tanks in the sills pass the test? seems like they are almost in the passenger space

[Darkspeed]

Dec 14, 2019 22:24:33 GMT legend said:

Sorry, that was badly phrased. In terms of the BIVA test, the GT40 tanks in the sills pass the test? seems like they are almost in the passenger space

Separate area. - As long as they are sealed off from the passenger compartment its fine.

[legend]

Thanks