Fuel Manifold
Fueling the turboprop is complex. There are two fuel ports on the gas gennie, and a third line delivers lubricating fuel/oil to the power turbine tunnel. I figured the best way to do this neatly would be to devise a manifold which also doubles as a structural member of the rail system for mounting.
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The manifold started as an aluminum rectangle, width equal to the distance between the rails. It was milled to the shape shown. The stub which protrudes will carry a banjo fitting to feed the power turbine tunnel. |
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The first step was to engineer a "carry through" connection for the input of the fuel pump. The push to connect fitting will be connected to the fuel tank... the barb will be connected to the pump. |
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The manifold was drilled through its length near the top edge. Both ends were tapped for a sealing set screw. |
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On the top, the three ports were located and drilled through to the fuel hole previously drilled. |
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For the tunnel, some form of restrictor is needed. I modified a stock fitting for this restrictor, which was pressed in place into the fitting. |
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Additionally, the manifold carries the two electronic ports which connect the ecu to the outside world... the left port is for the R/C connection, and the right port is for the LCD readout for the ECU. |
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In place on the rails. The electronic "carry-throughs" were tested and passed. You can see the three output ports on the top of the manifold, with the center port missing its banjo fitting to the power turbine tunnel. |