Bladder Tanks?

[GIR8]

I am seeing a lot of these being used on various US pages sites etc just now.

Has anyone here tried it? Is it worth it or is it too much hassle?

For those that don't know you have one inlet on the bung with a balloon inside the tank but you can still use the exhaust pressure on the outside of the balloon. It is meant to be a constant flow of fuel from start to finish.

[coolice]

Hey buddy.

I like the idea, which is as the bladder empties it reduces in size, thus keeping the fuel pickup surrounded by fuel no matter the orientation of the model.
However I question the benefits on a nitro model that may have a header tank fitted or perhaps a fuel magnet.
On a turbine model yes, a much needed addition and no doubt cheaper than the UAT air trap header tanks normally preferred.

Also I'm wondering on the life span, as if using muffler or crankcase pressure around the bladder, the residue will no doubt destroy the bladder material over time.

Interesting though and been talked about a few years ago to.

Ian

[crash-test-tomo]

Not a nitro pilot myself but I do remember the subject being covered on a podcast iv listened to in the past.
The fuel supply when using a bladder is supposedly constant right up to the last drop of fuel, no coughs or splutters just full power until its bone dry.

The downside being as Ian says the life expectancy. Depending on the bladder/balloon you use your looking at around a month before having to replace it. Unless of course there has been something since released to serve the same purpose that may last longer?? Theres a good chance that particular episode is a couple of years old now

[GIR8]

Since the balloons are like 10 for £1 the cost isn't an issue and I'm sure the tank and bung are modified for easy installation.
But I too think about the exhaust gas on the balloon surely it would degrade pretty quick. For the moment I will stick with my header tank setup. I like the slight leaning when the main tank empties as it's enough warning to land.

[crash-test-tomo]

Yeah I think the complaints were less about the cost and more the inconvenience of keep changing them tbh!

Is there no way of running a small pump of some description?!
Maybe a washer jet motor or something from a car would provide enough pressure without adding too much additional weight

[GIR8]

Yeah I think the complaints were less about the cost and more the inconvenience of keep changing them tbh!

Is there no way of running a small pump of some description?!
Maybe a washer jet motor or something from a car would provide enough pressure without adding too much additional weight

Too many electronics for me lol. Sorry Crash test I just had to.

[crash-test-tomo]

Too many electronics for me lol. Sorry Crash test I just had to.

The rx pack already on a nitro would be perfect but im sure iv made it sound way simpler than it actually is! Lol
Theres probably something better suited out there but would still probably need some sort of regulator? Then a way of switching rather than running constant etc

[George J]

We've been talking about this a lot recently and I have to admit to being a bit sceptical as I use pumped engines with a fuel magnet, however, having heard the arguments for using a balloon from one of the best nitro pilots around Tim Jones and a few others of note in the US all of whom say there is a big difference then I has to be worth a try, it'll only take 5 mins to fit one anyway.

[GIR8]

We've been talking about this a lot recently and I have to admit to being a bit sceptical as I use pumped engines with a fuel magnet, however, having heard the arguments for using a balloon from one of the best nitro pilots around Tim Jones and a few others of note in the US all of whom say there is a big difference then I has to be worth a try, it'll only take 5 mins to fit one anyway.

I am looking at getting a 600 Nitro next year. Not sure what yet maybe new maybe used but I'll try it on that if I manage to get one. Not sure I'm willing to experiment with my 700.

[old gimmer]

If you can auto from all positions and heights give it a go I don't think 3D would be advisable unless performed at enough height to recover into the auto position my own thoughts are that it will be an expensive pointless exercise

[GIR8]

If you can auto from all positions and heights give it a go I don't think 3D would be advisable unless performed at enough height to recover into the auto position my own thoughts are that it will be an expensive pointless exercise

A lot of people are using it very successfully and a similar thing has been used in F3A for a long time.

Now for another question do you need to have a regulated carb on your engine or will it work with a standard carb.