| Q |
How rugged are ATL’s Petro-Flex and FueLocker Range-Extenders? |
| A |
Quite. They are constructed of rubberized ballistic nylon as used in military Flex-Tanks of 20,000 and 50,000 gallon capacity. Nevertheless, all bladders should be handled with normal care and respect, especially when filled with flammable fuels.
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| Q |
What sizes are available? |
| A |
Petro-Flex: 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 300 & 500 gallons.
FueLocker: 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 gallons.
Custom sizes and shapes are available on special order.
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| Q |
Is there a bottom fuel outlet? |
| A |
No, the bladder outlet is near the top and “floats” downward as fuel is drained and the bladder collapses.
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| Q |
Can I connect the Petro-Flex/FueLocker directly to my engine? |
| A |
Petro-Flex and FueLocker bladders are intended as auxiliary tanks rather than as main tanks. However, once secured, Petro-Flex/FueLocker bladders have been used to directly supply those gasoline engines which do NOT require a fuel return line. Diesel engines commonly DO require a return line and therefore should NOT be fed directly from a Petro-Flex/FueLocker. ATL can provide special fuel bladders for direct diesel connection. Click on “Contact Us” above or call the number below.
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| Q |
Can I get every drop out of the bladder? |
| A |
Nearly. For full purging, the Petro-Flex may be rolled up from its far corner toward the outlet fitting.
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| Q |
How is fuel transferred to the main tank? |
| A |
Attach a ½” inside diameter fuel hose (12mm) to the barbed outlet fitting, and run this hose as far down the main tank inlet pipe as possible. Open the ball valve and press firmly on the bladder to initiate gravity or siphon flow. Be careful not to overfill the main tank. Refer to ATL’s Petro-Flex/FueLocker Range Extension User Manual #DS-548 by clicking here.
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| Q |
How do I tie down a full Petro-Flex/FueLocker? |
| A |
ATL’s Range Extenders are best transported either full or empty. Empty bladders should be collapsed and stored in a vented locker. Full bladders should be lashed down with a cargo net or with one of ATL’s Tie-Down Kit harnesses (above).
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| Q |
When full, my Petro-Flex/FueLocker seems very stable on deck, why do I need to tie it down? |
| A |
Under most conditions, a full bladder tank will stay put, but in high seas (or turbulent air) bladders can become unstable and shift. With full weights of 150 lbs. to 3000 lbs., it is dangerous to use them if not fully restrained.
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| Q |
About how many Petro-Flex tanks has ATL produced? |
| A |
Since inception of the product, ATL has delivered approximately 30,000 of these fuel bladders worldwide.
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| Q |
Can I mount my Petro-Flex/FueLocker below deck? |
| A |
Coast Guard regulations do not permit in-hull locations. ATL recommends securely lashing the full bladder above deck for better gravity fuel transfer, safer venting and ease of clean-up should any fuel be spilled during filling.
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| Q |
Do Petro-Flex/FueLocker Range Extenders suffer from weather exposure? |
| A |
Yes, to some extent. Despite UV additives and hydrolysis stabilizers, rubber and fabric products can take a beating in extremes of sun, cold, dampness and abrasion. ATL Sun-Shields and Underliners are excellent protectors. When not in use, ATL recommends storing the drained bladder in a dry and vented locker.
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| Q |
Does ATL offer an electric fuel pump for transferring gasoline or diesel? |
| A |
No, ATL recommends gravity or siphon flow, but these two companies can provide 12V and 24V diesel pumps with explosion-proof motors:
Jabsco Corp.
20 Icon
Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
(949) 859-4945
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Reverso Pump Inc.
201 SW 20th Street
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315
(954) 522-0882 |
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| Q |
Can I fill the bladder with fuel and carry it to my boat (plane, truck)? |
| A |
Sorry, no. Full bladders are very hard to grasp and they weigh from 150 to 3000 lbs. ATL strongly suggests filling in situ.
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| Q |
Will my Petro-Flex/FueLocker float if it falls overboard? |
| A |
Yes, definitely! Fuel is 2/3 the density of water so it will always produce buoyancy. Also, in emergencies, an empty Petro-Flex/FueLocker can be lightly filled with air to provide significant buoyancy for personnel and the entire craft.
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| Q |
Why are there so many valves on the Petro-Flex/FueLocker? |
| A |
Good question! Within the fill cap is a vent valve that automatically relieves pressure in case of excessive heat or overfill. At the fill pipe base is a “flapper valve” to prevent possible fuel backflow when the cap is removed. And finally, at the outlet flange is a precision½" ¼-turn ball valve for quick fuel-on fuel-off control.
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Other Questions? See DS-548 or Call ATL on the number below: |
