From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Proposed design for a petrol pump system with a reserve tank to overcome issues after running dry.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 17\5\ Scan128 | |
| Date | 28th May 1932 | |
| Handwritten: Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} X7460. Can we try this HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Handwritten: x5460. To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} W.F. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Petrol Pump. ------------ With regard to the difficulty of the petrol pump taking three minutes to pump petrol through from dry, we suggest this might be overcome by using a small sealed reservoir and stand pipe on the dash, having a cock connected or combined with the main tap as in sketch. After running dry on the main the line becomes full of air. If the tap be then turned to reserve the small quantity of fuel on the dash is immediately available, and air in the line (about 5 cubic inches) is drawn into the space and duly followed by the fuel. When the petrol tank is replenished the petrol cock is turned back to main, and the problem is how to evacuate the air from the dash receptacle without stopping the engine. This is arranged by dividing the petrol being drawn into this receptacle so that part of it passes direct down the stand pipe, and the remainder into the reservoir. In the case where a car is to be started from dry, or if all reserves have been lost the dash reservoir could be filled independently. Most cars fitted with petrol pumps rely on the driver watching the gauge to avoid running out of fuel, but if we supply a 2 gallon reserve it perhaps ought to be made immediately available. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||