Appendix "A"

Test Report for "Weather-Guard" Seal

EXPLOSION & FLAME ARRESTING TEST

Research & Development Programme

April 6, 2023

SUBJECT:
"Weather-Guard" Seal Flame & Explosion Retardant
Properties.

INTRODUCTION :
Simulate explosion and burning of the annulus space by
igniting gasoline poured into the bottom of the test tank
chamber using the arc of a welding machine electrode.

QUALITY CONTROL :
In order to minimise the leakage of oxygen into the test
tank annulus except for "Weather-Guard" Seal leaks.

1. A scaled-down version of the standard "Weather-Guard" Seal was used.
2. Two (2) openings in test tank; one to let gasoline in (fill nozzle) and to close after ignition, second one for drain (outlet nozzle).

MATERIALS :
1 – Test tank 57 ins. dia. x 40 ins. high
1 – Floating roof of diameter to give annulus space of 4.25 in
1 – Centre leg with pin
1 – 0.375 ins dia. petcock valve (outlet nozzle)
1 – 2 ins dia nozzle (fill nozzle)
1 – 30# dry chemical extinguisher
1 – Graduated measuring cup – Pyrex 900 ml beaker
1 – Welding machine and electrode
1 – Set standard "Weather-Guard" Seal except use of 20 ga. compression plates (see attached sketch and bill of materials)
1 – 5 gallons regular gasoline

PROCEDURE:
A. Fabricate tank per drawing.

B. Install "Weather-Guard" Seal in normal fashion.

C. Ignition – Phase I

1. Pour in 400 ml of gasoline; leave for 4 – 5 minutes.
2. Ignite gasoline with weld electrode (first ignition).
3. Leave for 2 minutes
4. Ignite again (second ignition)
5. Force compressed air into fill nozzle (allowing roof to elevate to bolted stop in centre post) and leave for 2 minutes.
6. Ignite again (third ignition)
7. Force compressed air into fill nozzle (same as step 5)
8. Ignite again as soon as possible (fourth ignition)
9. Force compressed air into fill nozzle (same as step 5) and leave for 10 minutes.
10. Ignite again (fifth ignition)
11. Drain and measure remaining gasoline.

D. Ignition – Phase II

1. Pour in 10,000 ml gasoline; leave for 4 – 5 minutes.
2. Ignite gasoline with weld electrode (first ignition).
3. Leave for 2 minutes
4. Ignite again (second ignition)
5. Force compressed air into fill nozzle (allowing roof to elevate to bolted stop in centre post) and leave for 2 minutes.
6. Ignite again (third ignition)
7. Force compressed air into fill nozzle (same as step 5)
8. Ignite again as soon as possible (fourth ignition)
9. Force compressed air into fill nozzle(same as step 5)
10. Ignite again (fifth ignition)
11. Force oxygen with oxygen-acetylene torch into fill nozzle for 20 seconds.
12. Ignite again (sixth ignition)
13. Observe the reaction when an oxyacetylene flame is placed into a flame at the tip of the fill nozzle with oxygen flowing in the fill nozzle at approximately 4 cfm
14. Drain and measure remaining gasoline.

RESULTS
Phase I

First Ignition : Large explosion and shooting blue flames extending 1 to 2 feet above "Weather -Guard" Seal in six locations lasting until seal returned to original shape. Blue flame at fill nozzle until seal returned to original shape. No smoke.
Second Ignition : No explosion, no flames
Third Ignition : Small explosion, no flames.
Fourth Ignition : No explosion, no flames.
Fifth Ignition : Small explosion lasting a longer time than in the first ignition; fire of about the same size and duration as in the first ignition.

The seal was not disturbed as a result of the explosions (it returned to its original shape immediately following the explosion).
Approximately 200 ml of gasoline was recovered. Loss was approximately 200 ml of gasoline.

Phase II

First Ignition : No explosion. Slight fire at fill nozzle with black smoke and yellow flames.
Second Ignition : Same as first ignition.
Third ignition : Same as first ignition.
Fourth Ignition : Same as first ignition; flame at nozzle higher.
Fifth Ignition : Same as first ignition; flame at nozzle higher.
Sixth Ignition : Same as first ignition; flame at nozzle higher

No reaction occurred as a result of step 13.
The seal was not disturbed.
Approximately 9700 ml of gasoline was recovered. Loss was approximately 300 ml of gasoline.

By : MIDSTATE TESTING LABORATORY

W.F. Hatcher