Perkins M300TI Installation Manual page 40

Chapter 6 TPD1317e
In some cases it is necessary to have a number of fuel tanks in order to achieve the required operating range.
In such cases, where possible, one tank should be regarded as the main tank for each engine and the other
tanks should be arranged so that they will drain into the main tank by gravity. If a gravity system is not possible,
then the system shown in Figure 3 should be used.
Figure 3 shows a collector tank, fed by all the storage tanks and connected to the engine feed and return
systems, but with a vent pipe taken to any convenient tank.
Supply tank below
storage tanks for
Vent to be run to top
gravity feed
of highest tank
Vent
Fuel returns (top of tank)
Water separator
(Size to suit total flow for all
Fuel feeds (to be taken from
installed engines)
the bottom of the collector
tank)
Figure 3 - Fuel System for multiple tanks - supplying multiple engines
There is no doubt however, that a simple fuel system as illustrated in Figure 1 should be used wherever possible,
as having a completely separate tank and supply to each engine guarantees that if an engine stops, due to
running out of fuel or to water or foreign matter in the fuel, the other engine will not be affected simultaneously.
This will give some time for appropriate manoeuvring action to be taken. The simple system will also require
the minimum number of valves and fittings, which ensures maximum reliability in service.
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