Citation
(1998), "Aviation safety improved with fuel check valve", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770aad.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited
Aviation safety improved with fuel check valve
Aviation safety improved with fuel check valve
A recent major incident in the USA, when the wrong aviation fuel was delivered to several airfields, resulted in a number of total engine failures on aircraft immediately after take-off. The serious nature of these incidents has led all fuel companies to seek additional safeguards in their supply systems.
Fortunately, Alan Cobham, specialist manufacturer of fuel handling and control systems already had the answer. Working over a number of years in conjunction with Shell Thornton and Air BP, Alan Cobham had developed a range of density sensitive valves which will detect and immediately respond to any slight change in aviation fuel density.
The units are able to detect a 1 per cent density change, so if the wrong fuel has been delivered to a tank, the valve will shut off the supply, thus ensuring that aviation turbine fuel cannot be delivered to an aviation gasoline storage tank or vice versa.
These valves are reported to be highly accurate and reliable, being designed for use in low maintenance environments on outlying airfields as well as part of the rigorous safety systems at major airports. They do not require any external power for operation, can operate with gravity and pressure fed systems and cover the full range of flow rates.
The latest model of this product range has just successfully completed its trials at Cardiff Airport. A number of companies are standardising on these products and are considering bulk purchase.
Details from Alan Cobham Engineering Limited, Holland Way, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7BJ. Tel: +44 (0) 1258 451441; Fax: +44 (0) 1258 451414; e-mail: sales@alancobham.co.uk