Airplane Fuel Tank Inspction

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How to do an Airplane Fuel Tank Inspction

To perform an airplane fuel tank inspection, you need to follow these steps: - Inspect the entire fuel system for wear, damage, or leaks. Make sure that all units are securely attached and properly safetied. - Open the drain plugs or valves in the fuel system and collect a sample from each fuel sump. Check the color and smell of the fuel to verify that it is the correct type and grade. Check for the presence of sediment, water, or slime in the sample. If any contaminants are found, drain more fuel until it is clear and clean. - Check the filter and sump for sediment, water, or slime. Clean or replace them as necessary. - Check the fuel tank for any signs of corrosion, cracks, dents, or deformation. Pay special attention to the areas around the filler cap, vent, and drain. If any defects are found, repair or replace the tank as required. - Check the fuel tank for proper venting and sealing. Make sure that the vent is clear and unobstructed. Make sure that the filler cap is tight and has a good gasket. If the tank is equipped with an On Board Inert Gas Generation System (OBIGGS), check that it is working properly and that the oxygen level in the tank is below the flammability limit. - Perform a pressure test on the fuel tank to verify its integrity and leak-tightness. Plug all the orifices and pressurize the tank to 2-3 psi for about 10 minutes. Observe for any pressure drop or signs of leakage. If any problems are found, locate and fix them before returning the tank to service. These steps are based on general guidelines and may vary depending on the specific type and model of the airplane. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations before performing any maintenance on the airplane fuel system.

How is made an Airplane Fuel Tank

An airplane fuel tank is a component of the aircraft fuel system that stores and delivers aviation fuel to the engine and auxiliary power unit. There are different types of airplane fuel tanks, depending on the design and performance of the aircraft. Some common types are: - Integral tanks: These are areas inside the aircraft structure, such as the wings or fuselage, that have been sealed to allow fuel storage. They are part of the aircraft structure and cannot be removed for service or inspection. - Rigid removable tanks: These are installed in a compartment designed to accommodate the tank. They are typically made of metal, plastic or fiberglass, and can be removed for inspection, replacement or repair. - Bladder tanks: These are reinforced rubberized bags installed in a section of aircraft structure designed to accommodate fuel. They are rolled up and installed into the compartment through the fuel filler neck or access panel, and secured by snap fasteners or cord and loops. - External tanks: These are additional fuel tanks mounted outside the aircraft, such as at the end of each wing or under the fuselage. They can be fixed or jettisonable, and can extend the range or endurance of the aircraft. Airplane fuel tanks are made from materials such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel, and riveted and seam welded to prevent leaks. Regardless of the fuel tank’s construction, they must be supported by the airframe and held in place by a padded strap arrangement to resist shifting during flight. Each tank is vented or pressurized to allow air into the tank to take the place of burned fuel, and to accommodate changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature. Each tank also has a fuel level indicator system, which can be based on float-driven potentiometers, capacitive probes or magnetoresistive sensors. The fuel tanks consist of tank pumps or fuel booster pumps which can be controlled by the pilot. In most cases, each tank has two tank pumps. These pumps are powered by the main electrical system of the aircraft. The fuel is piped through fuel lines to a fuel control valve, also known as the fuel selector, which allows the pilot to choose which tank feeds the engine, or to shut off the fuel supply in case of an emergency. The fuel also passes through a gascolator, which is a fuel filter that can be drained of water and sediment. The fuel then reaches the engine, where it is mixed with air and ignited to produce thrust.

Different type of an Airplane Fuel Tank

A different type of an airplane fuel tank is the conformal fuel tank (CFT), which is designed to fit the shape of the aircraft's fuselage or wing, rather than being a separate cylindrical or spherical container.

A conformal fuel tank (CFT) is a type of airplane fuel tank that follows the shape of the aircraft's fuselage or wing, instead of being a separate round or oval container. CFTs can hold more fuel and increase the range of an aircraft, without making it less aerodynamic or efficient. CFTs are usually attached to the top of the wing, or to the sides of the body near the tail. CFTs are often used by military aircraft, such as fighter jets, to fly longer distances or stay longer in the air. Some examples of aircraft that use CFTs are the F-15 Eagle, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the F/A-18 Hornet.

A CFT works by storing fuel in a flexible bladder that conforms to the shape of the aircraft's structure. The bladder is surrounded by a rigid shell that protects it from damage and provides structural support. The shell is also coated with a special material that reduces radar reflection and infrared emission, making the aircraft harder to detect. The fuel in the CFT is connected to the main fuel system of the aircraft, and can be used as needed by the engine or transferred to other tanks.

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