Ameer Randolph
Aircraft fuel tanks are typically located in the wings, where there is ample space to store the fuel. This location also helps to prevent wing bending stresses and adds weight to the wings, reducing the influence of turbulent airflow. The fuel system involves a combination of gravity flow and fuel pumps to feed pressurized fuel to the engine. In some cases, gravity alone may be sufficient to propel fuel from the tank to the carburetor, while in other cases, engine-driven or electrically powered pumps may be necessary. The pilot can select the fuel source and control the flow of fuel using a selector valve. The fuel system also includes surge tanks, which are part of the fuel vent system and help to maintain pressure and prevent evaporation during flight.
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What You'll Learn
Fuel tank location
Another reason for wing-mounted fuel tanks is to reduce wing bending stresses during flight. By adding weight to the wings, their inertia increases, making them less susceptible to the turbulent airflow trying to "wag" them up and down. This results in a more stable flight and reduces the structural load on the wings.
In most large aircraft, the fuel is stored in the wings, but some aircraft also have centre tanks located in the centre fuselage. Wide-body aircraft may also have additional tanks in the tail or horizontal stabilizer, used to control the centre of gravity during long-haul flights.
The location of the fuel tanks also impacts the fuel system design. High-wing aircraft may rely on gravity to propel fuel from the tank to the carburetor, while low-wing aircraft and high-wing craft with fuel-injected engines will need engine-driven pumps to move the fuel.
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Fuel transfer systems
In high-wing aircraft, gravity is often the primary force that propels fuel from the tanks to the carburetor, and fuel pumps may not be necessary. However, in low-wing aircraft and high-wing aircraft with fuel-injected engines, an engine-driven pump is required to move the fuel. Additionally, an electrically powered pump is usually present as a backup for engine start.
The fuel transfer system in larger aircraft can be more complex, with multiple tanks and engines involved. For example, in a typical configuration, the left-wing tank supplies fuel to the left engine, and the right-wing tank supplies fuel to the right engine. This setup helps maintain a balanced fuel distribution between the tanks.
In some cases, a crossfeed valve can be used to supply fuel from one wing tank to the opposite engine in the event of an engine failure. This valve allows for flexibility and helps ensure a continuous fuel supply to the functioning engine. Additionally, some aircraft have a fuel selector valve that allows the pilot to choose the fuel source and select the left, right, or both tanks.
To enhance safety and redundancy, some aircraft also feature an elaborate manifold system that connects all the tanks and engines. This system enables fuel transfer between different tanks and serves as a backup for distribution. For instance, if the boost pumps fail, a boost pump bypass ensures that fuel flow is maintained.
Overall, the fuel transfer system in aircraft is designed to provide a reliable and controlled flow of fuel to the engines, utilizing a combination of gravity, pumps, valves, and manifolds, depending on the specific aircraft configuration. These systems are crucial for the safe operation of aircraft during flight.
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Fuel tank pumps
In high-wing aircraft, gravity is often sufficient to propel fuel from the tank to the carburetor, and fuel pumps may not be necessary. However, in low-wing aircraft and high-wing aircraft with fuel-injected engines, engine-driven fuel pumps are required to move the fuel. Additionally, an electrically powered auxiliary pump serves as a backup to the primary engine-driven pump and is used during engine start.
The fuel tank pumps play a vital role in preventing fuel boiling at high altitudes. As aircraft climb to higher altitudes, the reduced atmospheric pressure decreases the boiling point of the fuel, leading to potential vapor locks that can prevent fuel from entering the engine-driven pump. The tank pumps maintain fuel pressure and ensure a steady flow of fuel to the engines.
In some aircraft, the fuel system incorporates a surge tank, which is connected to the main fuel tanks through vent pipes. During aircraft maneuvering, any fuel that moves out of the main tanks is captured by the surge tank. When the aircraft levels off, the fuel from the surge tank is gravity-fed back to the main tanks. The surge tank also helps to pressurize the main fuel tanks, preventing excessive fuel evaporation and maintaining the necessary pressure for engine fuel delivery.
The pilot can select the fuel source using a selector valve, choosing between left, right, or both tanks. In the event of an engine flameout, a crossfeed valve can be used to supply fuel from the opposite wing tank, ensuring a continuous flow of fuel to the functioning engine. The fuel then passes through a strainer into the engine fuel pump, where a vapor separator removes air and excess fluid before pressurizing the remaining fuel for delivery to the engines.
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Fuel pressure
In high-wing aircraft, gravity propels the fuel from the tank to the carburetor, and fuel pumps may not be necessary. However, low-wing aircraft and high-wing aircraft with fuel-injected engines require an engine-driven pump to move the fuel. These aircraft also have an electrically powered pump for engine start and as a backup. The fuel pressure is indicated by a fuel pressure gauge, which helps the pilot ensure that the pumps are functioning correctly.
Aircraft capable of flying at high altitudes require tank pumps to prevent fuel boiling due to reduced pressure. The tank pumps are controlled by the pilot and powered by the aircraft's main electrical system. They ensure that fuel is delivered to the engine-driven fuel pump at the required pressure and flow rate. In some aircraft, a centrifugal pump is used to raise the pressure of the fuel at the engine inlet to provide sufficient charging pressure for the main fuel pump and other associated pumps.
To maintain atmospheric pressure within the fuel tanks, the space above the liquid fuel is vented. This venting helps to prevent excessive evaporation as the aircraft climbs to higher altitudes, where reduced atmospheric pressure decreases the boiling point of the fuel. Additionally, the fuel tanks are pressurized to prevent a vacuum from developing as fuel is drawn by the engines. This pressurization also aids in preventing fuel boiling at high altitudes.
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Water contamination
To detect and remove water contamination, several methods are used. One simple test involves adding food colouring to a fuel sample; if water is present, the colouring will mix with it. More comprehensive procedures include filtering the fuel through a pleated paper or synthetic fibre screen, followed by a filter/separator, water-absorbing media, and a salt drier. Large airports with multiple fuel suppliers have implemented shared storage tanks and hydrant systems to maintain fuel quality.
To prevent water contamination, it is essential to drain stored fuel daily to remove any water that may have condensed. Additionally, fuel should be filtered at least twice before being uplifted by an aircraft to ensure the removal of any remaining traces of water. Proper procedures can help prevent contaminated fuel from causing issues, such as significant damage to the aircraft and engine, corrosion, clogging of fuel filtration components, and failure of aircraft fuel system instrumentation.
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Frequently asked questions
There is a lot of empty space in the wings, and a lot of space is needed for fuel. Creating space elsewhere for fuel would make the aircraft larger and heavier. Storing fuel in the wings also helps to prevent wing bending stresses.
In high-wing aircraft, gravity propels the fuel from the tank to the carburetor, and fuel pumps might not be necessary. However, low-wing aircraft and those with fuel-injected engines will need an engine-driven pump to move the fuel.
Each aircraft has a fuel pressure gauge that lets the pilot know if the pumps are working properly.
In most cases, the left-wing tank supplies fuel to the left engine, and the right-wing tank supplies fuel to the right engine. If one engine fails, the other can be supplied with fuel from the opposite wing using a crossfeed valve.
