Why is water contamination a problem in jet fuel?

Even small quantities of water in jet fuel distribution systems will lead to rust developing and eventually entering the fuel. Air flowing in and out of a tank when fuel is added or removed may also change the moisture content of the air in contact with fuel.

What is more volatile gasoline or jet fuel?

At normal temperatures, gasoline in a closed container or tank can give off so much vapor that the fuel/air mixture may be too rich to burn. Jet A fuel has such a low volatility that at normal temperatures it gives off very little vapor and does not form flammable or explosive fuel/air mixtures.

Is AVGAS more flammable than jet fuel?

What is aviation fuel? Known as AVGAS, this spark-ignited fuel has a much lower flashpoint than jet fuel and a much higher octane rating than the petrol used in road vehicles.

Why is water in jet fuel?

Water can enter an aircraft fuel system through leaks in the vents, seals, or poorly fitting fuel caps on filler openings during rain or snow storms or when the aircraft is washed, from refueling system equipment, by condensation and precipitation (especially when an aircraft has partially filled tanks), and when …

How are fuel systems protected against water contamination?

Protecting open fuel lines At the forefront of preventing contamination is covering all open lines during maintenance. All open fuel system lines should be capped or otherwise protected during maintenance operations to prevent particulates and moisture from entering the system.

Why contamination is a threat to the aircraft?

Water contamination can cause corrosion in the fuel system’s components. When exposed to low temperatures, it can freeze up and clog various fuel filtration parts and fuel lines. If these lines are not unclogged immediately, they will halt the fuel supply to the engines.

What is the difference between jet fuel and aviation fuel?

AVGAS, or aviation gasoline, is used for piston-engine aircraft. These types of aircraft fly through the rotation of the propellers which generate the thrust. While Jet Fuel is used for aircraft with turbine-engine jets. These fly with the thrust of expelled air.

What is the difference between aviation fuel and gasoline?

Aviation fuel and gasoline are very different for multiple reasons. For example, aviation fuels must meet strict requirements for flying characteristics such as flashpoint and freezing point, while auto gas is made to run through catalytic converters for pollution reduction, along with other factors.

How is aviation fuel different from gasoline?

Gasoline consists of hydrocarbons that contain anywhere from 7 to 11 carbon atoms with hydrogen molecules attached. Jet fuel, on the other hand, contains hydrocarbons more in the range of 12 to 15 carbon atoms. The other difference between gasoline and jet fuel is the additives injected into the mix for jet fuel.

What are the three main causes of the aircraft fuel contamination?

Three Main Causes Of Aircraft Fuel Contamination

• Corrosion in the fuel tank.
• Clogging in the fuel filtration parts.
• Component failure of aircraft fuel systems.
• Blockage of fuel supply to the engines.

How can aircraft fuel contamination be prevented?

The most effective way to prevent microbial contamination is by minimising the presence of free water. The use of biocides may sometimes be an option if this type of contamination reaches problem levels, but their use is not necessarily an appropriate or complete response.

What causes fuel contamination in aircraft?

Water is the primary cause of fuel contamination in aircraft fuel tanks. Water contamination can cause corrosion in the fuel system’s components. When exposed to low temperatures, it can freeze up and clog various fuel filtration parts and fuel lines.