Safety in aircraft is a major concern in the aviation industry, as there are many working systems and components that must operate correctly for safe flight. Malfunctions can lead not only to delays and unnecessary expenses, but also pose potential hazards to the aircraft and its passengers. Many systems in aircraft are hydraulic, meaning they rely on fluids to operate. Hydraulic systems include landing gear, flaps, brakes and many more critical aspects of flight. Aviation fluids further encompass fuel for the aircraft and ground support equipment (GSE) vehicles, oil for lubrication, water for cooling/cleaning, and other oils and fluids used in hydraulic systems. As such, any contaminants that could potentially settle into these fluids threaten the safe operations of the aircraft. For your better understanding of common aviation fluid contaminants and how to avoid them, read on.
Beginning with hydraulic systems, contamination can occur in one of a number of ways. The fluids in any given hydraulic system are chosen for their unique properties, and when contaminants alter these properties, systems become inefficient and vulnerable to wear. Typically hydraulic fluids comprise a base stock mixed with specific additives for optimal performance in varying applications. Typical additives include dispersants, antioxidants, detergents, anti-corrosion agents, anti-foaming agents, and viscosity retainers. Regardless of the exact mixture, three major occurrences threaten the quality of hydraulic systems. These include water contamination, chemical contamination, and the ingress of air.
Water contamination is noticeable when hydraulic fluid appears milky white, and it causes increased oxidation and corrosion. Furthermore, water contamination makes fluid less compressible and reduces the effectiveness of the fluid’s lubrication properties. While this alone can damage the hydraulic pump, water that turns to ice is an even greater threat to the entire system. Similarly, air also reduces fluid compressibility, but your mixture will appear foamy, rather than white. Lastly, chemical contamination can occur as hydraulic fluids break down over time, especially when exposed to excessive heat. Furthermore, it is important to never mix two hydraulic fluids together, as this can also lead to the formation of unwanted chemicals.
Similar to hydraulic fluids, aircraft fuel can also be contaminated by rust, other forms of corrosion, and water if levels reach over 30 ppm. Moreover, fuel also faces unique threats, such as microbial growth, which can be extremely damaging depending on the organism. Lastly, other forms of petroleum can damage fuel, so mixing any fuels should be avoided and tanks should be flushed when one fluid replaces another.
Of the many ways fluids may become contaminated, a good general rule for maintaining quality is to regularly inspect all hydraulic systems, tanks, tubing, and more for signs of leaks, corrosion, and contamination. Furthermore, make sure you procure only the highest-caliber fuel and other fluids for all of your systems. For aviation grade products you can obtain with rapid lead times and competitive cost savings, look no further than The Aerospace World, an ASAP Semiconductor owned and operated purchasing platform.
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