Aerospace & Aviation Military Project
Application of Coalescers in Aviation Fuel
A Key Technology for Safeguarding Flight Safety
Introduction
In the aviation field, flight safety is always the top priority. A crucial step in ensuring flight safety is providing clean,
impurity-free fuel for aircraft. During the entire process from the refinery to the aircraft's fuel tank, aviation kerosene
inevitably comes into contact with water and solid impurities. If these harmful substances are not effectively removed,
they may cause engine failures or even serious accidents.
Today, we will delve into a key device in aviation fuel purification: the coalescer.
Background of Aviation Fuel Purification
Aviation jet fuel (aviation kerosene) travels from the refinery through multiple storage, transportation, and refueling links
before finally entering the aircraft's fuel tank. During this process, the fuel absorbs atmospheric moisture and solid dust;
in addition, links such as the manufacturing, installation, and commissioning of oil pipes and tanks may also introduce large
amounts of water and impurities. If these mechanical impurities and free water are not effectively removed, they may block
the oil circuit, cause insufficient engine power, or even lead to engine flameout, resulting in severe flight accidents.
Statistics show that 33% of flight accidents are caused by engine failures, and 50% of these engine failures are
due to particles in jet fuel. Therefore, ensuring the cleanliness of aviation fuel is not only key to extending engine life
but also an important measure to ensure flight safety.
Working Principle of Coalescers
To effectively remove water and impurities from aviation fuel, filter separators are usually installed in aviation fuel supply
systems, and coalescers are one of their core components. Filter separators can continuously process fuel during oil
transportation, combining impurity filtration and dehydration functions to ensure fuel cleanliness.
Inside the filter separator, there are two sets of filter elements with different functions: coalescing filter elements and
separation filter elements. When fuel flows through the filter separator, it undergoes four key processes: filtration,
coalescence, sedimentation, and separation.
Filtration: The fuel first passes through the primary coalescing filter element to remove solid impurities.
Coalescence: Tiny water droplets coalesce into larger droplets in the coalescing layer.
Sedimentation: Large water droplets settle to the bottom of the filter due to gravity.
Separation: The fuel then passes through the secondary separation filter element; the remaining water droplets
are completely separated by the water-repellent effect of the separation filter element, finally settling in the water
collection tank and being discharged through the drain valve.
After this series of treatments, impurities and water in the fuel are effectively removed, and clean jet fuel is finally
obtained for aircraft use.
Maintenance and Replacement of Coalescers
Regular maintenance and filter element replacement are essential to ensure the normal operation of coalescers.
Here are common scenarios for filter element replacement:
condition, thus guaranteeing the cleanliness of aviation fuel.
As a key device in aviation fuel purification, coalescers ensure the cleanliness of aviation fuel through their efficient
filtration and separation functions, providing important support for flight safety. From the refinery to the aircraft's
fuel tank, coalescers silently safeguard every flight.
Flight safety is no trivial matter, and the application of coalescers reflects the aviation industry's pursuit of extreme
safety. It is hoped that through this article, everyone can better understand the important role of coalescers in
aviation fuel, and gain more confidence in the safety of each flight.
