How airplanes are refueled. Aviation fuel. What do planes feed

The hourly fuel consumption of aircraft is an important characteristic of any aircraft. This affects not only the efficiency of the liner, but also its profitability for airlines. A liner that consumes a large amount of it will be very expensive for the company, which means it is unlikely to be purchased often.

Therefore, the leading developers of passenger liners - - are trying to make their models in such a way as to maintain their efficiency in fuel consumption. How much fuel does an airplane use? It all depends on its model, speed and other factors.

To this figure is added the number required for an additional two laps on approach and another 5% of the total amount.

For example, for a Boeing 747, its maximum load is 170 tons.

If we take a domestic manufacturer, then for TU-154 it will be 40,000 kg.

How much fuel does an airplane use?

To get the figure of his hourly consumption, take the amount of his consumption at cruising speed, as well as when it is fully loaded. After doing these calculations, you get the average figure. This also takes into account the maximum flight range.

If we take the fuel consumption of the aircraft Boeing 737, then it will be 3,000 l / h. Fuel consumption Boeing 737 800 is not so big anymore - 2526 kg/h.

Another family - Boeing 747 already have a different figure for its consumption. For example, fuel consumption Boeing 777 averages 5,000 l/h.

How much fuel does a Boeing 747 use per hour? The average varies within 12 tons per hour.

To compare with , take for example A310 and A320, they consume 4000-5000 kg/h and 2200 kg/h.

As you can see, the numbers are different, and a lot depends not only on a specific family, but also on a separate model.

Is it necessary to dump fuel on approach?

Many are wondering where its remnants go, which remains with the liner upon arrival. Do aircraft drop it before landing?

Not really. Ideally, when landing, the liner should have up to three tons of the total.

He's being dropped only in case emergency landing . And even then, not all aircraft are equipped with a similar system that allows you to reset.

This happens through a special nozzle and disperses to the smallest droplets. Dumping is only allowed in certain places.

Why are not all passenger liners equipped with such a system? After all, as you know, when many people die from a fire and suffocate in smoke.

The fact is that now the planes there are systems emergency landing with excess weight. This allows the pilots not to perform such a procedure.

When the liner has landed and the passengers leave the cabin, it is thoroughly and thoroughly checked for the slightest technical flaws or flaws in the technicians.

The quality of fuel plays an important role in refueling aircraft; the level of flight and safety directly depend on this. The most common type of fuel is considered jet fuel (kerosene), while it is important to consider that each model of the liner is designed for a certain type of jet fuel, the use of which allows you to achieve the best possible results. Sometimes it is allowed to use analogues that are safe for engine characteristics.

Many passengers are interested in what planes fill with, what fuel they fly on, in modern liners the following types of fuel are most often filled:

• aviation gasoline for piston engines - it can also be used as a solvent for maintenance;
• aviation kerosene for jet aircraft- deeply processed fuel, its subspecies are designed for different operating conditions.

jet fuel

Aviation gasoline practically does not differ from its automotive counterpart, the main features are related to the specifics of use. It is synthesized by oil distillation or catalytic cracking, there are two main types of composition, the difference lies in the octane number. This type of fuel is used in Lately less and less often as a fuel for aircraft, this is due to the fact that piston engines are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Its main scope is technical inspections of the engine and components.

The advantages of the composition:

• detonation resistance;
• fractional composition;
• chemical stability - resistance to chemical changes during transportation, use, etc.

Aviation kerosene

Aviation kerosene is a diesel fuel that is obtained as a result of deep oil refining. In accordance with the requirements for the operation of turbojet engines, the fuel must be thoroughly purified from hydrocarbons and impurities, the octane number of aviation kerosene is 45. Aviation kerosene is used when refueling military and passenger aircraft, goes through 8 stages of cleaning.

There are 2 main types of aviation kerosene:

• for subsonic aviation;
• for supersonic aircraft.

The difference lies in the fact that supersonic flight is accompanied by a strong increase in the temperature of the fuel, while fine fraction compositions evaporate.

Varieties of kerosene

The following types of aviation fuel are used in Russia:

• RT - high-quality fuel, used for refueling SU-27 and other models, there are no analogues in the West
• TS-1 - a mixture of fractions, the closest analogue is Jet-A, one of the most common types of fuel in the Russian Federation and CIS countries, suitable for refueling modern liners, old turbojet models, subsonic and turboprop aircraft;
• T-8V and T-6 - used for refueling military aircraft, incl. supersonic fighters (MIG-35, for example), due to the complex lengthy processing process, the price is very high.

The following additives are used to improve the performance of aviation kerosene:

1. Antistatic - helps to increase the electrical conductivity of kerosene, their use reduces the accumulation of static electricity, the presence of which increases the risk of a fuel tank explosion.
2. Antioxidant - its presence allows to reduce oxidative processes, prevents the processes of resin synthesis.
3. Anti-wear - increases the operational properties of mechanisms in the fuel compartment.
4. Anti-water crystallization - even a small amount of water in the fuel on high altitude crystallizes, small particles of ice can cause engine damage up to and including the cessation of its operation, the additive will help prevent such processes.

Amount of fuel required for refueling

Basic technical specification aircraft fuel consumption is considered, this directly affects the cost of maintenance. The amount of jet fuel depends on the aircraft model and flight parameters, savings are expected for flights over short distances.

The amount of fuel on board depends on the following factors:

• route;
• additional transfer points;
• weather.

The exact calculation of fuel is difficult, this indicator coincides with the parameters indicated in the technical documentation very rarely. Civil airliners consume the most fuel, but in terms of the number of passengers, the cost of the flight pays off. In Boeings, an average of 15 tons is poured, in Airbuses - 15 - 25 tons, when calculating the parameter, distances are taken into account, 5% is poured "in reserve".

Refueling at airports is carried out in two ways:

• for pumps from tanks;
• by pipeline.

All fuel is carefully checked for 12 parameters, the average refueling time is 40 minutes, if necessary, refueling can be carried out in the air.

Conclusion

When refueling aircraft, aviation kerosene is most often used, for various models aircraft intended different types fuel. To improve the quality characteristics of the fuel, special additives are used, they can improve engine performance. Fuel is supplied to all airports, and a preliminary check helps prevent low-quality fuel from entering the aircraft.

Thousands of issues need to be resolved in order to serve hundreds of aircraft departing from the airport every day in the shortest possible time. One of the most important tasks is to provide all aircraft with fuel. The refueling complex is a huge mechanism that operates smoothly and smoothly.

Let's take a look at what happens to the fuel from the moment it enters the airport until refueling at fuel tanks aircraft.

2. Fuel gets to the airport in two ways: by railway or through a pipeline.

3. By rail, fuel comes from different factories located throughout the country. The choice of suppliers depends on prices and current market conditions. Currently most of fuel is supplied by rail.

4. At the same time, 22 tanks can merge at Domodedovo.

5. An interesting detail: a safety cable for employees who receive fuel.

6. All fuel passes mandatory acceptance control.

7. The possibility of flight is provided on the ground.

8. Fuel is pumped from railway tanks into such tanks. The volume of this huge barrel is 5000 m³.

9. Correctly the barrel is called "vertical steel tank". A few technical details:

10. This is what the tank looks like from the roof of the neighboring tank.

11. TankRadar - a device for monitoring fuel parameters in a tank.

12. You can evaluate the fuel level, temperature and other parameters.

13. Not far from the fuel tanks are water tanks. Casemate-type tanks are located underground. They say about them: "Let them never be used for their intended purpose."

14. In order to drive fuel between tanks, powerful pumps are needed.

15. This is the second way that fuel enters the airport - a pipeline running from the Volodarsk oil depot. This tank farm is connected by oil product pipelines to all airports of the Moscow air hub. Under this canopy there are metering devices, based on their readings, settlements between companies are carried out.

IN civil aviation two types of fuel are used: TS-1 and RT. TS-1 - aircraft fuel, RT - jet fuel. There are few differences between them, in fact it is aviation kerosene.

16. At each stage, the quality and parameters of the fuel are carefully controlled. There are several levels of control, the most stringent is carried out in the laboratory. They know everything about fuel here.

17. Fuel passes full analysis on 12 indicators. In addition, other liquids are controlled. For example, " I-M "- anti-water crystallization additive to fuel andNGZh-5U is a hydraulic oil used, for example, in aircraft landing gear.

18. Each check has its own equipment. Some devices do not look very impressive on the outside, but their task, of course, is not this.

19. Laboratory employee at work.

20. The results of each analysis are recorded in logs, in addition, some samples are sealed and stored for a certain period. These are aviation security requirements.

21. Before last time I saw so many test tubes only at the Institute at the Department of Physical Chemistry.

22. Some research was carried out with us. Now the flash point of fuel in a closed crucible is being investigated.

23. The results are given on the display.

24. Here, the density and composition of the fuel by fractions are investigated.

25. Sealing samples.

26. After the fuel has passed a comprehensive analysis, received quality confirmation in the laboratory, it can be pumped to the central filling station located at the airport. It is from here that fuel is supplied to the aircraft.

27. A lot of filters are installed at the inlet, which trap mechanical impurities and water.

28. Additional control is carried out, for this fuel is drained from the bottom of the tanks.

29. All physical and chemical parameters are checked in the laboratory, the presence of water and impurities can be detected by visual inspection. The fuel is absolutely clean.

30. Used coarse and fine filters. The filter system is capable of retaining particles of impurities with a size of 1 micron, which is almost 100 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair.

31. Engine room. The pumps operate automatically.

32. General view of the central heating station.

33. There are six tanks with a volume of 5000 m³ and several smaller tanks at the CZS.

34. Reserves and fuel additives are also stored here.

35. Aircraft tanks can get fuel from tankers or from such hydrant columns located throughout the airfield. There are 61 such columns in total, we are just at the control one, with the number 61.

36. In Domodedovo there are tankers with different capacities, the maximum capacity of used tankers is 60 m³, as in a railway tank car.

37. It takes about 40 minutes to completely fill the tank of the tanker with fuel. Faster is impossible, there are standards that limit top speed fuel supply.

38. Average narrow-body jet planes they take about 20 tons of fuel, the Boeing-747 can carry 200 tons, and the giant - almost 300.

39. From the roof of the tanks open interesting views airport.

40. The whole essence of the report in one photo.

41. If you don’t refuel, it won’t fly.

42. A little about how fuel is filled. First, second, and third: safety. Everything must be grounded, all instructions and regulations are detailed as much as possible.

43. CZS is similar to a regular gas station, only there are much more cars here.

44. Column. It releases fuel.

45. After filling the fuel, the next control.

46. ​​Kerosene is transparent as a tear, impurities and water are absent.

47. Now the tanker can go to the aircraft.

48. Three operators work in Domodedovo, airlines can choose those who offer Better conditions and prices.

49. In turn, operators can store fuel in common tanks or rent a tank separately for themselves.

50. Refueling of aircraft is carried out through hatches located in the wing.

51. For refueling aircraft from hydrant columns, such mobile refueling units are used.

52. Refueling takes place from hatches located on the parking lots of aircraft, so huge tankers do not need to maneuver among the aircraft, all fuel is supplied through pipes.

53. A boy is watching the process of refueling, waiting for his flight.

54. Very soon the plane will be refueled, and the passengers will pass passport control and fly about their business.

I express my gratitude to the staff of the press service and the refueling complex of Domodedovo Airport for the opportunity to observe the work of the airport from the inside.

A few more reports about the special equipment of the airport:

For a long and trouble-free operation of an aircraft, it needs aviation fuel. Of course, as with conventional fuel, its price is rising.

In this article we will figure out what they fly modern aircraft and what kind of fuel is used for this. It has two types - aviation fuel for piston engines and jet fuel for turbojet engines. Any of them is developed for a certain type of engine and it is very dangerous to replace it. Since passengers and crew depend on it, special attention is paid to this issue.

So, as we have already found out, In total there are two types - aviation fuel or aviation gasoline and jet fuel. How do they differ from each other?

jet fuel

On this moment they are not refueled by planes, but used only as a solvent in the maintenance of equipment. Previously, TU-16 and TU-22 flew on it.

It is produced by distillation of oil or other special methods such as catalytic cracking.

What characteristics define it as a quality fuel?

1. First, detonation resistance. Simply put, this is the use of gasoline in engines with a high level of compression of the working mixture without the appearance of detonation combustion.
2. Secondly, the fractional composition. In other words, it is the ability of gasoline to evaporate. This says a lot, and mainly about its ability to form a working, air-fuel mixture. This feature is determined by the boiling point and saturated vapor pressure.
3. Third, chemical stability. That is, its resistance to any chemical changes during transportation, use, etc.

jet fuel

What it is? This so-called fraction of oil produced by direct distillation of low-sulfur and sulphurous types of oil. The hydrotreating method with the addition of additives is widely used.

That's it used for refueling passenger liners and military aircraft. Before falling into the hands of mechanics, it goes through 8 stages of testing! And in Russia it is also controlled by the military.

The cost of one ton is estimated at 20-35 thousand rubles.

In such machines, fuel is transported to aircraft.

It has a lot of features that show its quality. Starting from thermal stability and ending with sulfur and acidity.

In Russia, several types of this fuel are used:

• RT— fuel of very high quality, since it contains an oil fraction of 135-280 ° C with full hydrotreatment. It has no analogues with Western fuels and used to refuel aircraft such as the SU-27 etc;
• TS-1 is a mixture of straight-run and straight-run fractions. It corresponds to the foreign look - Jet-A and is a spare in relation to the above type. This is the most popular type of fuel throughout Russia and the CIS countries. It is used for non-domestic aircraft, as well as for older types of turbojet, subsonic engines and turboprops;

One of the types of jet fuel is TS-1.

• T-8V and T-6- these species are produced only for the needs Russian army. First of all, for supersonic fighters such as the MIG-35. The extremely long and complex process of their processing makes it very expensive.

Aircraft refueling process

Now that you know the type of aviation fuel, let's find out how airplanes are refueled.

First Feature It consists in the fact that in winter a special additive is added there, which prevents the fuel from thickening and waxing in the tank, and also helps its complete combustion.

Where are the fuel tanks located?? At different aircraft they are located in approximately the same places - in the center and at the wings. Fuel from the central tank is used for intake to the engines. There may also be one additional tank - in the tail. It is needed to better adjust the alignment of the liner during the flight.

In any of these tanks there are holes, and foreign manufacturers use the so-called drainage system. Why is this needed? The fact is that the tank must have communication with the atmosphere, otherwise the pressure inside will increase, and the fuel will stop flowing.

First you need to drain the sediment of the fuel. This is necessary to check whether at least a small percentage of water is left in the tanks. This is done by a technician with a flight engineer.

The hoses are securely fastened to the tanks.

Immediately, before refueling, the technician names the amount of fuel needed, and also requests fuel control in the technical specification for water content.

Further, fuel is poured inside through the hoses. In this case, the tanker machine must be connected to the aircraft earth cable. Another similar cable is connected from the machine to the ground point on the platform.

Perhaps you ask, how does it not spill at the same time? The fact is that check valves are built into the neck. They only turn on when the pressure rises. If the pressure drops, they automatically close.

The process, of course, takes place before the passengers board.

And if you fill in more fuel than necessary? Fortunately, this is simply not possible. Faucets will automatically close at such a threat. If this does not work, then the pressure valves from the incoming fuel begin to drain it directly to the ground.

In the cockpit can be checked on the panel fuel level in tanks. This is very important, because if, for example, it is different in the wing tanks, then the plane will simply begin to roll to one side.

After about a quarter of an hour, you need to drain the sediment from the tanks again and check the water level there again.

This completes the filling. This is only one of the important stages in preparing the aircraft for flight.

How much fuel is poured on average?

On - about 15 tons, and on - from 15 to 25. In general, this figure is calculated by the pilot himself based on the distance that the aircraft must overcome, as well as what is called "in reserve".

IN passenger liners, whether it's aircraft production Boeing or Airbus, or domestic aircraft Tupolev or Ilyushin companies, aviation is used. In Russia, kerosene grades TS-1 and RT are used. IN foreign countries used kerosene brand Jet Fuel A and Jet Fuel A-1. Such kerosenes are used only in gas turbine engines.

These grades of fuel have slightly different characteristics, but can be mixed in any proportion. In winter, a special additive is added to aviation kerosene, which serves to prevent the fuel from freezing. Such an additive is indicated by the letter "I". This additive also contributes to a more complete combustion of kerosene and its better fluidity at low temperatures.

On light aircraft with piston engines, gasoline is used as fuel. But such gasoline, unlike automobile, has an increased octane number. This is necessary to increase the engine power and, accordingly, the torque on its shaft.

Where is fuel stored on an aircraft?

In most modern liners, fuel is located in the wings and in the compartment located in the central one. Wing tanks are a cavity filled with sealant. In such a cavity, the fuel is in a free state, overflowing inside one tank. The tanks are vented to atmosphere to prevent collapse when fuel is used up. In the middle of the aircraft at the level of the wings is a central or supply tank. From it, fuel is taken to the engines of the liner.

On some models of modern aircraft, fuel may be located in the tail or stabilizer. This is due to the need to make the rear of the aircraft heavier to facilitate takeoff.