CASE STUDIES

Fuel Contamination Detection

Early detection of fuel contamination followed by fuel treatment can save up to $1,000,000.

INTRODUCTION

Early detection of fuel contamination followed by fuel treatment can save up to $1,000,000.

The fuel contamination checks for this particular customer are carried out about every 500 cycles and the operator advised Spectro that the problems of fuel contamination were increasing within their fleet BAe 146. Samples were taken from the left, right and centre tanks.

ANALYSIS

The left hand and centre tanks were found to have negative results regarding microbiological contamination. However the results of the analysis of the right tank sample showed heavy growth of hormoconis resinae and slight growth of aerobic bacteria.

ACTION/FOLLOW UP

The contamination for this aircraft came as a surprise although other aircraft have required heavy rectification (spar repairs) as a result of corrosion and contamination. Some attempts were made to find the source of contamination but they were unable to isolate the problem to a specific fuel farm or airport. Treatment is normally Kathon biocide. For this particular aircraft, a further sample was taken and sent to Spectro.

CONCLUSION

Catching the contamination early can make the difference between just some biocide treatment and a full-scale triple spar and skin replacement approaching $1,000,000!

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Case Studies