As an aircraft owner, you must be well aware of the importance of regular maintenance and properly functional aircraft components. To enjoy a smooth flight, you must ensure that every component is in the best of health.
Whether it is a fuselage, engine exhaust, engine mount, floats, wings, or a fuel tank, maintenance of each component is significant. As far as practical complexity is concerned, maintaining and repairing fuel tanks is the most difficult. They have high-impacting problems like fuel starvation. Moreover, the repairs must be done by physically entering the fuel tank.
Also Read: What Is Fuel Starvation?
The following blog post explains the life of an aircraft fuel tank, the involved risks, and preventions.
Aircraft Fuel Tank Entry - The Purpose!
As the name implies, an aircraft fuel tank is the safe housing for a plane’s fuel. Fuel tanks remain sealed and closed for most of the aircraft’s life. However, it is taken apart for scheduled or non-scheduled maintenance inside the tank. Interestingly, a fuel tank is a component where you work on repairs while physically entering the tank.
However, the tank entrance is always a planned activity. The hazards involved are of high stake. A slight miscalculation can lead to fire and other life-threatening accidents. Hence, the entrance process is well-monitored and planned, and compliance with all safety measures is a must.
The Risks And Environmental Hazards
Top environmental hazards in the confined space of fuel tank interior include:
- Oxygen deficiency
- Fire and explosions
- Irritating and toxic chemicals
The fuel tank is emptied before the repair aviation technician enters the space. However, still, there can be suspended particles in the air or to the connecting point, bolts, or walls of the tank. These particles, when induced with friction, can cause explosions and fire. Similarly, the confined space in the tank can cause suffocation. Inhaling the toxic chemicals can also be injurious.
In order to prevent related injuries and accidents, both the operator and the repair station should develop a preventive mechanism. This mechanism must be able to identify, control, and eliminate the hazards involved in the fuel tank entry.
Fuel Tank Entry Preparation
Several steps must be taken and double-checked before the repair technician enters an aircraft’s fuel tank. These include;
- Defuelling and emptying the fuel tank according to the standard practices or as guided by the product manufacturer.
- Deactivating all the associated aircraft systems, for example, fuelling systems, de-fuelling systems, and fuel transfer systems.
- Electrically grounding the aircraft.
- Making adequate fire protection and fighting equipment readily available near the repair work location.
Apart from all these technical safety measures, the most critical work is still left. This part belongs to ergonomics, i.e., creating a safe environment for the working personnel.
- Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Carefully monitor the air level and quality in the fuel tank.
- Make sure to follow the instructions given by ventilation technicians.
Who Can Enter A Fuel Tank?
Fuel tank entry and repair is not one-person work. A special team usually consisting of three members works on it. The entry team consists of
- An entry supervisor: the one that monitors the conditions and can call emergency exit when the conditions change.
- A standby assistant: technician helper who does not enter the fuel tank.
- The entry personnel: the technician who actually enters the fuel tank and performs repairs.
Hence, despite it being a team effort, not everyone on the team enters the fuel tank owing to the confined space. This is important to avoid excessive friction that can induce fire and explosions.
About Us
Acorn Welding has been in the aircraft welding and maintenance industry for years. Our professionals have years of experience in aviation welding and maintenance that keep your aircraft in perfect condition.
We follow all the safety rules and procedures to prevent any hazards during the maintenance process. Apart from this, we also offer aircraft parts. We are a one-stop shop for engine mounts and other related parts and offer high-quality aircraft welding services. We deliver nothing but the most precise services for aircraft welding. To get in touch with us, click here.
