Feature

Seven critical requirements for selecting valves for fuel system shutdown

Unlike the driver of a car equipped with an internal combustion engine, an airline pilot cannot restart a commercial aircraft’s engine immediately after landing.

29/06/2021 11:31:20

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It is critical to have fuel in the distribution manifold during engine start-up and during operation. However, residual fuel remaining in the engine’s combustion chamber following shutdown may adversely impact the
engine and the environment.

Issues that may arise include:

• Possible damage to the turbine due to ‘hot starts’ caused by rich fuel
• Increased maintenance due to fuel coking inside combustion
nozzles
• Environmental and safety concerns due to fuel leakage
• Negative impact on the airline’s earnings due to wasted fuel

These issues provide a sufficient incentive to recover residual fuel
in an aircraft engine following landing. Additional reasons to do so are directives for fuel venting and exhaust emissions outlined by the FAA and the EPA Clean Air Act (see Federal Aviation
Regulation, Title 14, Part 34). Thankfully, engine design engineers developed a solution: an ecology valve that allows for the safe drainage and storage of working fuel upon aircraft shutdown...

Read the full article in the July issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.