If you are interested in learning more about the process of measuring and monitoring fuel quantity levels in civil aircraft, read on as we provide an overview of the common technologies involved and how they function.
Monitoring fuel quantity is far more than a routine task, rather having a direct impact on flight safety and performance. Any aircraft must have sufficient fuel to complete a given flight, account for potential contingencies, and meet reserve requirements. This is because errors in measuring or interpreting fuel levels can possibly lead to serious consequences, including in-flight diversions or fuel exhaustion risks. Because of these hazards and concerns, fuel quantity monitoring processes carried out in civil aviation applications serve to promote:
Modern civil aircraft rely on integrated FQIS technology to measure, calculate, and display fuel levels, with systems typically consisting of the following core components.
Capacitance probes are devices that measure the dielectric constant of the medium surrounding them. Fuel and air have different dielectric properties, and as levels change, so too do capacitance values. These probes are standard in most modern commercial aircraft from Airbus, Boeing, and other manufacturers, offering a highly accurate solution that can compensate for variations in fuel density and temperature.
With magnetostrictive probes, a float placed in a tank moves alongside the probe as fuel levels change. To make measurements, the system monitors changes in magnetic fields to determine the fuel level. These options are increasingly popular in regional and business aircraft alike, a result of their measurement accuracy, robust design, and ability to handle various fuel compositions.
Ultrasonic sensors use sound waves to conduct measurement, while optical sensors rely on light refraction to determine the level of liquid in a tank. Both of these sensors are useful for being non-intrusive and are free from electrical contact, increasing safety. As of the present, these sensors are most present in auxiliary systems, though current exploration is being made for broader adoption.
Legacy systems often feature float-type sensors, where mechanical floats rise and fall with fuel levels to directly measure liquid height. While being simple design and reliable in older aircraft, these systems are generally less accurate, more prone to wear, and not very suitable for modern high-capacity fuel systems.
Modern FQISs go beyond measuring fuel levels, also providing advanced functionalities that enhance operational safety and efficiency. For example, many aircraft can benefit from:
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