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NASA/FAA Flight Test –Flammability Analysis System

NASA/FAA Flight Test –Flammability Analysis System. Steve Summer Project Engineer Federal Aviation Administration Fire Safety Branch, AAR-440. International Aircraft Fire Protection Working Group Atlantic City, NJ November 6, 2003. Objective.

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NASA/FAA Flight Test –Flammability Analysis System

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  1. NASA/FAA Flight Test –Flammability Analysis System Steve Summer Project Engineer Federal Aviation Administration Fire Safety Branch, AAR-440 International Aircraft Fire Protection Working Group Atlantic City, NJ November 6, 2003 IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ

  2. Objective • To date, real-time flammability (hydrocarbon) data in flight has yet to be obtained from fuel tanks (CWT or wing) • Lab based instruments in use at the FAA are based on a flame-ionization detection (FID) technique, and are unsuitable for in-flight use • Such a system must maximize safety and data reliability while being able to handle the rigors of a flight environment (vibration, pressure & temperature changes, etc…) IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ

  3. FAS System Overview • The FAS uses a Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) Analyzer to measure fuel tank flammability in the form of total hydrocarbons (THC) • Sample stream must be heated at all points leading to the NDIR to prevent condensation of fuel vapors • Overall system consists of two units • Pallet Mounted NDIR Analyzer • Rack Mounted Sampling System IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ

  4. FAS System Overview • Pallet Mounted NDIR Analyzer: • Custom built by Rosemount Analytical specifically for this application • Separated into two sections – electronics and sample stream • Sample stream section temperature controlled to 200°F • Entire unit continuously purged IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ

  5. Controller Electronics Panel Sample Flow/Pressure Conditioning Unit Heated Sample Box Pump FAS System Overview • Rack Mounted Sampling System: • Supplies a temperature, pressure and flow controlled sample to the NDIR utilizing four components: • Single stage diaphragm pump pulls sample from CWT • Sampling conditioning unit actively controls pressure and flow of sample supplied to NDIR • Heated box maintains a 200°F sample • Electronics panel houses all pressure/temperature electronic control units • Components containing sample lines are continuously purged IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ

  6. FAS – Safety Features • System safety features include: • Diaphragm pump is safe for explosive atmosphere and pump motor has failure containment standard • Pump motor and all electronics kept separated from sample stream where possible • All enclosures that sample passes through are continuously purged • Float valve, fluid trap and flash arrestor on sample inlet IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ

  7. FAS Block Diagram IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ

  8. FAS – Performance IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ

  9. Summary • The FAS has been shown to accurately measure a sample of 2 & 4% propane from sea level to ~35 kft with an accuracy of 0.1% • The FAS gave consistent readings when compared to a typical FID type analyzer • The FAS has ability to accurately and safely monitor fuel tank flammability in-flight, real-time IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ

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