WATER IN FUEL

WATER IN FUEL

Water in fuel presents itself in two ways. Undissolved water in fuel is free water and is visible. When the ambient temperature decreases, especially at nights, fuel also cools down and the water in fuel accumulates in the bottom of aircraft, storage and refueller tanks. Dissolved water in general is invisible and sometimes it can apper as haze. There is an acceptance level for dissolved water in fuel which shall not excess 30 ppm. Chemical water dedector kits are utilized in order to measure the water level in fuel.

Undissolved, free water posses a challenge in aircraft tanks. As water does not burn in combustion center, it may cause engine flameouts. Water in fuel may also cause a safety risk as it can lead to corrosion and component failure, e.g fuel sensor readings.

Water in fuel may become an ice form at higher altitudes and this is a concern for fuel transfer in pumps, filters and pipes.

Water in fuel may jeopardize flight safety by causing microbiological contamination. As water leads to microbiological growth in fuel water surface, fuel degregation, corrosion, filter plugging, damage to fuel sensors and fuel systems may occur.