Method and System for Making a Fuel Tank Inert without an Inert Gas

Document Number: 2009-01-3134

Date Published: November 2009

Author(s):
Alankar Gupta - Boeing Co.

Abstract:
In Chemistry "Inert" implies "not readily reactive with other elements; forming few or no chemical compounds or something that is not chemically active." "Inerting" is the process that renders a substance inert. A method for making a fuel-tank inert without the use of an inert gas is described. In this method fuel-air ratio of ullage is reduced until it becomes inert. The method does not discharge fuel vapors as an inert gas inerting system. Two systems employing the method are described explaining their pros and cons. Advantages of the method over Nitrogen Enriched Air (NEA) inerting method with an On-board Inert Gas Generating System (OBIGGS) are discussed. Patent application on the method and system is pending.

File Size: 268K
Product Status: In Stock

See other papers presented at SAE 2009 AeroTech Congress & Exhibition, November 2009, Seattle, WA, USA, Session: Propulsion - Novel Propulsion System Technologies

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