Ever wonder how the fuel system works on an airplane? Most airplanes run on fuel. They use a specific type of kerosene with a lower freezing point and a higher flash point than that of traditional gasoline. Airplane fuel systems, however, consist of several components.
Fuel Tanks
The fuel tanks are containers that are designed to store fuel. They can vary in size, material and placement. Large commercial airplanes typically have bigger fuel tanks than smaller privately owned airplanes. And you can usually find the fuel tanks embedded in the wings. The wings on a typical commercial airplane aren’t solid. Rather, they are hollow and feature several fuel tanks.
Fuel Pumps
Fuel pumps are devices that, as the name suggests, pump fuel. Fuel must be pumped from the tanks to the engines so that the airplane can burn it. Fuel pumps can be electric or engine-driven. Electric fuel pumps use electricity to pump fuel from the tanks to the engines, whereas engine-driven fuel pumps use the engines’ own power to perform the transfer.
Fuel Filters
The fuel system on a typical airplane features fuel filters as well. Fuel filters are mesh screens that are designed to remove particulate matter and contaminants from the fuel. As the fuel pumps transfer fuel from the airplane’s tanks, the fuel will pass through one or more filters. If there’s any debris in the fuel, the filter or filters will catch it.
Fuel Metering System
A component of airplane fuel systems that’s often overlooked is the metering system. The fuel metering system is designed to regulate the amount of fuel delivered to the engines. It takes into account the airplane’s throttle setting, as well as other factors. Using this information, the fuel metering system will ensure an appropriate ratio of fuel to air.
Fuel Monitoring Sensor
Not to be confused with the fuel metering system, the fuel monitoring sensor provides insight into the airplane’s fuel levels. It allows pilots to see how much fuel is remaining. As the airplane’s fuel levels drop, the sensor will identify these changes and relay it to the cockpit.
Fuel Venting
Finally, some airplanes have a fuel venting system. Fuel venting systems are designed to relieve excess pressure. The pressure inside of an airplane’s fuel tanks may increase as it consumes fuel. The fuel venting system will release this excess pressure.
