Lufthansa Technik debuts innovative, aviation-certified fuel tank sanitization for larger jets, Geneva, surpassing AMM protocols.
Lufthansa Technik will come out with a new fuel tank sanitization procedure. This aviation-certified, in-house developed technology offers a holistic and chemical-free solution for managing the health of aircraft fuel tanks, particularly those found in larger business jets, surpassing the standard cleaning procedures outlined in most aircraft maintenance manuals (AMMs)
For operators of larger VIP and business jets, particularly those with extended ground times in hot and humid regions, the accumulation of microbial contamination within structural fuel tanks presents significant concerns regarding the health of fuel system components and tank structural integrity. Issues typically arise from the formation and aggregation of biofilm within the tanks, leading to fuel filter obstruction and corrosion. Existing state-of-the-art methods have demonstrated limited efficacy in fully eradicating this adherent biofilm, often necessitating the use of environmentally hazardous chemical biocides.
“Several thousands of filter components have already passed through our fuel forensics unit. Therefore, we have built-up comprehensive expertise and a large database of contaminants that can arise in jet fuel and its tanks today. In other words: We know exactly what to test for, The complete absence of microbes documented in all the areas treated by our new sanitization procedure has thus convinced us that we found a truly effective solution to break the vicious circle of fuel-tank contamination. Moreover, we hope that this can finally show a potential pathway to get rid of the environmentally challenging biocide treatments still mandated in AMMs today. We are therefore looking forward to entering fruitful discussions with the industry to advance our solution.” said Dr. Christian Siry, Head of Lufthansa Technik’s Central Materials Technologies Unit.
Also Read – Safran and Bell sign Electrical Power Generation contract for the U.S. Army FLRAA program
Lufthansa Technik’s fuel tank sanitization technology offers an effective solution for addressing recurring biofilm contamination in aircraft fuel tanks. Aviation-certified through approvals from the company’s Part 21J Design Organization and currently patent pending, this technology provides long-lasting removal of biofilm. The procedure, applicable during regular aircraft maintenance layovers, utilizes a combination of steam cleaning and vacuum suction to effectively eliminate biofilm, even in challenging spaces such as rivet joints. Additionally, post-treatment microbe examinations conducted in critical areas of the fuel system ensure comprehensive sanitation. Demonstrated effectiveness by fuel forensics experts at Lufthansa Technik’s Central Laboratories in Hamburg showcases microbial contamination levels significantly below those mandated in aircraft maintenance manuals (AMMs).
