Components of a Turbine Engine Fuel System

The aircraft fuel system is what allows the crew to manage, pump, and deliver aviation fuel to the propulsion system and auxiliary power unit. Fuel systems can vary greatly depending on the type of engine they are used with. In this blog, we will cover the main components of the fuel systems in turbine engines.

The first part of the turbine engine fuel system is the main fuel pumps. These deliver a continuous supply of fuel at the appropriate pressure during the entirety of the engine operation. They must be capable of delivering the maximum needed flow at an appropriate pressure in order to obtain satisfactory nozzle spray and accurate fuel regulation. Fuel pumps can be one of two types: constant or non-constant displacement. Their type depends on where they are located within the system.

The second part is the fuel heater. Turbine engine fuel systems are susceptible to the accumulation of ice within the filters. If these ice crystals are allowed to form and become trapped in the filter, they block the flow of fuel and lead to serious problems. To prevent this from happening, fuel heaters are used to ensure the fuel is kept at temperatures above 32 °F. Warmer fuel also improves combustion, making fuel heaters an important part of the system.

Fuel filters are another aspect of the fuel system. To protect the engine-driven fuel pump and control devices, a low-pressure filter is installed between the supply tanks and engine fuel system. An added high-pressure filter is located between the fuel pump and fuel control to protect against contaminants coming from the low pressure pump. The next part of the system, the flow divider, creates primary and secondary fuel supplies discharged through separate manifolds to provide separate fuel flows.

Fuel spray nozzles are another integral part of the fuel system, and their design is closely related to the type of combustion chamber in which they are used. The fuel nozzle injects fuel into the combustion chamber with a highly atomized and precise pattern so burning occurs evenly, in the shortest possible time, and in the smallest possible area. It is important that the fuel is evenly distributed and centered within the flame area to prevent the formation of hotspots within the combustion chambers and to prevent the flames from burning through the liners.

The final two parts of the turbine engine fuel system are the combustion drain valve and the fuel indicator. The drain valve is a unit used for draining fuel from various components of the engine where accumulated fuel could present operating problems. For example, if fuel gathered in the combustion chamber, it would present a serious fire hazard. The drain valve ensures that any accumulated fuel is drained after each shutdown and false start. Finally, the fuel indicator is used to keep a record of fuel usage. When the aircraft is serviced and fuel added, the counter is manually set to the total number of pounds of fuel in the tank. As fuel passes through the flowmeter, it sends electrical impulses to the fuel indicator, which displays how much fuel remains.

Each part of the fuel system has an important role in the system as a whole. For turbine engine fuel components and much more, look no further than NSN Parts Now. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all types of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, defense, electronics, industrial, and IT hardware markets. Our account managers are always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@nsnpartsnow.com or call us at 1-780-851-3631. Let us show you why we consider ourselves the future of purchasing.


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September 13, 2022

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