Ground Based Fuel Tank Inerting

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Full Scale GBI Testing with B747 SP
July 17-18, 2001International Aircraft Systems
FireProtection Working GroupWilson, NC
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Background

• Focus of the Testing is to Better Quantify the
  Parameters that Effect the Benefit of GBI
• Wind and Weather
• Equipment Usage
• Cross Venting
• Study Manifold Design
• Study the Cost and Benefit of Potential OBIGG
  Systems.
• Platform to Examine Cross Flow Reduction Methods

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Boeing 747 SP
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Work Completed

• Wrote Research Plan and Testing Safety Plan
• Have a Preliminary Schedule
• Start Testing 8-6-01
• Test for 12 Weeks
• Obtained Aircraft
• Located Preliminary Parking Spot
• Have Most Support Equipment Required
• Began Installing Testing Control Center and
  Instrumentation.
• CWT has Been Opened and Cleaned and is Ready to
  be Modified

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Instrumentation Planned

• Gas Sample Tubing
• Sample Oxygen at Eight Locations in the CWT
• Sample THC at Any Two of Those Locations
• Sample Oxygen in Surge Tanks, Dry Bay
• Thermocouples
• 8 in Fuel
• 8 in Ullage
• 16 Mounted on Interior Wall Surfaces
• Plan to Measure Pressure in Tank Bays
• Record NEA Volume Flow and Oxygen Concentration

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747 SP Gas Sample Locations
Dry Bay
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Potential Instrumentation Improvements

• Measure NEA Flow and Purity Directly
• THC Measurements at Surge Tank
• Wind Speed and Direction
• ?

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Pending Work

• Modify CWT
• NEA Delivery System
• Thermocouples
• Sample Tubing
• Complete Installation of DAS and Control Room
• Get NEA Source on Site
• Do End-to-End Signal Check

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Full Scale GBI System Diagram
Ground Based NEA Supply
Ground Heat/HVAC
NEA Hose Reel
Movable Stairway
Ground Power
Tow Bar
Tug