NASAFAA Flight Test Flammability Analysis System Steve Summer

NASA/FAA Flight Test – Flammability Analysis System Steve Summer Project Engineer Federal Aviation Administration Fire Safety Branch, AAR-440 IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ International Aircraft Fire Protection Working Group Atlantic City, NJ November 6, 2003 10 -06 -03

Objective Ø To date, real-time flammability (hydrocarbon) data in flight has yet to be obtained from fuel tanks (CWT or wing) Ø Lab based instruments in use at the FAA are based on a flame-ionization detection (FID) technique, and are unsuitable for in-flight use Ø Such a system must maximize safety and data reliability while being able to handle the rigors of a flight environment (vibration, pressure & temperature changes, etc…) IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ 10 -06 -03

FAS System Overview Ø The FAS uses a Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) Analyzer to measure fuel tank flammability in the form of total hydrocarbons (THC) Ø Sample stream must be heated at all points leading to the NDIR to prevent condensation of fuel vapors Ø Overall system consists of two units • Pallet Mounted NDIR Analyzer • Rack Mounted Sampling System IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ 10 -06 -03

FAS System Overview Ø Pallet Mounted NDIR Analyzer: • Custom built by Rosemount Analytical specifically for this application • Separated into two sections – electronics and sample stream • Sample stream section temperature controlled to 200°F • Entire unit continuously purged IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ 10 -06 -03

FAS System Overview Ø Rack Mounted Sampling System: • Supplies a temperature, pressure and flow controlled sample to the NDIR utilizing four components: Controller Electronics Panel Sample Flow/Pressure Conditioning Unit Heated Sample Box Pump IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ F Single stage diaphragm pump pulls sample from CWT F Sampling conditioning unit actively controls pressure and flow of sample supplied to NDIR F Heated box maintains a 200°F sample F Electronics panel houses all pressure/temperature electronic control units • Components containing sample lines are continuously purged 10 -06 -03

FAS – Safety Features Ø System safety features include: • Diaphragm pump is safe for explosive atmosphere and pump motor has failure containment standard • Pump motor and all electronics kept separated from sample stream where possible • All enclosures that sample passes through are continuously purged • Float valve, fluid trap and flash arrestor on sample inlet IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ 10 -06 -03

FAS Block Diagram IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ 10 -06 -03

FAS – Performance IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ 10 -06 -03

Summary Ø The FAS has been shown to accurately measure a sample of 2 & 4% propane from sea level to ~35 kft with an accuracy of 0. 1% Ø The FAS gave consistent readings when compared to a typical FID type analyzer Ø The FAS has ability to accurately and safely monitor fuel tank flammability in-flight, real-time IASFPWG – Atlantic City, NJ 10 -06 -03