Specialists from the Krasnodar Higher Military Aviation School for Pilots named after A. K. Serov (KVVAUL) have developed a new system that allows detecting water and ice inside aviation fuel even before a dangerous situation arises during flight. The documentation was published in the official database of Rospatent.
The main task of the new technology is to timely detect water accumulation in aircraft fuel tanks. With temperature fluctuations, it can turn into ice, disrupt the fuel system, and pose a threat to the engine.
The system works with an emitter and a linear receiver installed inside the tank. The technology analyzes the refraction of the beam at the fuel-water interface and determines the presence of a dangerous layer of liquid or ice. The device is capable of detecting even a separate layer of water under the fuel.
The authors of the development propose using the system directly in the aircraft design. This will allow the crew to more quickly identify potential fuel problems and reduce the risk of in-flight failures.
This technology may become especially relevant for military aviation and aircraft operating in low-temperature conditions, where ice formation in the fuel system remains one of the hidden operational threats.
