The Cost of Implementing Ground- Based Fuel Tank Inerting in the Commercial Fleet
Abstract
This report documents a cost analysis of ground-based fuel tank inerting for the commercial fleet performed by a group of industry experts lead by an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) representative. Ground-based inerting (GBI) consists of displacing most of the oxygen dissolved in the fuel with nitrogen by a process called fuel scrubbing, and displacing the air in the empty space (ullage) of the fuel tank, with nitrogen-enriched air (NEA) in a process called ullage washing. The cost analysis considers the cost of implementing and performing GBI for all US departures carrying more than 19 passengers. The cost of GBI for only departures of airplanes with heated center wing tanks (HCWTs) was also determined. Airplanes that have the air conditioning equipment, or packs, located below the center wing fuel tanks are considered to have heated center wing tanks. This analysis considered all nonrecurring and recurring costs of GBI at all major U.S. airports over 10 years, with a 3-year start-up period. The cost of modifying the aircraft to allow for GBI was not considered in this analysis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA379455
Entities
People
- William M. Cavage