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MODULE 15
Sub Module 15.9
Contents
LUBRICANTS PROPERTIES, SPECIFICATIONS, ADDITIVES AND SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
FUELS PROPERTIES, SPECIFICATIONS, ADDITIVES AND SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------------12
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Reduce Friction
Many of the metal parts inside an aircraft engine have surfaces
which appear smooth to the naked eye. However, if you were to
microscopically examine those same parts, you would see a
rather rough surface consisting of several peaks and valleys.
When those engine parts rub against one another, the resulting
friction soon wears away the metal.
In order to reduce this friction, a film of lubrication oil is placed
between the moving parts. Oil wets the surfaces, fills in the
valleys, and holds the metal surfaces apart as long as the oil
film remains unbroken. The engine parts then slide over each
other on a film of oil rather than grind together. Therefore,
friction is reduced and part wear is minimized.
The amount of clearance between moving parts is a
determining factor when choosing the proper type and grade of
oil. Oil must adhere to a part sufficiently and be thick enough to
provide an adequate protective film that will not break down and
allow metal-to-metal contact.
Absorbs Heat
In addition to reducing friction and wear, oil absorbs some of the
heat produced by combustion as it circulates through the
engine. The pistons and cylinder walls are especially dependent
on lubricating oil for cooling.
However, once the oil heats up, a means of cooling the oil must
be provided. Therefore, several engine lubrication systems
contain an oil cooler. An oil cooler is basically a heat exchanger
that transfers the heat contained in the oil to the outside air.
Cushions
The same characteristic of oil that makes it a good sealing
agent also provides a cushioning effect between metal parts.
For example, squeeze film bearing.
Cleans
The oil in a lubrication system also reduces engine wear by
serving as a cleaning agent. As the oil circulates, it picks up
foreign particles such as dirt, dust, carbon, and small amounts
of water. These particles are held in suspension by the oil and
carried to a filter where they are trapped and removed.
Protects Against Corrosion
Metal engine parts which are exposed to moist air and various
chemicals have a tendency to rust or, form other types of
surface corrosion. This is especially true for cylinder walls and
crankshafts which have been hardened by nitriding. The oil film
which coats internal engine parts acts as a barrier, preventing
oxygen and moisture from reaching the metal surface and
causing it to corrode.
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Viscosity Index
In addition to having a viscosity rating, many oils are assigned a
viscosity index, or VI number. The viscosity index is a standard
used to identify oils rate of change in viscosity for a given
change in temperature.
The index itself is based on a comparative analysis of the
temperature-induced viscosity changes of two reference oils,
arbitrarily chosen by the American Society of Testing and
Materials, or ASTM. One oil is assigned a viscosity index rating
of 100, and the other is rated at zero. The smaller the change in
the viscosity for a given temperature change, the higher the
viscosity index.
Specific Gravity
An oil's specific gravity is a comparison of the weight of an oil to
the weight of an equal volume of distilled water at a specified
temperature. For example, water weighs approximately 8
pounds per gallon. Therefore, an oil with a specific gravity of 0.9
weighs 7.2 pounds per gallon (0.9 x 8 = 7.2).
The American Petroleum Institute or API has formulated a
measurement for the specific gravity of oils which is an
expansion of the regular specific gravity scale. The API scale is
considered to be a more accurate measure of an oil's gravity
because it provides more detail on that portion of the specific
gravity where lubricating oils fall.
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Pour Point
Volatility
It is the ability of oil to vaporize. This should be less to reduce
oil loss through the seals.
Acidity
It is the measure of oils corrosive tendency. This should be less
to prevent corrosion to the system.
Gas turbine engine oil must have a high enough viscosity for
good load carrying ability, but it must also be of sufficient low
viscosity to provide good flow ability.
High viscosity index - meaning the oil will tend to retain its
viscosity when heated to its operating temperature.
Oil Specifications
Most commercial aviation oils are assigned numerical
designations such as 80, 100, or 120 that approximate oils
viscosity. This practice has proven to be much more workable
than using actual Say bolt values to designate viscosity. The
reason for this is that oil viscosity varies enough among
commonly used oils to produce several hundred grades when
using Say bolt values.
To further simplify the oil grading process, a system designed
by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) was designed.
The SAE system scale divides all oils into seven groups,
ranging from SAE 10 to SAE 70. The groupings are based on
an oils viscosity at either 1300F or 2100F. In addition, an SAE
rating with the letter W, such as 20W indicates the oil is
acceptable for use in cold, or winter, climates.
Although SAE ratings are used with most oils, there are still
some oils that carry commercial aviation or military
designations. It is important to note that SAE ratings are purely
arbitrary and bear no direct relationship to other ratings.
Types of Lubricating Oils
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Synthetic oil for turbine engines usually is supplied in sealed lquart or I-gallon metal cans. Although this type of container was
chosen to minimize contamination, it has often been found
necessary to filter the oil to remove metal slivers, can sealants,
etc., which may occur as a result of opening the can.
Two common reminders one sees in Oil Company materials
concerning synthetic lubricants are as follows:
WARNING: Synthetic turbine lubricants contain additives, which
are readily absorbed through the skin and are considered highly
toxic. Excessive and/or prolonged exposure to the skin should
be avoided.
CAUTION: Silicone based grease; such as is sometimes used
to hold O-rings in place during assembly, can cause silicone
contamination to the lube system. This contamination can cause
engine oil to foam and result in oil loss through oil tank vents
and also lead to engine damage from oil pump cavitation and
insufficient lubrication.
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Oil Additives
Multi-Viscosity Oils
improve
the
cleaning
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Safety Precautions
Synthetic oils are not as stable as conventional petroleum oil in
storage. Large temperature variations should be avoided. Oil
stocks should be used as soon as possible half used containers
must not be used again because it attracts air from the
atmosphere and will change the physical properties. Different
oils from different manufactures should not be used. Synthetic
lubricants have an adverse effect on some types of paints
electrical insulation and elastomer materials.
The fuels used for aircraft engines are usually gasoline for
piston engines) or a special type of kerosene (for turbine
engines). These fuels have proved to be most practical because
of their availability, low cost, and high heat-producing qualities.
The aviation technician should understand the fuels used for
aircraft engines and should know the safety precautions
required in the handling of such fuels.
Chemistry of Combustion
From a chemical point of view, the burning of a substance,
whether liquid, solid, or gas, consists of the uniting of one or
more of the elements in the substance with the oxygen that is
present in the atmosphere. This results in the formation of
oxides of the elements that have reacted with the oxygen; this is
called oxidation. The rusting of iron, too, is oxidation, the rust
being the red iron oxide formed.
11 02
7 CO2 +
8 H2O
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Volatility
It is the ability of the fuel to vaporize. Fuels with too much of this
property has an increased tendency to vapor locking.
Viscosity
This is the friction between two moving layers of the liquid. In
other words it is the ability of the liquid to flow and is measured
in centistokes. This property indicates the lubricating quality of
the fuel. That is important because the fuel system components
such as pumps are lubricated by fuel itself.
Flash Point
This is the temperature at which vapors from the heated liquid
can be ignited by a flame under controlled conditions. This
indicates the Fire Hazard of the fuel as well as quick starting
and relighting ability of the fuel. Should be high.
Freezing point
This is the temperature at which solids form. This value is
important for the operators in cold weather conditions
Pour point
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Fuel Additives
Gas turbine engines require fuel of consistent specific gravity,
heat energy potential and cleanliness.
A fuel supply should be free of:
Undissolved water: This will prevent filter blockages due to
ice formation at low temperatures, while preventing corrosion
and microbiological growths in the storage tanks. The antiicing additives keep any dissolved or undissolved water
content from freezing up without requiring the use of fuel
heating, except at very low temperatures. However, the more
modern engines in use have some form of fuel heating in
circuit at all times.
Solid contaminants: This will prevent filter blockage and
undue rates of wear in the fuel pumps while reducing
corrosion. While the use of suitable filters and agitation of
fuel will go much of the way to head off the above problems,
the use of special additives to minimize them is now
universal in the fuel supply industry.
The Anti-microbiological agents: These agents kill off fungi,
microbes and bacteria. The relevant additives are almost
always added by the manufacturer or the fuel distributor. If
however, this should not be the case, the operator can obtain
commercial additives and mix them in the correct proportions
when re-fuelling the aircraft
Safety Precautions
Special precautions must be taken when handling or storing jet
fuel. The amount of fuel consumed by many gas turbine engine
makes the delivery of clean dry fuel is essential to proper
engine performance. Handling and storage of the fuel thus is of
prime importance to the operation of gas turbine engine.
Static electrical charge accumulation in high with high fuel flow
rates high specific gravity fuel and wider boiling fuel ranges.
Therefore flow rates must be restricted to a specific maximum
depending on the hose diameter, grounding or bonding is
essential
Since Jet fuel tends to soften asphalt and dont evaporate
immediately therefore spillage should be avoided. Large spills
must be clean with large amounts of water and should be
dispersed properly. Jet fuel is toxic therefore skin contact,
ingestion should be avoided.
There are a number of simple precautions, which will reduce the
risk to personnel handling aviation turbine fuel: