Aviation Fuel System Configurator

Why Positive Displacement?

Unlike centrifugal pumps, the Blackmer GX3 positive displacement pump provides consistent flow regardless of system pressure. This is critical for aviation applications where fuel must pass through coalescing filters at a controlled rate to ensure proper water separation.

Specifications

• 240 GPM flow rate
• Sliding vane design for smooth operation
• Self-priming capability
• Handles inlet filtration, recirculation, and dispensing
• Low-shear design preserves fuel quality
• Explosion-proof motor

How It Works

Floating suction assemblies draw fuel from just below the liquid surface where it's cleanest. Water is heavier than fuel and sinks to the bottom along with particulates. The articulating arm follows the fuel level up and down, always drawing from the contamination-free zone near the surface.

OPW Model Selection

• Model 763: Horizontal tanks under 10' diameter
• Model 764: Horizontal tanks 10' to 15' diameter
• Mount center of swivel 18" minimum from tank bottom (10'-12' tanks)
• Mount no more than 130" from tank top (12'-15' tanks)

Construction

• All aluminum construction
• 150 lb. flat faced flanges (standard)
• Permanently lubricated dual-race swivel joints
• Triple-sealed swivel joints for submerged service
• Suction baffle maintains 8" minimum above tank bottom
• Steel and stainless steel available on request

Purpose

The diffuser attaches to the end of a drop tube to reduce turbulence and vapor loss during fuel fills. When fuel enters at high velocity, it can stir up settled water and sediment. The diffuser spreads the incoming flow, preventing disturbance of contaminants at the tank bottom.

Features

• Reduces inlet velocity by spreading flow
• Prevents stirring of settled contaminants
• Reduces vapor loss during filling
• Acts as a rag catcher
• Will not restrict flow or affect fill rate
• Available in 2" NPT (standard)

Installation

• Threaded connection to drop tube
• Drop tube extends to within 6" of tank bottom
• No change to filling procedures required
• Extended version (539AT) adds 12" if drop tube is short
• Compatible with Morrison 419 drop tubes

How It Works

When bottom-loading fuel trucks, the Scully system communicates with sensors in the truck's compartments to prevent overfilling. The system monitors fill levels and automatically shuts off flow when the truck reaches capacity, preventing dangerous spills.

Components

• Scully Intellicheck controller
• Two-wire optic sensors (truck-mounted)
• Ground verification interlock
• Compatible with all major truck manufacturers
• Required for bottom-loading operations

Two-Stage Valve Operation

The two-stage valve provides high flow during initial filling, then automatically switches to low flow as the preset volume approaches. This prevents overfilling and allows precise cutoff at the target quantity.

Features

• High-resolution digital display
• Resettable trip counter
• Non-resettable totalizer
• Preset quantity capability
• Temperature compensation available
• Pulse output for fuel management systems

How It Works

Dry break couplings create a sealed connection between the storage tank and the delivery truck. When the coupling is disconnected, both sides seal automatically with minimal fuel spillage - critical for Avgas where vapors are highly flammable.

Applications

• Loading Avgas delivery trucks
• Top-loading into tank compartments
• Available in 2" or 3" connections
• Compatible with standard truck adaptors

Benefits

• Eliminates fuel spillage during disconnect
• Reduces vapor emissions
• Faster connection/disconnection
• Improved operator safety

Design Features

The OPW 295-SA is specifically designed for overwing fueling of general aviation aircraft. The spout design prevents overfilling and the automatic shutoff provides hands-free operation.

Specifications

• Automatic shutoff when tank is full
• Hold-open clip for hands-free fueling
• Spout sized for GA aircraft filler necks
• Built-in dust cap
• 295-SA for Avgas, 295-SAJ for Jet A

Purpose

Air entrained in jet fuel can cause inaccurate meter readings and may affect aircraft fuel system operation. The air eliminator removes entrained air before fuel reaches the meter and dispensing equipment.

Features

• Automatic air venting
• Improves meter accuracy
• Prevents cavitation
• Stainless steel construction
• Installed downstream of coalescer

How It Works

The water monitoring system continuously checks fuel for water content. If water exceeds acceptable limits, the system triggers an alarm and can automatically shut down dispensing to prevent contaminated fuel from reaching aircraft.

Components

• Electronic water sensor
• Visual and audible alarms
• Optional automatic shutdown
• Integrates with filter sump drains
• Continuous monitoring during operation

UL 2085 Fireguard (Recommended)

• Lightweight thermal insulation between walls
• 2-hour fire rating at 2,000 deg F
• Ballistics and vehicle impact tested
• Required by most jurisdictions
• Preferred for aviation applications

UL 142 Flameshield

• Double-wall steel without insulation
• Lower cost option
• Requires Authority Having Jurisdiction approval
• May not be accepted at airports

How It Works

The clock gauge provides a visual indication of tank level through a dial display. A float inside the tank connects to the gauge via a mechanical linkage, providing reliable level indication without electronics.

Features

• Large, easy-to-read dial
• No power required
• Calibrated to tank geometry
• Weather-resistant housing
• Visible from ground level

How It Works

The space between the inner and outer walls of the tank is continuously monitored for the presence of liquid. If the primary tank develops a leak, fuel collects in this interstitial space and triggers an alarm before any fuel reaches the environment.

Monitoring Options

• Mechanical float gauge (standard)
• Electronic sensor with remote alarm
• Continuous monitoring capability
• Visual and audible alarm options