Lois Larson
Aviation fuel is essential for planes to operate, but it is not as simple as filling up at a gas station. Airports have unique systems in place to ensure planes have access to the fuel they need. Airports typically have large fuel storage areas, often called tank farms, which can hold millions of gallons of fuel. This fuel is supplied through a variety of methods, including pipelines, railcars, trucks, and even ships. The fuel is then transported to the gates via underground pipes, ensuring planes have access to the necessary fuel. The process of refueling aircraft involves careful coordination and logistics to meet the demands of air travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of fuel | Aviation fuel, jet fuel, kerosene |
| Fuel sources | Airports buy fuel from refineries and sell it to airlines; Airlines may also buy fuel directly from refineries or through third-party contracts |
| Fuel transportation | Pipelines, railcars, tanker trucks, ships |
| Fuel storage | Tank farms, underground storage, on-site storage at airports |
| Fuel availability | Varies by airport size and location; Smaller airports may have limited options, while larger airports often have multiple fuel options |
| Refueling process | Planes park and request fuel, either through full-service or self-service options; Positioning of the aircraft and fueling procedures are important for safety |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Aviation fuel is purer than gasoline
Aviation fuel is indeed purer than gasoline. Aviation fuel, often referred to as avgas, is a highly refined form of gasoline with an emphasis on purity, anti-knock characteristics, and the minimization of spark plug fouling. It is made up of long chains of hydrocarbons produced during the refining process. These hydrocarbon chains are derived from raw materials harvested to make fuel, such as petroleum. The oil comprises molecules containing mainly carbon and hydrogen atoms, as well as other atoms such as sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen. This mixture must be separated to make fuel that can be used for aircraft, and it is first heated to around 350-370°C.
Aviation fuel is specifically designed to power aircraft engines and has more stringent requirements than fuels used for ground applications, such as heating and road transport. It contains additives to enhance or preserve properties important to fuel performance and handling. The most common type of jet fuel is Jet-A, which is made from highly refined kerosene and burns at temperatures at or above 49°C (120°F). Kerosene-based fuel has a much higher flash point than gasoline-based fuel, meaning it requires a significantly higher temperature to ignite. This makes it a high-quality fuel that is safe for use in aircraft.
In contrast, regular gasoline used in cars does not provide as much power and efficiency as kerosene-based aviation fuel. While aviation fuel is transported and stored in bulk at airports, it undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the required standards for purity and performance. This includes meeting specifications for lubricity and density, as well as adequately swelling elastomer seals in current aircraft fuel systems. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has developed specific standards for aviation gasoline, known as ASTM D910 and ASTM D6227, to ensure its quality and performance.
Additionally, aviation fuel has different operating temperatures than gasoline. For example, the freezing point of Jet A-1 is -47°C, while the freezing point of AVGAS can be as low as -58°C. Aviation fuel also has a higher flash point, which is the temperature at which it could ignite dangerously. This higher flash point is an important safety feature for aircraft fuel. Overall, the purity and performance characteristics of aviation fuel are carefully considered and regulated to ensure safe and efficient aircraft operations.
How to Change Your Flight Ticket at the Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airlines buy fuel from refineries or third parties
The aviation industry relies on a constant supply of fuel to keep operations running smoothly. Airports typically have out-of-the-way fuel farms, and in some cases, underground pipelines that directly supply fuel from refineries. However, the question of who sells aviation fuel to airports is a bit more complex.
In some instances, the airport itself purchases fuel and sells it to airlines. These airports have contracts with major oil companies like Chevron, BP, or Shell, or they may source fuel from other suppliers. For example, the FedEx hub in Memphis has an underground pipeline directly from the Valero refinery. However, this dynamic isn't universal, and there are variations depending on the location and specific agreements in place.
Airlines may also choose to bypass the airport and source their fuel directly. They can form contracts with major petrol companies or refineries for direct supply, often purchasing fuel in bulk. Additionally, they may engage with third-party service providers or form consortiums with other airlines to collectively purchase fuel, reducing costs and increasing supply stability. This consortium model also allows for the implementation of shared sustainability practices, aiding the industry's transition to sustainable energy sources.
At smaller airports, fuel is often delivered by trucks that fill up the airport's tanks. However, this method may not be efficient for busy hubs with high fuel consumption. In such cases, pipelines or railcars transport fuel to tank farms, which then supply the airport via pipelines.
The bottom line is that airlines have the flexibility to choose their fuel suppliers, whether it's directly from refineries or through third-party arrangements, ensuring they can secure the fuel necessary for their operations.
Travelers, Double Your Liquids: 2 x 3.4 oz Allowed
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airports have large fuel storage areas
Airports require a constant supply of aviation fuel to keep their operations running. Airports, especially large ones, need to store millions of gallons of fuel on-site to meet the demands of numerous flights. This fuel is stored in large storage areas, also known as tank farms, which can hold up to 9,000,000 gallons of aviation fuel, as is the case with the LAX tank farm.
These tank farms are essential for ensuring that airports have a sufficient supply of fuel to meet the demands of departing flights. The availability of fuel is critical to the smooth operation of airports and airlines. By having these large storage areas, airports can maintain a steady supply of fuel during normal and peak flight operations. Additionally, these storage areas provide a buffer that allows for regular maintenance and helps prepare for unforeseen issues, such as supply disruptions or maintenance emergencies.
The size and location of an airport play a role in how it receives its fuel supply. Smaller airports may rely on trucks to deliver fuel, while larger airports often have direct pipelines supplying fuel from refineries or nearby ports. Some airports, like Denver, have pipelines supplying fuel directly from nearby refineries. Pipelines can be incredibly long, stretching for thousands of miles, and they are a common method for supplying fuel to airports near coasts or ports. For inland airports, trains can be a viable solution, transporting fuel to a terminal from where it can be piped to the airport.
While having large fuel storage areas provides benefits, it is not without challenges. Airports must carefully manage their fuel supply and storage, considering factors such as current and forecasted demand, delivery frequency, and fuel quality checkpoints. Airports must also plan for sufficient storage capacity to meet the demands of an increasing number of flights and passengers.
Duty-Free Shopping: Manchester Airport Arrival Perks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pipelines are used to transport fuel
Aviation fuel is essential to flying, and airports go to great lengths to ensure planes have enough fuel to get off the ground and stay in the skies. Airports typically store large amounts of fuel in on-site tank farms, which are sometimes located underground or away from the main airport facilities. This fuel is supplied by wholesalers, who may use various methods, including pipelines, trucks, railcars, or ships, depending on the airport's location and infrastructure.
Pipelines are a common method used to transport fuel to airports. They are an efficient and safe way to move large quantities of fuel over long distances. In the United States, for example, there is a network of pipelines that link refineries to airports, military bases, power plants, industrial customers, and municipalities. These pipelines carry different types of fuel, including natural gas, crude oil, and refined products such as gasoline, jet fuel, and aviation gasoline.
The use of pipelines ensures a steady supply of fuel to airports without the need for constant fuel deliveries by trucks or other means. For instance, the FedEx hub in Memphis has an underground pipeline directly from a nearby refinery. Similarly, Dulles Airport is connected to a pipeline, which supplies its fuel. In the United Kingdom, pipelines link refineries to airports, although some smaller airports like Bristol, Southampton, and Bournemouth are not served by pipelines and rely on fuel deliveries by trucks.
Pipelines can be hundreds of miles long and are designed to safely transport fuel products. They may use a single pipe to transport different types of fuel, with receivers drawing the correct fuel according to a schedule. This method ensures that airports receive pure fuel, as any mixed fuel during switchovers is directed to bunker fuel or heating oil tanks. The exact layout of these pipelines is often kept confidential, but signs indicating the presence of underground pipes can be found along their routes.
How to Get Cheaper Flights at the Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Tank farms are used to store fuel
Aviation fuel is essential for keeping planes in the sky. It is usually stored at airports in designated tank farms. These tank farms can be owned by a fuel servicing company that operates at the airport. Airports can also buy fuel and sell it to airlines.
Farm fuel tanks are used to store gasoline, diesel, and other farm-use fuels. They can also be used to store non-potable water, chemicals, and other supplies. The fuel is used to power generators, tractors, trucks, and other equipment, as well as to provide heating and electricity for buildings.
There are three main categories of farm fuel tanks: above ground, on-ground, and portable. Above-ground tanks are typically made of steel and are considered more durable than industrial plastic. They are placed on a stand made of wood, metal, concrete, or other non-corrosive materials to keep them upright. On-ground tanks offer better stability and do not require ladders to access, while portable tanks can be moved as needed.
The type of fuel stored in tanks determines its shelf life. For example, gasoline has a shelf life of three to six months, while diesel can last up to a year. Airports and farms must carefully manage their fuel stocks to ensure they do not store more fuel than can be used within its effective timeframe.
Exploring the City on a Long Layover
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, fuel can be found at airports for planes. Airports have huge fuel storage areas, which are often located off-site.
Airports are supplied with fuel via pipelines, railcars, tanker trucks, or ships.
Airlines have contracts with oil companies directly, or with a third party, which may be the airport or another company servicing the airport.
Planes use aviation fuel, which is much purer than the fuel used in cars. Kerosene is the base of almost all aviation fuel.
The amount of fuel a plane needs depends on its size and where it is heading. For example, a Delta 717 takes on average 800-1000 gallons to Atlanta, while a 777-200 to South Korea takes over 25,000 gallons.
