Structural Differences:
- Aircraft Refueling Truck: Due to its more complex operating system, aircraft refueling trucks require more space for operations. During refueling, it is essential to monitor fuel flow and pressure changes closely. The operation system, including the pump-in and pump-out functions, is typically installed at the front of the tank, although it can also be positioned at the rear for easier standing operation.
- Civilian Fuel Truck: Civilian fuel trucks usually have simpler operation systems housed in toolboxes on the sides of the tank. The layout is more compact, and specialized components are fewer. With space optimized on both sides of the chassis, the tank can be larger, allowing the truck to carry more fuel in a single trip.
Loading Medium Differences:
- Aircraft Refueling Truck: These trucks specifically carry aviation fuel (kerosene) for refueling airplanes. Aviation kerosene is a petroleum product.
- Civilian Fuel Truck: These trucks carry a variety of fuels like diesel and gasoline, used for refueling different types of vehicles.
Material Differences:
- Aircraft Refueling Truck: Since aviation kerosene can corrode conventional metals, aircraft refueling trucks use magnesium-aluminum alloy (anti-rust aluminum) for the tank to provide corrosion and rust resistance. Stainless steel is used for the pipes, valves, and pumps, with a polished and waxed finish to ensure the safety of the fuel.
- Civilian Fuel Truck: Tanks are usually made of carbon steel or 5083 aluminum alloy. Pipes and valves are made from aluminum alloy. The guardrails, toolboxes, rear bumpers, and ladders are typically aluminum to reduce the vehicle’s overall weight, allowing for more fuel to be carried.
Special Features:
- Pressure Regulator: Aircraft refueling trucks are equipped with pressure regulators, stabilizers, and fuel pressure gauges to constantly monitor and adjust the fuel pressure during refueling. These components are installed in a prominent, easily visible location.
- High-Performance Filters: Aviation fuel must meet stringent purity standards, so high-performance filters are installed on the truck’s pipelines. Samples are taken before and after filtration to ensure the fuel is clean and safe for use.
- FQJ-Type Float Ball Level Gauge: This device monitors the fuel level in the tank, providing real-time information about remaining fuel and helping to prepare for refueling completion.
- High-Flow Meter: A large flow meter, installed near the stainless-steel pump, accurately measures the volume of fuel dispensed into the aircraft. Depending on its position, it can measure pump-out, pump-in, or both.
- Engine Tachometer: During operation, the engine speed should not exceed 1000 RPM. A tachometer allows the operator to monitor engine speed and shut off the engine if necessary. Adjacent to the tachometer is a flow diagram of the pump system and valve switch indicators for better control over the refueling process.
- Civilian Fuel Truck: Standard configurations include Euro-standard tank ports, bottom-loading systems, vapor recovery systems, overfill prevention rods, and pump-in/pump-out features, necessary for fuel transportation to gas stations. Flow meters or fuel dispensers can be selected for measurement, and users can customize configurations based on needs.
In addition to these differences, aircraft refueling trucks implement multiple safety measures at refueling sites. These include isolation between the engine heat dissipation system and the fuel pipeline, interlock control switches, anti-static devices, and emergency shutoff buttons to ensure the utmost safety during aircraft refueling.
