Tank Unit

The tank units are cylindrical capacitors which are installed throughout each fuel tank to
sense fuel level variations and, as a result of capacitance change, transmit electrical
signals to the fuel quantity indicators. The tank units have two coaxial cylinders which
are rigidly spaced at intervals throughout their length by insulating centering spacers.

The inner electrode is a variable diameter nickel alloy tube and is connected to the
amplifier input. The outer electrode is an aluminum alloy tube of constant diameter and
is connected to the excitation voltage lead. The diameter of the inner electrode is
profiled to supply an output signal which is linear with respect to the volume of fuel in
the fuel tank. Openings at the ends of tank units let fuel assume the same level between
the two cylinders as that in the fuel tank.

Changes in airplane attitude can cause errors in the fuel quantity measurement. The
tank units are installed in locations in the fuel tank that keep these errors to a minimum.
The large number of tank units in different locations in the fuel tank also keeps these
errors to a minimum.
Compensator Unit
The compensator unit in each fuel tank acts as a sensing element to maintain a linear
relationship between fuel dielectric properties and fuel density. Each compensator unit
has a low impedance plate and two high impedance plates, which are protected by a
mechanical shield. The compensators are attached to the same wing structure as tank
units and are installed so that they are completely submerged in fuel at all times.
Access to the compensator units is through the fuel tank access openings.
Leads from the compensator units are contained in the same harness used for the tank
units.

Fuel Quantity Indicator

Digital fuel quantity indicators show the weight of fuel and percentage of full capacity in
each fuel tank. Each fuel quantity indicator has a single chip microcomputer system and
a digital liquid crystal display (LCD). The microcomputer measures capacitive and
resistive current in the tank units. The microcomputer also monitors the leakage current
and other circuit parameters. When a parameter reaches an unacceptable level, the fuel
quantity indicator shows either normal or zero fuel quantity, the word ERR, and an error
code between 0 and 9. The error code can be used to help in troubleshooting the
system. The subsequent table lists the error codes and their probable causes.
FUEL TEMPERATURE INDICATING SYSTEM
The fuel temperature indicating system allows the fuel temperature in tank No. 1 to be
read on the indicator located on the forward overhead panel. A temperature sensing
bulb is located in fuel tank No. 1.

The temperature bulb contains a resistance element whose resistance varies in

proportion to changes in temperature. This element controls the current passing through
the meter movement of the fuel temperature indicator. Power is supplied to the system
through 28v ac bus No. 2 in the P6 panel.
Fuel Temperature Bulb
The temperature bulb is an armored, bayonet locking-type bulb. It has a temperature
range of -50 to +300¡C. The bulb is contained in a housing which projects into tank No.
1 through the rear spar. The housing is integral with the tank wall, and allows the bulb to
be removed without draining the tank.

Fuel Temperature Indicator

The fuel temperature indicator, located on the P5 panel is a resistance ratiometer
instrument. The indicator is operated by the ratio of the currents through two coils in the
meter movement. One of these currents is determined by the resistance of the
temperature bulb. The indicator dial is calibrated in degrees centigrade and reads from -
56 to +56¡C.

With power off, the pointer remains off scale at the low temperature end.