AIRCRAFT GENERAL ENGINERING

AND MAINTENANCE PRACTICES

UNIT-II
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
PURPOSE (is to test that):
There are no serious leaks
Pressure controller and limiting devices are
functioning properly within the limits
appropriate to the aircraft type.
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
OCCASSIONS:
As and when a snag(fault) occurs
Periodically as specified by manufacturer
Whenever pressure controller / discharge valves
etc. changed
During any repair/modification work carried out in
cabin structure
During structural damage to the fuselage is
suspected.
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
PRECAUTIONS:
Check that the aircraft structure is in fit
condition ( i.e. preflight condition)
The person involved in the test- medically fit
If pressure difference more than 10 psi a
doctor with medical kit and assistance.
Establish intercommunication between test
persons inside and outside cabin
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
PRECAUTIONS:
Ensure that the aircraft is complete in all
aspects (static pressure, Pitot pressure
pipe lines are completely connected)
Close all doors, clear vision windows,
emergency exits etc are free to operate.
Maintain the specified rate of cabin
differential pressure
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
PRECAUTIONS:
Check manometer, pressure gauges, VSI
used in test set are calibrated periodically.
Check all seals, glands and expansion
joints in correct fitting.
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
TESTING METHODS:
Running the aircraft engines, utilizing
bleed air or engine driven compressor as
appropriate.
Connecting a ground supply unit to the
ground service connection points.
Employing bleed air from auxiliary power
unit (APU)
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
TEST EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
A portable vertical speed indicator
A mercury manometer (or) pressure gauge
A stop watch
A Pitot-static leak tester
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
TEST PROCEDURE:
Leak rate test
Functional check
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
LEAK RATE TEST:
Observe the preparatory conditions as
mentioned
Check should be made on permanent
fuselage drain holes, battery compartment
vents, hydraulic system reservoir bleeds etc.
The air should be introduced to the cabin
gradually until the pressure stabilises.
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
LEAK RATE TEST:
After the pressure has stabilized, the air supply
should be shut off and the pressure allowed to
fall by normal fuselage leakage (time taken as
per manual)
If the leak rate is excessive soapy water solution
may be used for leak checks.
At conclusion the air supply should be shut off
and ensure de pressurized
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
FUNCTIONAL CHECK:
Switch ON the electrical power. Select the
appropriate setting of cabin temperature
control system and pressurization system.
Now introduce the pressure into the cabin
(air charging trolley and tester used for
this purpose) and control the rate of
change of pressure.
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
FUNCTIONAL CHECK:
Increase the cabin pressure until it
stabilizes at the maximum working
differential pressure for the aircraft type.
Isolate the discharge valve from pressure
signals and then increase the cabin
pressure to check the automatic action of
safety valves.
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
FUNCTIONAL CHECK:
If during pressure test the leak rate is
increases the pressure must be released
and the fuselage examined for the cause
before continuing test.
Finally the air supply should be cut off and
allow the cabin pressure to fall gradually
at a controlled rate.
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
RESTORING THE AIRCRAFT AFTER TEST:
Switch off all power supply
Remove all blanks and plugs
Restore the pressure control components
to normal operating conditions
Examine any damages in fuselage
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
RESTORING THE AIRCRAFT AFTER TEST:
Check all doors, hatches and windows
when are intended to open
Make appropriate entries in the servicing
form and sign for the checks carried out.
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
COMPONENTS AND THEIR MAINTENANCE
PROCEDURES:
At 10,000 ft- saturation of blood about
90% (causes head ache and fatigue)
At 15,000 ft- saturation 81% (sleepiness,
head ache, impaired vision)
At 22,000 ft- saturation 68% (causes
HYPOXIA)
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
COMPONENTS AND THEIR MAINTENANCE
PROCEDURES:
The atmosphere composed of nitrogen, oxygen,
other gases and it varies when the altitude
increases.
At 40,000 ft pressure falls below 3 PSI
Comfortable pressure 11 PSI
The cabin has to be designed to withstand
minimum 8.3 PSI
AIRCRAFT PRESURIZATION SYSTEM
COMPONENTS AND THEIR MAINTENANCE
PROCEDURES:
Pressurization control unit
Cabin differential pressure gauge
Cabin altimeter
Cabin rate of climb or descent indicator
Cabin pressure regulator
Cabin pressure safety valve.