AOG Purchasing Blog

Aircraft rely on a fuel system to pump, manage, and deliver the fuel that powers flight. In aircraft fuel systems, the propulsion and auxiliary power units (APU) drive movement. Similar to the human circulatory system, fuel is pumped through the body of the aircraft like blood through the body. Fuel travels through fuel lines, and the system can be monitored by the pilot through the use of a fuel control valve. This valve sometimes functions as both a shut off and selector valve, that of which the pilot uses to choose which engine to fuel. In some aircraft, these functions belong to separate valves. The gascolator is the part of the fuel system that functions as a filter to ensure the fuel is pure and is not contaminated. This instrument should be manually opened and drained from the ground. The level of pressure and flow rate of fuel throughout aircraft is important as it relates directly to the craft’s ability to function.

Generators are incredibly versatile devices that convert motive power into electric power for an external circuit. As such, they find use in a variety of industries, supplying power to remote and urban construction sites. More than that, they are utilized to provide power in the event of a power outage. To better understand these helpful units, this blog will cover the array of components they consist of.

Actuated ball valves are a common fluid system component that can be used when automated control is required. Instead of relying on manual interaction for the valve to open and close, the actuated ball valve automatically operates through the use of an actuator and control signal. The force necessary for a change can be supplied through varying means, including the use of an electrically controlled motor, pneumatic device, or hydraulic device. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of the actuated ball valve and common types, allowing you to familiarize yourself with such components and their applications.

Data centers are a pivotal aspect of networking and communication, coming in the form of buildings that house IT hardware, computing services, and computing infrastructure. A major part of data center infrastructure is cabling, that of which ensures proper powering, data transfer, and much more. Such cables may come in various forms, Ethernet and patch cable components acting as the most common. As both serve distinct roles and share various qualities, it can be very useful to have a better understanding of their differences.

Aircraft tugs are specialized towing vehicles that are designed to move aircraft. As aircraft weigh hundreds of thousands of tons, aircraft towing vehicles are required to be incredibly durable machines. Due to the enhanced risks of using aircraft tugs, we will be covering the safety hazards associated with such equipment, alongside the best safety practices to follow to avoid injury or harm to any aircraft or personnel.

A generator is an electrical device that converts motive power into electrical power for use in an external circuit. Generators are especially important to have on hand in the case of a power outage, allowing businesses and households to carry on with business as usual. There are various types of generators, each varying in their capacity to provide extended periods of power. In this blog, we will be covering military-grade generators, their distinguishing characteristics, and advantages in the military and defense realm.

Found in nearly all electronic devices, printed circuit boards (PCB) are used to mechanically support and connect various electronic components that employ conductive pathways in an assembly. A simple electronic structure which can be layered to support high-speed circuitry and processing power within a network, PCBs serve as the backbone of electronics and are ideal for connecting parts like semiconductors, connectors, resistors, diodes, capacitors, and radio devices to a larger system. Of the various devices that can be mounted to a PCB for added diversity, PCB relays are applied to printed circuit boards to control certain switches while overseeing leverage across electrical pathways. Below, we will go into detail on a few common PCB relays, highlighting their functions, and further addressing why they are applied.

When performing routine maintenance procedures for a pump or gearbox, the most common issue one is faced with pertains to the system's lip seal. Often the root of a pump or gearbox issue after such parts have been rebuilt, a lip seal is a part that almost always has to be replaced during such procedures. Whether a lip seal has reached the end of its life and must be replaced, or it was damaged upon part disassembly, proper fitting seals for the right applications can mitigate the need for potential lip seal replacement. Used for the purpose of separating contaminants from an apparatus housing lubricants, lip seals come in a myriad of options to best suit the sealing properties of a particular application.

The fuel tanks and systems of light aircraft are often at risk of becoming contaminated with water and foreign substances during standard operations, presenting risks of damage and failure. With the implementation of a device known as a gascolator, water may be isolated and removed from the fuel system for its protection. As a combination filter and water trap device, the gascolator is implemented inline with the fuel supply at the lowest point of the system. As such, the device can then utilize a drain cock for expelling any water from fuel.

While airliners have long made major efforts in ensuring the cleanliness and safety of aircraft cabin air, an increased concern in recent years has made many passengers interested in the practices conducted by various airliners to keep them safe. Many airlines have let their customers be aware of increased efforts for cleaning to prevent the spread of pathogens and viruses, as well as have discussed the presence of HEPA filters in many aircraft. HEPA filters have long seen widespread implementation in aircraft of all types since the 1990s, though it was not until fairly recently that a majority of customers became aware of such technology. As a robust equipment piece that is highly efficient at filtering air, it can be very useful to understand the capabilities and design of HEPA filters.