What are Gascolators?
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.
As a combination device, the gascolator is also capable of acting as a standard inline fuel filter, fitted with an internal mesh baffle so that any contaminants can be captured and retained with ease. With the buildup of water, sediment, and other debris, such devices should be regularly checked and cleaned to ensure buildups are removed for maintaining performance. Water is one of the most detrimental substances for light piston engine aircraft, presenting the possibility of incorrect flame propagation. With the interruption of such processes, partial or complete loss of power may occur, and in-flight engine failure may follow. Water is generally heavier than fuel, and as such it will always collect towards the bottom of the fuel system. Due to this, water can threaten the fuel lines and fuel tanks of various aircraft.
For many light aircraft, fuel tanks are situated in the wings. For models that feature high wing designs, the tanks will be placed far from the fuel system. As a result, water will tend to collect in the fuel lines placed below the tank, meaning that the tank drains are unable to purge moisture. This is where the installation of a gascolator is quite useful, often being situated at the lowest possible point of the fuel lines so that water may be collected and removed with ease.
In order to efficiently serve their purpose, gascolators are constructed with a bowl shape and have an inlet and outlet fitting near their top while a drain tap is situated on the bottom of the assembly. Brass and aluminum are the most common materials for the construction of the device, and insulation may be implemented if needed. In order to efficiently capture and remove sediment from fuel, many gascolators contain a mesh disc filter element. As sediment collection can impede performance, the mesh disc should regularly be checked and cleaned as necessary.
The placement of the gascolator is also crucial for standard operations, and it is recommended that the device is placed far from all engine components and exhaust manifolds. This is due to the fact that the heat generated by engine operations can cause fuel vaporization within the device, presenting the risk of vapor lock in the fuel lines. While heat shields can deter this issue, it is best to keep the device far from areas with such temperatures. Additionally, they should also be placed in an area that is easily accessible, ensuring that they may quickly be accessed for performing preflight inspections.
If you find yourself in need of top quality gascolator parts and other aerospace components for your aircraft, AOG Purchasing is your one-stop shop with over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find items readily available for purchase on our website. Take the time to explore our vast offerings at your leisure, and our team is always on standby 24/7x365 to assist you through the purchasing process as necessary. If you find particular items that you would like to procure, first begin with a personalized quote for your comparisons which you may receive through the submission of an Instant RFQ form as provided on our website. Get started today and see why customers choose to steadily rely on AOG Purchasing for all their operational needs.
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