february2021 - 13

Photo (taken pre-COVID-19 impact) courtesy of Shell Aviation

INDUSTRY EXPERT
COLUMN

ment posed three challenges to the industry: finding a solution that can be certified
in time, retrofitting this in the timeframe
and doing so at an affordable cost. But,
when it comes to flying, safety has to be
the ultimate priority - so this challenge
had to be met.

A Challenging Risk

Many aircraft refuelers have been fitted with
SAP-based filter monitors that prevent water
and dirt particles from getting into the fuel
and engine. While the chances of SAP leaking are low, mitigating risks should always
be one of aviation's key priorities.
It was after Shell had been engaged as an
independent, third-party expert by a major
international airline that the potential,
associated risks of SAP were discovered.
We investigated why one of their flights
had lost thrust control of both engines,
resulting in a forced landing at twice the
normal speed.
Seven further incidents were documented after this, prompting a turning
point in the industry. IATA convened
a Special Interest Group in May 2014 to
investigate the incidents, which found that
the use of these SAP-based systems in aviation fuel handling is incapable of reliably
meeting the aircraft and engine operating
requirements. As a result of these findings,
the aviation industry committed to phasing out SAP-based water filters used in the
refueling process.

A Solution from Innovation

Although the EI has announced the withdrawal of SAP by the end of 2020, it is
not a formal regulation. Despite this, it's
important that end users like airlines satisfy
themselves that the risks have been properly mitigated when fuels enter their planes.
As well as being up to date on these
developments, to ensure they can accommodate this change, aircraft refueling
operators need to be aware of the alternative technology available to them. Since
2015, Shell has been working closely with
filtration specialist FAUDI Aviation to find
options to replace SAP. Over the course
of these years, Shell has gained industry
leading experience, understanding and
operational knowledge of the operation

of Electronic Water Sensors (EWS) and
Dirt Defence Filters (DDF). By combining
a new EWS and DDF, the result is Shell Jet
Protection - a new system that guarantees
a safe and secure flow of fuel every time.
By replacing physical water filters with
an electronic water sensor extensively
tested by Shell and qualified to EI1598,
it can continuously monitor the refueling
process and safely turn off the flow to the
tank, on the rare occasions when water is
detected. Another benefit is less waste. Its
new filters are estimated to last up to five
years compared to SAP-based filters, which
need changing annually.

Tested, Available and
Adopted into Standards

At a time where aircraft operators do not
need anything else to worry about, Shell Jet
Protection can also be easily retrofitted into
existing vessels and vehicles at a relatively
low cost. It is the only SAP-free refueling
system with this retrofit capability, which
is essential to facilitate the industry's rapid
transition away from SAP.

After a full course of testing, we began
the process of implementing Shell's Jet Protection at all Shell-managed locations across
the globe. Beyond the robust testing carried
out by Shell, the FAUDI Aviation DDF and
AFGUARD EWS technology used in Shell
Jet Protection has now also become the first
SAP-free drop in solution to be adopted into
standards by the Joint Inspection Group
(JIG), a global organization for the development of aviation fuel supply standards.
By dedicating our industry experience,
understanding and operational know-how
to finding a solution, we are committed to
supporting the industry in this transition
away from the risk posed by SAP.

Prioritizing Safety

Shell Aviation has taken significant steps to
help prepare our industry for this period of
transition. International airlines, including
Lufthansa, and leading engine OEMs, such
as GE and Rolls-Royce, have already publicly
committed to no longer using SAP-based filtration systems after the deadline. We hope
the rest of the industry will follow suit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Thomas de Boer is head of operations at Shell Aviation. He joined Shell in 2001 and
has held his current role since June 2018, following several management positions
across Europe and United States. De Boer holds a M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering
and Management from Twente University, Netherlands.

FEBRUARY 2021

AviationPros.com

13
http://www.AviationPros.com
february2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of february2021
