Oil & Fuel Absorbent Pads: A Important Part of Aviation Fueling Safety

When we are fueling airplanes on the apron we need to be very careful with every single drop of fuel. From the pipelines to the refueling vehicles and finally to the airplane it is common for fuel to spill at the connection points. One tiny drop of fuel on the apron can cause a fire or hurt the environment. So how can we clean up these spills when we disconnect the nozzles or pipelines? How can we keep the cleaning materials working even when it is raining? The answer is a kind of material called the Oil & Fuel absorbent pad. Because it can attract Oil & Fuel but not water it has become a part of keeping people safe in aviation.

1. The Main Job of Oil & Fuel Absorbent Pads in Apron Fueling

Oil & Fuel absorbent pads are not meant to handle leaks like when a pipeline breaks. Their main job is to clean up drips and spills.

* Catching Every Drop of Oil & Fuel: When we disconnect the fueling nozzle from the airplanes fuel port some fuel usually drips out. If we put an Oil & Fuel absorbent pad under the fuel port it can soak up these drips away and keep them from reaching the ground.

* Preventing Fires from Spreading: Even though aviation kerosene does not catch fire easily its vapors are very flammable. If Oil & Fuel drips onto an apron surface or touches a spark it can easily catch fire. Oil & Fuel absorbent pads can lock in the Oil & Fuel quickly which reduces the chance of a fire.

* Preventing Slip Accidents: If Oil & Fuel gets on the apron surface it can be very slippery. Oil & Fuel absorbent pads help keep the area from getting slippery which keeps the people working safe.

2. The Special Technology of Oil & Fuel Absorbent Pads: They Absorb Oil & Fuel but Not Water

You might be wondering, what happens when it rains on the apron? Do Oil & Fuel absorbent pads get all wet. Stop working?

* Attracting Oil & Fuel but Not Water: Good quality Oil & Fuel absorbent pads are usually made from a material called polypropylene. This material is treated so that it can attract Oil & Fuel but not water.

* What Actually Happens: Even if an Oil & Fuel absorbent pad is underwater it will float on the surface. Only absorb the Oil & Fuel that is floating on the water. This is very important for fueling operations on the apron especially when it is raining.

* Absorbing a Lot of Oil & Fuel: Good Oil & Fuel absorbent pads can absorb a lot of Oil & Fuel up to 10 to 20 times their weight.. When you squeeze them they do not release the Oil & Fuel they have absorbed.

3. How to Use Oil & Fuel Absorbent Pads in Everyday Procedures

When we are fueling airplanes we have to follow rules for using Oil & Fuel absorbent pads:

* Putting Them in Place: Before we connect the fueling nozzle we need to put Oil & Fuel absorbent pads under the airplanes fuel panel and at the connection point of the refueling vehicles hose.

* Keeping an Eye on Them: While we are fueling the Oil & Fuel absorbent pad is like a safety measure. If there is a leak the Oil & Fuel absorbent pad will change color and let us know.

* Cleaning Up and Throwing Away: After we are done fueling we need to use the Oil & Fuel absorbent pad to wipe up any Oil & Fuel that is left on the nozzle. Then we have to throw the used Oil & Fuel absorbent pad in a special bag for hazardous waste.

4. What to Do in Case of a Fire

Oil & Fuel absorbent pads are mainly used to prevent spills. They can also help if there is a small fire:

* Smothering the Fire: If a spark ignites an Oil & Fuel spill we can use a new Oil & Fuel absorbent pad to cover the flames.

* Keeping Oxygen Away: If we cover the fire with an Oil & Fuel absorbent pad it can keep oxygen away and if we use a fire extinguisher too we can put out small fires on the surface.

* Being Careful:. If an Oil & Fuel absorbent pad gets all wet, with Oil & Fuel and catches fire it can make the fire worse. In that case we should not try to touch it. Instead we should use a powder fire extinguisher right away.