Low maintenance filters keep fuel pipeline clean
Published: 28 December 2011 - Michelle Lea
Problem: BPA manages a major UK pipeline which distributes aviation fuel from a number of different refineries direct to airport storage facilities. The company had been using a system which employed mechanical scraper blades as part of the filtration process but the filters suffered from wear and were costly to maintain.
Solution: An automatic filtration system has been installed within the main refinery pumping station to ensure that the whole aviation fuel pipeline is kept clean and free from particulates. Three 6.18 BOLLFILTERs operate on a dual duty and single standby basis to provide continual automatic filtration down to 250 microns. Regular back-flushing ensures that the filter elements remain clear without the need for maintenance and therefore plant downtime.
The filters are designed with few moving parts to minimise such wear and tear. After operating continually for 12 months, they showed no signs of wear when stripped down and checked.