Common Pressure Measuring Instruments for Aircraft
When conducting flight operations and monitoring the health and functionality of systems, pressure values can be a major concern of pilots for a variety of apparatuses. From the pressure values of engine oil to hydraulic fluids, pressure can often make the difference between a safe and efficient aircraft and one unfit for flying. With a variety of pressure instruments present in an aircraft for monitoring conditions, it can be very useful to familiarize oneself with common types and their uses.
When gauging the health of the engine, pilots most often utilize engine instruments such as the engine oil pressure gauge. As an instrument with a circular panel face, oil pressure is provided in psi measurements and an operating range is provided with a green arc to denote optimal values. With engine oil, moving assemblies and components can be protected through lubrication and surface cooling. Due to the high speed of moving parts and the locations that many engine assemblies are placed in, great amounts of friction and heat can quickly lead to an engine failure in the event of oil pressure loss. While the construction of the engine oil pressure gauge may differ from model to model, many newer digital instruments will utilize an analog or digital remote oil pressure sensing unit to gather readings.
For the fuel systems that provide the engine with combustible mixtures, pressure is also crucial for the efficient transportation of fuel. Without a sufficient amount of pressure being provided by pumps to consistently transfer fuel through fuel lines and fuel systems, engines can quickly become starved and propulsion will no longer be produced to an optimal degree. With fuel pressure gauges, pilots are provided with the information needed to keep operations safe. As having a fuel line located near the cockpit proves to be a danger to pilots due to potential fire hazards, remote sensing mechanisms are paired alongside transmitter devices to relay readings to a cockpit instrument. In some aircraft, fuel pressure gauges may not be present and a fuel flow rate measurement may take their place.
As aircraft can often consist of large movable structures that are too heavy to be actuated through manual or mechanical needs, hydraulics are implemented to efficiently operate such systems. From the deployment of landing gear to applying brakes, hydraulics can be found in aircraft both light and heavy. To efficiently operate such aircraft systems, hydraulics require large amounts of pressure to transfer power through fluids. With hydraulic pressure gauges, sensors, and computer systems, pressure can be measured and readings are then relayed to the flight deck.
For the final common pressure measurement device, vacuum gauges serve to monitor the vacuums developed within systems that actuate air driven gyroscopic instruments. During typical operations, gyroscopes are spun with air that is forced through instruments. For their optimal functionality, the revolution of gyroscopes must remain within a specific range which is directly related to suction pressure. With measurements being drawn from differential pressure indications, atmospheric pressure is compared with the system and the gauge provides measurements in inches of mercury. Due to the fact that some aircraft fully rely on vacuum gyroscopic instruments, having functionality can be crucial for safety.
With the various pressure measuring instruments common to aircraft, pilots and operators can ensure safe and efficient flight operations with monitoring capabilities. At NSN Unlimited, we are your sourcing solution for top quality instruments and aviation parts that are from leading global manufacturers. As you explore our robust listings, you may send us an RFQ form for the parts that you are interested in. Upon receipt of your request, our team will quickly review and reach out to you with a personalized solution to your needs. Begin the purchasing process today and see how we can serve as your strategic sourcing partner at NSN Unlimited.
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