Development of On-line Fuel Tank Oxygen Sensor for Aircraft

Aircraft fuel tank safety is a growing concern in light of several explosions of flammable vapors in center wing tanks. This danger is increasing due to the threat of ballistic impact to both military and civilian aircraft. To combat this safety issue, inerting systems are in development that pump nitrogen enriched air (NEA) into the fuel tank to purge oxygen content to safe levels. Critical to this system is a rugged, reliable oxygen sensor that can operate in an aircraft's fuel tank environment. InterSpace, Inc., proposes to develop a sensor based on the magnetic susceptibility of oxygen for this application. This sensor overcomes problems associated with optical sensors targeted for this use. Our sensor is inherently simple and can withstand the high vibration, temperature, and pressure extremes required for aircraft operation.