Effects of Fuel Contamination on Corrosion of Aircraft Fuel Systems

Turbine fuel contaminants such as surface active agents, saline water, and iron rust provide an ideal environment for extensive growth of microorganisms in fuel, resulting in a serious corrosion problem to aircraft fuel systems. Contamination sources, means of entry into the aircraft, and effects on the fuel system are discussed. Recently developed detection methods and an improved quality control procedure which alleviate the problem are described.