Integrated JET A-1 Fuel Systems

From Unloading to Hydrant

EDOPEC provides fully integrated EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) solutions for JET A-1 aviation fuel systems, engineered for maximum safety, operational reliability, and full compliance with JIG (Joint Inspection Group) and API / EI standards. Our scope covers the complete fuel handling chain—from truck unloading and storage to hydrant fueling systems—ensuring clean, controlled, and efficient fuel delivery at every stage.

The Freetown International Airport (FIA) Fuel Farm Project exemplifies our end-to-end capability, encompassing system design, equipment supply, automation, field installation, and commissioning of a modern aviation fuel terminal.

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1. Truck Unloading & Loading Islands

Fuel reception and dispatch areas are designed to ensure product integrity, operational efficiency, and personnel safety.

Truck Unloading Station

• Dedicated 60 m³/h unloading pump designed for aviation fuel service

• Process flow engineered for maximum cleanliness, including:

  • Basket pre-filter on pump suction

  • Air release filter on discharge line

  • Filter / Water Separator

  • Custody transfer flow meter

  • Solenoid control valve for precise and controlled operation

This configuration ensures contaminant-free fuel transfer from the first point of entry into the system.

Loading Gantry (Refueler Truck Loading)

• Designed for safe and efficient loading of refueler trucks

• Equipped with:

  • Top or bottom loading arms

  • Tanker access gangways

  • Integrated overfill protection systems

  • Vapor recovery systems to minimize emissions

All loading and unloading islands are fitted with grounding verification units to prevent static electricity discharge during fuel transfer operations.

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2. Storage Tanks & Specialized JET A-1 Equipment

Storage tanks form the core of the fuel farm and are engineered specifically for JET A-1 service, where fuel cleanliness is critical.

Storage Tank Design

• Designed in accordance with API 650

• Typically equipped with aluminum dome roofs

• Large-capacity tanks (e.g. 10,000 m³) featuring advanced design and safety elements, as implemented in major airport projects

Floating Suction Arms

• Installed in each storage tank to draw fuel from the cleanest layer near the surface

• Prevents intake of water or sediment from the tank bottom

• Supplied and installed in various sizes (e.g. 4”, 6”, 16”) according to project requirements

• Successfully applied in Freetown and SGİA airport projects

Tank Safety & Venting Equipment

Each tank is equipped with a full range of safety and operational accessories, including:

• Flame Arrestors

  • Certified according to ISO 16852

  • Installed on vent lines to prevent flame propagation into the vapor space

• Pressure / Vacuum Vents

  • Allow controlled tank breathing during filling and emptying operations

• Gauge Hatches

  • Enable manual sampling and level measurement

Filtration Systems

• High-performance filter / water separators installed at critical points:

  • Downstream of transfer pumps

  • On loading and unloading skids

These systems ensure the fuel consistently meets stringent aviation quality specifications.

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3. Fire Fighting & Earthing Systems

Safety is the primary design driver for all aviation fuel facilities.

Fire Fighting Systems (NFPA Compliant)

Facilities are protected by comprehensive fire protection systems, including:

• Pressurized firewater ring main supplied by:

  • Main fire pumps

  • Jockey pumps

  • Dedicated firewater storage tanks

• Tank protection systems:

  • Fixed foam discharge systems (foam chambers)

  • Water cooling rings for tank shell protection

• Foam proportioning systems:

  • Bladder tanks

  • Deluge valves for automatic activation

• Protection of loading islands and pump stations using:

  • Foam monitors

  • Fire nozzles

Earthing & Lightning Protection

• Comprehensive earthing grid interconnecting:

  • Tanks

  • Pipelines

  • Equipment

  • Steel structures

Ensures equipotential bonding and safe dissipation of static electricity.

• Lightning protection systems installed on tanks and tall structures to prevent ignition hazards caused by lightning strikes.

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4. SCADA, Automation & Hydrant Control Systems

Modern aviation fuel farms are operated through advanced automation systems that deliver maximum control, visibility, and safety.

• Centralized SCADA System

• Entire facility monitored and controlled from a central control room

• Real-time graphical interface (mimic diagrams) displaying:

  • Pump and valve status

  • Tank levels

  • Alarms and interlocks

System architecture allows control from:

• Field devices

• Local control panels

• Central SCADA stations (as implemented in the Freetown project)

Tank Gauging & Inventory Management

• Each tank equipped with Automatic Tank Gauging (ATG) systems measuring:

  • Product level

  • Temperature

  • Water bottom level

• Data transmitted to SCADA for:

  • Volume correction

  • Inventory calculations based on ASTM tables

Hydrant Fueling System Control

For airport hydrant networks, automation extends across the entire distribution system:

• Remote control of hydrant isolation valves

• Monitoring of pit valve status

• Control of main hydrant pumps, typically with VFDs, to maintain stable apron pressure

• Integrated Emergency Shutdown (ESD) stations

• Leak detection systems for maximum operational safety

Integrated Cathodic Protection Monitoring

• SCADA integration with Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) systems

• Real-time monitoring of:

  • Rectifier outputs

  • Structure-to-soil potentials

Ensures continuous verification of corrosion protection effectiveness.