How to Operate Your Aircraft GSE in the Summer?
Ground support equipment heats quickly during operation, so summers bring greater risks for safe and proper functioning. Equipment and personnel alike may function less efficiently in high heat, so some measures should be taken to ensure such vital parts of air travel work year-round. For the machinery in particular, a ground support equipment cooling system should be operated in the summer to prevent overheating.
The ground support equipment cooling system relies on a coolant to moderate temperature. This coolant is a fluid that is stored in a tank. The system is linked to a radiator fan and a thermostat which both function to maintain proper temperature levels. The fan should be routinely inspected for cracks or any other physical issues that might impact functions. The coolant should travel through cooler lines to the thermostat, which in response should open at the proper temperature level. If the fan is electric, it should also engage at the proper temperature. The fan is located within the radiator which should be properly sealed.
To test the GSE cooling system, a pressure tester can be used to check for leaks in hoses and cooler lines. Any cracks, blistering, or swelling will affect the proper temperature levels of the equipment. The driveshaft, which transmits mechanical power along the system, should be tested for proper movement.
GSE cooling systems rely on battery power to function, and batteries are prone to overheating regardless of season. When external temperatures rise, the risk of batteries overheating greatly increases. Some batteries are sealed, which prevents the loss of electrolytes over time, but if the battery in your cooling system is not sealed, the electrolyte levels should be checked to ensure the battery lasts during the demanding summer months. All parts of the system connected to the battery should be checked for tightness to ensure no energy is lost and charging is maximized. The charging system in the cooling system relies on an alternator, which transforms the mechanical energy in the system to electrical energy to power accessories like the radiator and recharge the battery.
The brake system in ground support equipment must be kept cool in summer months, so a few measures should be taken to secure an ideal temperature. First, brake pads should be checked frequently in high temperatures. Ground support relies on vehicles that drive on the runway, which stop using brake pads attached to their wheels. These wear out quickly on hot pavement, so it is extra important to keep up with the maintenance of the brake system during heat waves. The brake system also includes hoses and brake fluid which require additional attention in the heat. The hoses should be checked for dry rot, swelling, and leaks to make sure no brake fluid is wasted. The fluid itself should never be murky, so operators should flush the system if brake fluid shows signs of opacity.
NSN Supplies is a leading supplier of ground support equipment maintenance parts, and we are committed to bringing you the products you need. We specialize in AN, MS, and NAS series hardware to accommodate our aerospace and military customers. All of our hardware must pass quality control prior to being shipped to the customer to ensure 100% quality on delivery. For any additional questions or concerns in regards to purchasing, our team is available to talk anytime 24/7x365.
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