Dear Madam/Sir,
Please find attached hereto an EASA Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) which has already been posted on
our web site and can be viewed at https://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2018-10 .
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EASA SIB No.: 2018-10
Safety Information Bulletin
Airworthiness – Operations –– Aerodromes
SIB No.: 2018-10
Issued: 19 July 2018
Subject: Super Absorbant Polymers (SAP) Contamination of Jet Fuel
Ref. Publications:
[1] Joint Inspection Group (JIG) Bulletin 105 – Filter Monitors, dated 11 December 2017
[2] IATA Super-absorbent Polymer (SAP) Special Interest Group - Data summary and proposed
roadmap
[3] Airlines for America (A4A) Bulletin 2018.1 - Update on ATA103 Requirements for Filter
Monitors, dated 5 June 2018
[4] FAA SAIB HQ-18-17 - Engine Fuel and Control – Filter Monitor Media Migration, dated 22 June 2018
Applicability:
Competent Authorities, Aircraft Operators, Aerodrome Operators.
Description:
There have been several events of engine power fluctuations or other operational problems that
were caused by deposits of Super Absorbant Polymers (SAP) in the aircraft/engine fuel system.
As stated in [2], these problems are assumed to be caused by a migration of SAP out of filtration
devices (filter monitors) that are used in the fuel supply chain to the aircraft. Aircraft and engine
type certificate holders consider the presence of SAP in fuel to be a potential flight safety issue
and cannot endorse a level of SAP that is acceptable in fuel.
The aim of this SIB is to enhance awareness of aircraft and aerodrome operators of the risks
associated with SAP in jet fuel, inform about on-going industry actions on the matter and provide
recommendations for the purpose of mitigating the associated risks.
On-going industry actions
Short term (see [1] for details):
- Replacement of Filter Monitors operating at a Differential Pressure (DP) of greater than 1.0 bar
(15 psi) at max achievable flow with EI 1583 7th edition models.
- Limit of the operational DP for all filter monitors to max 1.0 bar (15 psi), at maximum
achievable flow. Use of DP limiting devices with an activation point set at 1.0 bar (15 psi).
- Use of 100 mesh hose-end strainers on fuelling equipment fitted with filter monitors.
- Introduction of a new protocol for inspection and cleaning hose-end strainers, as part of
commissioning of new filter monitors on fuelling equipment and the routine strainer check
procedure.
- Convert Filter Monitor vessels back to EI 1581 6th edition Filter Water Separators, where
possible.
This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory.
TE.CAP.00117-006 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Page 1 of 2
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EASA SIB No.: 2018-10
- Replace all bespoke Filter Monitor systems using elements with In-to-Out direction of flow, by
Filter Water Separator filtration systems.
Long term (before end of 2020):
Replacement of all existing Filter Monitor systems with alternative filtration options, following an
extended qualification and field trial programme being undertaken by the industry.
At this time, the safety concern described in this SIB is not considered to be an unsafe condition
that would warrant Airworthiness Directive (AD) action under Regulation (EU) 748/2012, Part
21.A.3B., nor the issuance of an operational directive under Regulation (EU) 965/2012, Annex II,
ARO.GEN.135(c), nor Safety Directive (SD) action under Regulation (EU) 139/2014, Annex II,
ADR.AR.A.040.
Recommendation(s):
Aircraft operators should be aware that SAP in jet fuel can cause engine in-flight shutdowns or
operational problems and are advised to report events of SAP contamination to the engine and
aircraft type certificate holders, to the fueling service provider and to the NAA.
Aerodrome operators are advised to follow the recommendations of JIG Bulletin 105 [1].
Competent authorities are advised to take into account the content of this SIB during their
oversight activities.
Contact(s):
For further information contact the EASA Safety Information Section, Certification Directorate.
E-mail:
[email protected].
This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory.
TE.CAP.00117-006 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Page 2 of 2
Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.
An agency of the European Union