PMA Nitrogen Gas Filters for Aircraft

NGS filters enhance safety and significantly reduce the risk of fuel tank fires in all types of aircraft. Global Filtration offers PMA-certified NGS filters that are designed for reliability and manufactured to strict quality standards. We offer both types of standard filters: hollow fiber and spiral wound. Hollow fiber membrane filters, which are widely used in larger commercial aircraft, consist of thousands of tiny hollow fibers that provide a large surface area for air separation. Spiral wound membrane filters, which are made of flat sheets of material wound around a core, are common on regional and corporate aircraft due to their compact design. NGS filters require minimal maintenance compared to other fuel tank inerting systems. In addition, lower oxygen levels help prevent fuel oxidation and degradation, extending fuel life and improving your overall engine performance. We have PMA NGS filters available for a wide range of Boeing and Airbus models. Browse our online selection now.

How NGS Filters Work

Air from the aircraft’s engine bleed air system or a dedicated compressor is fed into the NGS filter. The filter contains special membranes that allow smaller nitrogen molecules to pass through while blocking larger oxygen molecules. As the compressed air passes through this membrane, nitrogen is effectively separated from the oxygen. The nitrogen-laden air is then directed into the fuel tanks, where it gradually displaces the oxygen in the fuel tank’s ullage. The ullage, or the space above the liquid fuel in a tank, is particularly vulnerable as it contains a mixture of fuel vapor and air. Fuel vapors mixed with air in a certain concentration range can be highly explosive.

Effective Nitrogen Gas Systems Reduce Fire Risk

Following the TWA 800 accident in 1996, the FAA mandated the implementation of fuel tank inerting systems on new commercial aircraft. NGS filters are a key technology used to comply with this mandate. They are highly effective at creating an inert environment within the fuel tank. For a fuel tank fire to ignite, there needs to be sufficient oxygen present. NGS filters work by reducing the oxygen concentration, making it much harder for a fire to start or sustain itself. These filters operate continuously during flight to maintain the lowest possible oxygen levels in fuel tanks.

Reliable NGS Filters from Our Aircraft Filtration Experts

For durable, efficient, and cost-effective NGS filters, Global Filtration offers PMA approved filters for many models of Boeing and Airbus jets. Contact us for more information.