Fueling System for Dulles International Airport

The growth in size, speed, and range of aircraft has brought a growth in the consumption of fuel at such a rate that underground pipes and hydrant fuel systems are a necessity at large, busy airports. The design of the aircraft fueling systems is dependent of aircraft layouts, frequency of aircraft landings, types of aircraft, and the number of grades or suppliers of fuels. Fueling system design must also incorporate flexibility for changing the grade and/or supplier of fuel and for future expansion. The fueling system at Washington’s Dulles International Airport was somewhat simplified because of the airport’s unique passenger handline facilities. The large quantities of fuel required on the apron indicated that a hydrant system was necessary. A direct pumping fueling system that segregated fuel by grade rather than by airline was determined to be best. The control system required a minimum of operator attendance while at the same time allowing for rapid communication of system conditions to the operator during routine checks or when a malfunction occurs.