The aviation industry is heavily regulated, having to follow many international, national and equipment manufacturers' requirements. Not surprisingly, this includes strict guidelines governing the quality of gases used on aircraft.
Most of the industry use 'MIL-SPEC' guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Defence.
Coregas produces two gases that conform to these guidelines: Aviation Grade Nitrogen and Aviation Grade Oxygen, which fulfill the majority of applications in and around aircraft. However, our range does not stop there. Our huge range of industrial, specialty and medical gases ensures you can rely on us to supply all your gas needs, from hospitality to maintenance.
Key applications for aviation grade gases
Aircraft tyre inflation
Inflating tyres with nitrogen provides two important advantages over inflation with air. Firstly, it prevents the gradual deflation caused by oxygen permeating through the tyre wall. Secondly, the inert nature of nitrogen reduces the risk of fire. Undercarriage and tyre manufacturing and maintenance facilities also use nitrogen gas for much the same reasons.
Shock absorbers
Undercarriage oleo struts contain oil and compressed gas and essentially act as shock-absorbing springs, which dampen aircraft loads on landing. Being inert, nitrogen is ideal for the gaseous component because, unlike compressed air, it will not promote oil 'dieseling' during compression. In addition, nitrogen is clean and dry, meaning there is no moisture to cause corrosion.
Finally, the rate of nitrogen permeation through seals is less than that of the oxygen in air, meaning a reduced volume of gas is required to refill the struts. Refilling of the compressed gas in oleo struts is an essential part of the maintenance process. Nitrogen is therefore the most effective and economical choice for this important gas.
Escape slide inflation systems
Again based on its inert, non-explosive nature, nitrogen is the gas of choice for inflation systems for escape slides and life rafts. This type of inflation system usually consists of a pressurised gas cylinder, a regulating valve, two high pressure hoses and two aspirators. The size of the slide determines the size of gas cylinder. Carbon dioxide is used to slow down the rate at which the valve expands the gases. Cylinders which are unused undergo periodic testing; this is usually every three years.
Oxygen supply systems and emergency oxygen
The human body depends on oxygen. The decrease in pressure associated with high altitude reduces the amount of oxygen available for the body to absorb when breathing. So to fly at high altitude, either the aircraft cabin must be pressurised or everyone aboard will require additional oxygen.
On the flight deck, this is achieved with a composite of one or more cylinders. The flight deck oxygen system is refilled using one or more cylinders of oxygen. The aircraft size and design determines the size and quantity of cylinders required. The system is checked and topped up before every flight from special carts which are used to transfer the gas by pressure to the on-board cylinders, rather than via a pump.
For passengers, the passenger compartment emergency oxygen system uses chemical oxygen generators but Coregas supplies Medical Oxygen in special small cylinders for use in medical emergencies.
Certified quality
All our aviation grade gases conform with MIL-SPEC guidelines and are batch tested regularly for quality. The certificate of conformity available for download from the table at the bottom of each product page shows typical values for purity and maximum impurities.
Non-aviation gases for related applications
Our range of industrial, specialty and medical gases means we can supply a complete range of gases for organisations in the industry. For instance:
- LPG for forklifts, heating and maintenance
- Industrial grade oxygen and acetylene for welding, cutting and maintenance
- Shielding gases for welding, cutting and maintenance
- Refrigerants for air conditioning, refrigeration and freezing
- Hospitality gases such as:
- Carbon Dioxide Food Grade for dispensing soft drinks, beer and cider
- Corebrew mixtures range, formulated especially for dispensing different types of beer
- Dry Ice is for a range of cooling applications