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Module: NG1S422
The information contained within this document is for TRAINING USE ONLY.
These training notes should not be used for carrying out any work or procedure on ANY
aircraft. You must always use the correct aircraft maintenance manual or equipment
manufacturer’s handbook.
You should abide by the rules set out by your regulatory authority and as laid down in
the company policy where you are working. All reports, documentation, etc., must be in
compliance with your organization.
For Health and Safety, always follow the guidance laid down by the equipment
manufacturer, company policy, national safety policies and national governments.
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BOOK 8
PIPE AND UNIONS
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When replacing a pipe, it should be replaced with a pipe of the same material, diameter, length,
shape and gauge. It is also important, of course, that the end fittings are identical with the old
ones. Ideally the pipe will be supplied premanufactured under a stores part number,
nomenclature and with a EASA form 1.
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Flared Couplings. Many high pressure couplings have this method of assembly using a flared
pipe, adapter nipple, collar, outer and inner sleeve. Nipples now in use have a parallel extension
(called a skirt) to ensure that they are correctly aligned in the pipeline – and this should always
be inserted into the flared pipe, which has the collar and outer sleeve fitted. Used for high
pressure pipes.
Flareless Couplings. Also used for high pressure couplings. A ‘preset’ of the correct size is placed
over the unflared pipe end. The pipe is pushed fully home into its union adapter and the union
nut is tightened to a specific torque value. This causes the ‘preset’ to bend inwards and form a
leak proof compression joint with the pipe. It is important that the correct torque value is used.
Used for high pressure pipes.
Compressed Rubber Couplings. Uses a compressed rubber gland and used for low pressure
systems such as Pitot-static systems. The pipe end must be hard against the shoulder of the
recess in the union adapter before any attempt is made to tighten the union nut.
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The union nut is tightened against the union to a specific torque so compressing the elastomeric
seal and forming an air-tight joint. Warning, do not over tighten as the seal can be damaged.
Hose Clips. Used for low pressure connections of hoses to metal pipelines. Any hose clips used
must be of an approved type and must fit correctly in relation to the pipe ends or beading. A
clearance of between 0.25” and 0.50” (6mm to 13mm) should be allowed between the ends of
the pipes so that the ends will not make contact should flexure of the pipe occur.
If a new pipe connection is difficult to fit, it may be lubricated with the fluid used in the
particular system, but for some types of pipe, hot water immersion in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions can e used.
Couplings are affected by expansion, contraction, vibration and heat and should be inspected
regularly for deterioration and freedom from oil and grease. When connectors are to be
removed from pipe ends, do not lever with a screwdriver or similar tool as this could damage
the pipe.
Brazed Nipple Couplings. A conical nipple is brazed or silver soldered to the end of one pipe and
a union sleeve is brazed onto the other. A union nut screws onto the union sleeve to hold both
pipes together. Used on high pressure systems.
Self-Sealing Couplings. May-be of the screw or bayonet type and allows for quick release and
assembly of the pipe joint without fluid loss or air inlet.
When making or breaking the joint of a self-sealing coupling, avoid turning between the two
halves, otherwise the seating for the valve in the union half coupling may damage the seal in the
fixed half-coupling.
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Note:
This does not apply to Avimo type self-sealing couplings, which are connected by a bayonet pin
and socket arrangement and must be rotated to make or break the joint.
When a self-sealing coupling is disconnected, blanks should be fitted to both halves. A leaking
half-coupling should be replaced and the system functional tested after coupling
disconnect/reconnect.
Banjo Unions. These consist of an inlet union screw, inlet union and two bonded seals or bonded
washers (figure 69). They are designed to allow a pipe connection to be made to a component at
right angles to the component. The inlet union screw is drilled internally to allow for fluid
passage as is the inlet union.
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The bonded washers are made up of a plain metal washer to which is bonded an elastomeric
seal. This is usually bonded to the inside diameter of the washer and is designed to be thicker
than the metal washer.
As the union screw is tightened down so the elastomeric seal will be squeezed and provide a
seal. The union screw is usually torque loaded.
Vee Flange Couplings. A method of joining used on larger diameter pipes such as fuel pipes and
low pressure pneumatic pipes. There is a Vee section ring brazed onto the ends of the pipes to
be joined. The pipes and the two Vee sections are butted together and retained by a Vee Flange
Coupling. It is important that the abutment faces of the two Vee flange sections are clean,
absolutely flat, undamaged, not strained and parallel.
This method has three main advantages over the method whereby the flanges are held together
by bolts (or studs) and nuts, namely:
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Pipes sections are fitted with various connectors. These need to be fuel tight using seals capable
of withstanding any flexing that may occur (wings will flex during flight and the pipes
themselves are not able to take much flexing). Also, all pipe-work and couplings must be
electrically bonded because the fluid flow will induce a static charge.
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Figure 72 shows a typical example of a rigid coupling and figure 73 shows examples of flexible
couplings. There are many types in use and reference should always be made to the AMM for
type and fitting instructions. In general:
Ensure the correct seals are fitted and in the correct orientation.
Ensure pipes are un-damaged particularly around the seal mating surfaces.
Torque load correctly.
Ensure correct electrical bonding.
Carry out leak checks after assembly. This may need an engine run.
Some airlines require a duplicate inspection on fuel feed pipelines.
Pipes also run to the back of the aircraft for tail mounted engines, tail mounted fuel tanks
(aircraft trimming and fuel transfer) or to an APU. Here flexible pipes are used shrouded by a
‘normal’ aluminium alloy fuel pipe. Any leakage from the flexible pipe is transferred into the
shroud. The shroud is ported to a drain mast and any fuel accumulation is drained overboard. A
standard ramp check would include checking the mast for any fuel leakage. If any is present, the
leak must be found and rectified.
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PIPE INSTALLATION
Before pipes are fitted into aircraft they should be inspected for damage, cleanliness and
corrosion. If damage to the pipe is suspected, the pipes should be pressure tested and the
roundness of the bore checked.
Checks should be made that the pipes are of the specified type and should have approved
certificates identified to the pipe (EASA form 1).
Prior to assembly, all pipes must be blown through with clean dry air and, where applicable,
flushed out with clean filtered fluid of the type to be used in the particular system in which the
pipe is to be installed.
For oxygen systems, a final approved degreasing process must be used to ensure cleanliness,
since oil or grease in contact with oxygen under pressure would cause an explosion.
If the pipe is not to be installed immediately, its ends must be blanked using the correct blanks.
Plugs and caps conforming to standards appropriate to the system pipeline should be used. In
instances where standard blanks cannot be fitted, it must be ensured that the blank is so made
that it is impossible for it to be left in position when the pipe is connected.
Note: The use of rag, tape or paper for blanking off purposes is not allowed.
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Supporting Pipes
Pipes must be supported in accordance with the AMM.
Multiple pipe clamps may be used. These are often made of fibre, aluminium, moulded rubber
and other materials. The two halves of the clamps are usually joined together by bolts, which
also serve to secure the clamp to the aircraft structure. It is important to ensure that the clamps
are of the correct size to prevent damage to the pipe.
Where packing is required between the pipes and the clamps, the material used should be in
accordance with the AMM. Typical materials are cork sheet, tinned copper gauze and various
types of tape, but leather must never be used, since this will cause corrosion.
Some pipe clamps are self-bonding (electrical bonding), but where this is not possible, metal
gauze or a cork-based material having copper strands interwoven, can be used.
Where single pipes require support, standard clips such as ‘P’ clips can be used.
Clearance between pipes and structure should be at least 0.1in (2.5mm) and adequate clearance
should be provided between pipes and moving parts, eg landing gear bays [tyres may ‘grow’
when rotating by as much as 2in (51mm) in diameter and 1in (25mm) in width when rotating
fast].
Connecting Pipes
Before connecting the pipe union nuts, a check should be made to ensure that the pipe end is of
the correct type and size, that is clean and undamaged.
Two spanners must always be used when tightening (or disconnecting) a pipe coupling; one to
hold the sleeve or adapter and one to turn the union nut. Over-tightening of couplings must be
avoided. Special tightening techniques and torque’s, when specified, must be used.
If lubrication of the threads is specified, it is essential that only the correct lubricant is used and
that it does not enter the bore of the pipe.
For oxygen systems, the following lubricants are suitable: DTD 900/4042, which provides a dry
self-lubricating film of graphite and which should be applied to a thoroughly degreased surface
and allowed to air dry before being put into service; and DTD 900/4286 which acts as a sealant
as well as a lubricant and has a grease-like consistency; and PTFE tape.
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Once a standard coupling has been bedded-in initially, less torque will be required on
subsequent reassembly to make a leak proof joint. However, should a leak occur, the coupling
must not be over tightened in an attempt to stop the leak, but must be disconnected and the
cause of the leak ascertained.
Adapter nipples with skirts have replaced those without skirts but it is important to check that
the nipple sits correctly before assembly of the union. (It has been known for un-skirted nipples
to rotate in the assembly prior to tightening thus causing a weak joint and one that is not
pressure proof).
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From a designer’s point of view, the following points should be borne in mind when selecting a
hose assembly for a particular purpose.
A flexible impermeable inner lining compatible with the fluid used in the system.
Has little strength.
A flexible support structure to the lining which usually contains reinforcing. Has
the strength to resist the forces set up by the system pressure.
End fittings, usually metal, secured to the flexible part of the hose which allows
the hose to be secured to components etc. When secured will provide a leak-
proof joint and has provision for tightening (usually a hexagon union nut) and
locking.
The hose lining is made of a material to withstand the pressure, temperature and to be
compatible with the fluid in the system.
The hose is strengthened by high tensile steel wire braiding or fabric reinforcement.
Hose assemblies are generally designed either for specific functions or for a limited range of
functions and it is essential to ensure that only the hose specified in the Illustrated Parts
Catalogue (IPC) is fitted.
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The end fittings on a hose assembly are made from steel or light alloy and are designed to exert
a grip on both the tube and wire braids so as to resist high-pressure, twisting and vibration
loads. They also provide an electrical bond.
Length
The length of a hose assembly with straight end fittings is taken as the distance between the
extremities of the two nipples. In the case of an elbowed end fitting, the length is taken from the
centre of the elbow bore.
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The whole assembly may be enclosed by an outer cover, the purpose of which is to provide
protection for the inner parts of the hose, to resist abrasion and the effects of weather and
external fluids and chemicals, and, in some cases, to provide a degree of fire resistance.
With low-pressure hose it is important to ensure that bends are not too acute, since this may
result in kinking of the hose at the bend. Where sharp bends cannot be avoided an internal
support coil may be fitted.
Make sure that when a hose is selected it conforms to the specification as laid down in the AMM
and that it is given a visual examination for any signs of damage. When cutting the hose, it is
important to cut it to the correct length using a fine-toothed hacksaw blade (remove any
debris).
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Actual assembly of the hose and socket is carried out by holding the socket firmly in a vice and
screwing the hose into the socket until it bottoms. (Some manufacturers recommend that, after
screwing the hose fully into the socket, it should be unscrewed a quarter turn to allow for
expansion when the nipple is inserted.)
After assembly the hose should be marked with a grease pencil, paint or tape, at the point where
it enters the socket, in order to provide a means of checking that the hose is not forced out of the
socket during the subsequent insertion of the nipple. The nipple is then screwed into the socket
(and hose), torque loaded and locked (usually with locking wire).
The assembly should have a metal identification tag attached and be pressure tested (see
module 7).
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These markers identify each line's function, content, and primary hazard. Figure 77
illustrates the various colour codes and symbols used to designate the type of system
and its contents. Fluid lines are marked, in most instances with 1" tape or decals. On
lines 4" in diameter (or larger), lines in oily environment, hot lines, and on some cold
lines, steel tags may be used in place of tape or decals. Paint is used on lines in engine
compartments, where there is the possibility of tapes, decals, or tags being drawn into
the engine induction system.
Tapes and decals are generally placed on both ends of a line and at least once in each
compartment through which the line runs. In addition, identification markers are placed
immediately adjacent to each valve, regulator, filter, or other accessory within a line.
Where paint or tags are used, location requirements are the same as for tapes and
decals.
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Fluid
line identification using: (A) tape and decals and (B) metal
tags.
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* The colour/symbol system. This uses words, colours and symbols to indicate the
contents/system of the pipe. * The ATA100 code system. Based on the ATA100 chapter
numbering system of the AMM and will indicate:
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