High Performance Filter Features Barrier Filtration

Aerospace Filtration Systems, Inc. (AFS) told ANN this week the company has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from Transport Canada (TC) for an Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) system for Bell 205A1 helicopters.

The approvals clear the way for Canadian operators of Bell 205A1s to maximize engine protection while reaping performance and maintenance benefits from proven technology. The system also can be used by UH-1H operators and 205A1++ operators flying utility and firefighting missions, AFS officials said.

The IBF system for Bell 205A1s features flat filter assemblies and an integral bypass design. The filters can be replaced easily without removal of any other components in just 15 minutes. An integral maintenance aid allows for on-condition maintenance between established cleaning intervals, eliminating unnecessary service. No restrictions are imposed for flight in falling or blowing snow or with visible moisture in non icing conditions. The system is already being used in the harshest desert environments of Afghanistan by the US Department of State on its UH-1H Huey IIs.

Barrier filtration systems filter out more than 99 percent of dirt and sand, offering enhanced engine performance when compared to traditional particle separators, delivering more engine temperature margin (thus more load-carrying capacity), and providing a greater margin of safety. Barrier filter technology applied to turbine engine inlets provides a substantial return on investment (ROI) for operators, plus performance improvements on many platforms. In most cases, turbine engine components are life-limited parts, but seldom reach their design lives. With a barrier filter installed, this expensive component is able to survive multiple overhauls. The ROI for a barrier filter system is easily attained within one engine overhaul cycle, even in a relatively clean environment.

AFS manufactures high-performance engine IBF systems for commercial and military propulsion systems. AFS manufactures certified IBF solutions for the AgustaWestland A119 Koala, Bell 205A1, 206B, 407, 206L-3/4, 206L-1(C30), MD Helicopters MD 369 (MD 500H/D/E/F Series), and Eurocopter AS 350 B/BA/B1/B2/B3 (AS 350D/SD/SD2-Soloy STC). IBF systems for the Eurocopter EC 130, MD 900/902 Explorer and Bell 212/412 are in development, with US FAA certification expected in 2007.

FMI: www.afsfilters.com/