The Portapump unit is a rugged, all-weather fuel pump designed for the rapid fuelling or defuelling of all types of aircraft or vehicles using jet A1 or diesel with a flash point above 37oC. The Portapump is designed to be easily transported by aircraft, helicopter or vehicle.
Able to be carried by one man, the Portapump uses a powerful 24–28 volt DC motor direct coupled to a high-speed pump with phosphor bronze sliding vanes. The power source can be any 24/28 volt supply such as a portable GPU, vehicle battery or aircraft DC bus. Alternatively a 110/220 volt domestic mains supply can be used with a DC voltage converter.
The pump and filter assembly is housed within a stainless steel tubular space frame. All pipework and fittings are alloy or stainless steel with ‘Cam-loc’ quick release fittings to give rapid connect/disconnect of inlet and outlet hoses
The Portapump will filter contaminated fuel to 3 microns solids, and 2 parts per million water. Fuel drums or containers that would otherwise require a settling period after transport to allow fuel/water separation can be pumped immediately. Fuel drained from aircraft, vehicles or plant that would otherwise be discarded can safely be re-used once passed though the Portapump.
Controls comprise three warning LEDs to alert the operator to the status of the system. When fuel flow is shut off at the nozzle by the operator, a ‘back pressure’ switch automatically switches off the pump, leaving the system in ‘standby’ mode, indicated by a red warning LED.
Opening the fuel delivery nozzle causes pressure to drop and the pump to restart, confirmed by green LED. A warning amber LED indicates when the pump is receiving DC power, waiting for the nozzle to be opened to instantly continue fuel delivery. A resettable circuit breaker and internal thermistor protect the pump motor against overload and overheating.
Pump rotation is protected by an audible alarm that sounds if the 28 volt DC input is connected incorrectly. An inlet non-return valve prevents drain-back (siphoning) and maintains the back pressure to allow activation of the pressure-operated switch that shuts off the pump motor.
A non-return valve and coarse filter are mounted in a unique detachable cartridge which can be removed for inspection without tools.
Filter status is indicated by the differential pressure gauge mounted on the stainless steel control panel. Normal pumping is indicated by a reading of approximately 5 PSI on the gauge. Progressive filter blocking is indicated by a gradual rise in differential pressure. At approximately 15 PSI the coalescer filter cartridge should be removed and replaced if necessary. A drain tap is fitted to allow any collected water to be removed daily.