What Are Aircraft Engine Shipping Containers?

Aircraft engines serve as the power components of aircraft propulsion systems, most of which are of the piston or gas turbine variety. In general, most modern aircraft are powered by the latter, operating by passing air through a series of stages. These stages consist of compressing, igniting, and expelling gasses within the engine to create a high-pressure exhaust utilized to drive rotating engine parts and produce thrust.

Because of the important role that aircraft engines fulfill, including the fact that without them, aircraft would not work properly, they must be amply protected when they are being transported. For protection, engines are usually sealed in plastic or foil envelopes, and they can be packed in a wooden shipping case or pressurized metal container. In either case, such methods ensure that engines remain safe and in working condition.

Generally, the engine is lowered into a shipping container in a way that guarantees the mounting plate can be bolted into a secure position. Meanwhile, the protective envelope is affixed directly to the base of the shipping case. In instances where the carburetor is not mounted on its reciprocating engine, it can be fastened to a specially designed platform that is bolted to the engine.

Before the protective envelope can be sealed, the engine must be lubricated with a silica gel to dehydrate any remaining air sealed within the envelope. Keep in mind that the amount of silica gel utilized is determined by the size of the engine. Once sufficient lubrication has been achieved, the protective envelope can be blanketed around the engine and partially sealed, leaving just enough clearance at one end so that plenty of air is exhausted. To detect any leaks in the envelope, a vacuum can be applied during this process. Finally, the edges of the envelope can be fused together using heat.

A quick inspection of the engine should be carried out before lowering the shipping case cover over it. First, be sure the humidity indicator card is situated in a way that ensures it can be seen through the inspection window and that all the required components are enclosed in the container. Moreover, when lowering the wooden shipping case cover into position, one must be sure that it does not twist and tear the protective envelope. Additionally, do not forget to secure the cover, mark the date of preservation on the case, and indicate whether the engine is serviceable.

There are a few main types of shipping containers on the market; for instance, one variation allows for the horizontal installation of the engine, eliminating the need for an extra hoist. With this type, the engine can be lowered onto the base portion of the container and secured with ease. Silica gel bags can then be packed into the container, usually in a specialized section.

It is important to note that the quantity of silica gel required in a metal container is greater than that needed in a wooden shipping case, as the volume of air in the metal container is greater than in the protective envelope installed around the engine in a wooden shipping case. More than that, in metal containers, the silica gel bags must be able to dehydrate the interior of the engine, as the ventilatory plugs are typically installed in the engine openings instead of dehydrator plugs. Furthermore, all engine records and logs must be enclosed within the shipping container or on the exterior for easy access.

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1. rafael goodwin
2. Posted on January 18, 2023
aviation

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