An Aerometals engineer runs a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation for an IBF design. Photo: Lyn Burks
One common concern of operators is what happens if flight is undertaken through an extremely contaminated area that results in a high rate of contamination buildup on the filter. IBF Systems utilize pressure sensors to monitor blockage of the filter in real time. Holland says, “The system will indicate to the pilot when it is time to open the bypass doors, prior to an unsafe condition occurring. At that point, bypass airflow is provided to the engine resulting in power recovery to continue the mission. In contrast, an unfiltered engine that has degraded due to operating in an extremely contaminated area has no means of power recovery.”
