The apron guidance system manages the kerosene distribution through a redundant pipeline system, transporting the kerosene with the necessary pressure.
Equipped with monitored distribution shafts spread across the airport, it enables parallel refueling via refueling connections, called pits. These pits connect the hydrant system to the refueling vehicle. The kerosene is pumped from the pipeline system into the aircraft by service vehicles (dispensers), and the amount of kerosene pumped is recorded.
The system is divided into about 200 pipeline sections, each of which can be shut off at both ends by special valves.
This topology ensures that parts of the facility can be closed without restricting the entire system. To ensure supply, the pipeline system is also designed redundantly, so that a withdrawal point can always be reached from two sides and via several routes.
The system has two different leak detection methods, which can highly accurately verify tightness through pressure and temperature observation and targeted pressure build-up and release. The variability of the kerosene pressure analogous to temperature fluctuations is taken into account.
The control room is staffed 24/7 in shifts. From the control room, the apron guidance system is managed by several redundant computers. The connection between the control room and the apron is also redundant. This ensures high system availability in all areas.
Additionally, Eckelmann automated the control system for the tank farm. Kerosene arrives via pipelines and is stored in large tanks. The introduction and removal are carried out by pumps into the apron; the pressure in the system is kept constant, and the pump performance is automatically adjusted as needed.