The QEC (Quick Engine Change) Program was developed for the Hercules
C-130 Aircraft. It enables owners & operators of the aircraft
to swap engine(s) in need of maintenance with an engine(s) that
has been overhauled and preserved. Once overhauled; an engine
must be preserved at less than 40% relative humidity to prevent
corrosion until it is ready for use.
Solution:
Heritage Packaging designed and fabricates removable; yet hermetic,
covers constructed of CEPAC HD-200 barrier material that envelop
the engine while it is mounted on a mobile engine stand. An
airtight zipper allows easy access to the engine for quick part
swaps or changing desiccants. One-way valves are installed in
the cover and allow simple interior environment evacuation and
nitrogen flushing for fast represervation.
Testing:
Prototypes were tested by preserving an engine on its mobile
stand and monitoring internal humidity levels. The preservation
process occurred as follows; cover installation; desiccant placement;
first vacuum drawn; nitrogen purging; second vacuum drawn; and
finally periodic monitoring for 180 days.
Results:
Humidity level readings were consistently below 30% with no
corrosion occurring. Thus, the covers were deemed a great success.
They provide a certified method for parties involved in maintenance,
repair, and overhaul of the aircraft to preserve engines at
a fraction of the cost of previously utilized methods. With
the HP QEC Cover System in use the mobility of the engine stand
is not compromised, thereby increasing storage options.
