Cavotec Launches Fueling Element To '3 Gate' Concept

Oct. 14, 2013
Cavotec also showcased its sub-freezing PCAir system that is capable of cooling the largest passenger aircraft in service today far faster than conventional alternatives.

Global engineering group Cavotec has launched a new fueling element to its innovative "3 Gate" concept during this week’s Inter Airport Europe exhibition in Germany, making the E3 Gate one of the most uniquely integrated aircraft servicing systems available anywhere in the world.

Cavotec’s 3 Gate – so called because it is designed to deliver optimal performance in Ergonomics, Economy and the Environment – supplies parked aircraft with 400Hz power, PCAir, blue and potable water and sewage – and now fuel – via underground pit systems. This makes for an uncluttered tarmac around aircraft, thus improving safety and operational efficiency.

“By using Cavotec’s fully integrated 3 Gate, airports can reduce their capital investment, reduce the risk of collision between mobile GSE and aircraft, and have far simpler servicing routines,” says Yann Duclot, Cavotec Group Manager, Sales and Marketing.

During Inter Airport Europe, one of the aviation industry’s largest and well-attended events, Cavotec staff were on hand to demonstrate how many of the Group’s in-ground fueling systems – fuel hydrant pits and valves, high point vents, low drain points, pop-up pantographs, and fuel hydrant carts – can be integrated with the 3 Gate.

The Group’s pop-up pantograph systems support safer and faster fueling, and Cavotec’s “Easy Lift” design also makes one-man operation easy.

Cavotec’s fueling systems also include loading arms, tank farm systems, floating suction arms and truck loading systems; and they are used at a variety of applications worldwide. Cavotec 3 Fueling has been developed to support the aviation industry’s on-going efforts to improve refueling operations, and to reduce the potential risk to ground staff safety involved with this critical ground operation.

Cavotec also showcased its sub-freezing PCAir system that is capable of cooling the largest passenger aircraft in service today far faster than conventional alternatives, even in ambient temperatures of 45°C. Eighteen such systems have been in operation at Bahrain International Airport since 2011.

Cavotec has also applied the 3 Gate concept to its offering for ports that incorporates automated mooring for ships, shore power systems and radio remote controls.

In addition to the 3 Gate concept, Cavotec is a leading system designer and integrator. Working closely with airports, airlines and industry bodies, the Group manufactures a diverse range of advanced ground support equipment including 400Hz power supply, pre-conditioned air, refueling and wet services systems, housed in underground pits, tunnel systems and mobile ground units.

Cavotec is a leading global engineering group, developing innovative technologies that enable the maritime, airports, mining and tunneling, and general industry sectors to operate productively and sustainably.