Safer nitrogen tire inflation system available

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty of Corona, Calif., has entered an exclusive arrangement with Gentco to market that company’s new nitrogen tire inflation system.

“Aircraft tires involve complex production procedures and are operated in severe conditions,” an Aircraft Spruce & Specialty spokesman said. “The FAA, and a number of tire manufacturers, recommends using nitrogen for inflation because it’s
a totally inert gas that will not support corrosion or oxidation in aircraft wheels and tires. Since compressed nitrogen has a larger gas molecule than compressed air it has the additional advantage of inhibiting tire pressure reduction.”

The GKNAT20-TC is a 20 cu ft high-pressure nitrogen tank (supplied empty) with a stand, six-foot hose, pressure-reducing single-stage regulator and a tire inflator with a dial pressure gauge that can be reset. The system is also offered in a 40-cu-ft model. They sell complete for $247 and $329 respectively.