Russian engineering student Andrei Ponomariov invented a laser sensor that alerts the presence of water in jet fuel, which would prevent air catastrophes, the Korolyov University of Samara reported today.

Moscow.- According to the student, the laser system sweeps the fuel during refueling to look for traces of water, and if it detects a drop of water, an alarm is triggered, according to the University press release.

"When fueling the aircraft, the presence of water in the fuel must be strictly controlled, because a certain amount of water comes from the environment, it can also come from condensation on the walls of the fuel tank."

"During the flight, at altitude, the environmental temperature drops below zero degrees, and water droplets in the kerosene can form ice crystals, which clog the aircraft fueling system."

"This can lead to engine failures and be the cause of an air catastrophe," Ponomariov explained.

The sensor will be installed on stationary or mobile refueling equipment at airports.

For its part, Samara University, one of Russia’s most prestigious universities, stressed that the project will be completed in the next two years. (PL)