Fuel imbalance 320

[Speedwinner]

Hello folks,

How about fuel balancing of the 320 in case of engine out. Do you know we have a procedure there?

Thanks!

[Dan Winterland]

We used to, but stopped as the Airbus way is to let it feed out of the live engine side and then balance when the ECAM warning triggers.

[safelife]

Exactly that. Opening the crossfeed valve with all pumps on will have unpredictable results. Because the pumps don't necessarily output the same pressure.
The ECAM procedure as adjusted accordingly.

[FlightDetent]

How come for 25 years it was ok to open X-feed at 600' AFE, and the aircraft had been certified this way with multiple authorities.

And now, we're supposed to wait until only 750 kg is left for the only live engine? How much more than 1/2 of the minimum takeoff fuel is that, exactly? Or perhaps the pendulum did swing too far...

FD.

[Goldenrivett]

Hi safelife,
Opening the crossfeed valve with all pumps on will have unpredictable results. Because the pumps don't necessarily output the same pressure.
Keeping the cross feed valve closed will definitely ensure the fuel is used asymmetrically. How can opening the valve make it any worse?

[Uplinker]

In the case of one engine out, you have to be damn sure that there is no fuel leak on the dead engine side before opening the crossfeed. The reason for the engine failure might be a broken fuel pipe, so by opening the crossfeed, all your fuel could leak overboard out of the broken pipe. Ask the ?Air Transat A330 guys. :ooh:

[Goldenrivett]

you have to be damn sure that there is no fuel leak on the dead engine side before opening the crossfeed
Very true. That's why there is a procedure to check there is no fuel leak before opening the cross feed valve.

[Gryphon]

Well, as far as I know we still do have a Fuel imbalance procedure in the QRH (Abnormal 28.01A), and the ECAM Engine Shutdown procedure associated to an engine failure will say: IF NO FUEL LEAK….....Imbalance Monitor.
So, what am I missing here?

[Goldenrivett]

Hi Gryphon,
what am I missing here?
Pro-active fuel management when work load is low, rather than re-active fuel balancing when work load may be higher.

See use of FUEL X FEED in QRH Fuel Leak procedure once no leak is confirmed:
"The crossfeed valves can now be opened to re-balance fuel quantity, or to enable use of fuel from both wings."

[Gryphon]

Hi!
Perfect! Then, can you please asked the initial question again, and explain posts #2, 3 & 4?
Thanks!