PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - 737 Max version can transfer fuel using cabin pressure
Old 30th Dec 2017, 08:36
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A and C
 
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Pdr1

The answer is “ partly “ the fuel tanks are kept at slightly above ambient pressure, a NACA duct is installed under each wing ( outboard ) to apply air pressure into the vent /surge system.

This has a number of functions, it prevents cavitation in the boost pumps and in the event of a double boost pump failure helps the main tanks to gravity feed.

Some how with temperatures in the range of -40c I can’t see anything boiling off, in fact the most likely fuel issue at altitude is waxing of the fuel if the temperature goes below about -45c, this can cause blockage of the fuel filters.

The later B737NG Aircraft also have a system to increase the nitrogen levels in the fuel tanks, this is intended to reduce the ( very unlikely ) risk of explosion. The risk of this is highest on a hot day when the centre tank is almost empty.
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