MOLWillie
11th Dec 2008, 00:00
NTSB investigates Heathrow-like Trent 800 engine issue (http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/12/10/319956/ntsb-investigates-heathrow-like-trent-800-engine-issue.html)
Might there be an issue with the locations of the fuel/oil heat exchanger, fuel filter and return fuel lines?
Some fuel that passes through the heat exchanger that doesn't get used returns to the fuel line downstream of the fuel filter.
Ice crystal accumulation in the fuel lines could possibly move on with increasing demand from a power increase and partially clog the filter and restrict the FF to the engine.
On the Pratt and GE fuel returns before the fuel filter and aids in the melting of any ice crystals.
I'm just grasping at straws here, but the root cause must be established to prevent a repeat incident.
Might there be an issue with the locations of the fuel/oil heat exchanger, fuel filter and return fuel lines?
Some fuel that passes through the heat exchanger that doesn't get used returns to the fuel line downstream of the fuel filter.
Ice crystal accumulation in the fuel lines could possibly move on with increasing demand from a power increase and partially clog the filter and restrict the FF to the engine.
On the Pratt and GE fuel returns before the fuel filter and aids in the melting of any ice crystals.
I'm just grasping at straws here, but the root cause must be established to prevent a repeat incident.