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View Full Version : A320 Fuel tank inerting system old and new


Manual Pitch Trim
24th Oct 2021, 18:31
1) A question for the engineers fuel tank inerting systems (FTIS) have or have not been not retrofitted to all older Airbus based on the FAA FUEL TANK FLAMMABILITY REDUCTION MEANS advisory circular?
The FAA cancelled the circular right and some older Airbus have not had FTIS installed, right? Or not?
Also the newer A320 have FTIS installed but the older do not and have not all been retrofitted? The A320 Fuel tank inerting system is a MEL Category C.

2) Also someone could please explain why there exist bleed air filtration systems for FTIS systems yet we do not have filtration systems for cabin air that crew and passengers?

From the Airbus webpage

“On July 21th, 2008, the FAA required operators and manufacturers to incorporate a Flammability Reduction Means (FRM) or ignition mitigation means on fuel tanks having a flammability exposure exceeding certain thresholds. These amendments affect new aircraft types, new aircraft in production and in-service aircraft produced after January 1st, 1992.

The system is fitted as standard on line fit aircraft today.

The FAA were the first authority to propose a mandate for In Service aircraft and this was subsequently followed by other local authorities. The Chinese authorities also now require full fleet compliance by 2024.

The sytem conditions air from the engine bleed prior to passing it through an Inert Gas Generating System before entry into the aircraft Centre Fuel Tank.

Airbus Services proposes flexible retrofit arrangements:

Airline engagement for aircraft ship set deliveries per month with flexible selection of aircraft MSNs
Material dispatched on demand limiting storage cost
Material delivered per MSN, with customised delivery address allowing flexible MRO selection for the airline.
Three independent SBs to allow embodiment of Systems provisions, Structural provisions and FTIS installation and activation.”

The FAA advisory circular link

Uplinker
30th Oct 2021, 11:08
2). I was told that the Airbus aircon systems can have filters fitted but:

a. to save money, many don't bother.

b. if they are fitted, they clog up - reducing performance and increasing noise. Some A320 flight decks are very noisy from the fans forcing air through clogged filters.

Don't know if this is true, but it's what I was told.