A320 outer tank temperatures
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3
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From: Greece
A320 outer tank temperatures
I notice always on ground and before take off a slight difference in the outer tank temperatur. On the left outer tank for example 7 deegres celcius and on the right outer tank 10 or 11 deegres. It makes a difference of about 3 to 4 deegres.
After departure and about 15 to 20 minutes flight the temperatures on both outer tanks stabilize at the same values.
Can someone explain to me why this happens?
I thank you all in advance for your replies.
After departure and about 15 to 20 minutes flight the temperatures on both outer tanks stabilize at the same values.
Can someone explain to me why this happens?
I thank you all in advance for your replies.
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: LHR
Here's a guess. The IDG cooling system dumps the hot fuel from the fuel cooled oil coolers into the outer tanks. If you start the right hand engine first (sops with most airlines) the RH IDG oil temp will reach it's dump temp before the LH and thus increase the temp of the fuel in the right outer tank. Sounds good techno waffle to me and i'm sure i'd convince most pilots that I know what i'm talking about. 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 96
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From: Sandpit
idg cooling / fuel heating normal operation ... also check out the procedure for fuel temp advisory (QRH 2.40):
Fuel temp greater than 45 degrees C in inner cell or 55 degrees C in outer cell = GALLEY p/b OFF
Fuel temp greater than 45 degrees C in inner cell or 55 degrees C in outer cell = GALLEY p/b OFF
