😬 Is it possible to freeze your fuel lines on airplanes?!?!?
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GFS says air at 40,000ft (they are at 39,000ft, flight level 390) is -65C.
To get down to warmer than 37C, they have to descend to somewhere slightly above 23,000ft, it appears.
So that must mean airplanes in polar vortexes/Canada/etc. must have to fly much lower in winter? (interesting)
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@ai6yr they would likely use Jet B, or an additive package to ensure the fuel flows at the expected temperature
Socializing with a B-52 fuels guy in North Dakota for 8 years has its trivia hazards
@ai6yr The fuel can gel, but it’s more likely condensed water freezing in the lines. They usually add a fuel additive called “Prist” which is like “Heet” for gasoline engines.
Water condensing in fuel tanks has been a very common issue in planes forever. There’s frequently a low point(s) in the system where water is regularly drained off.
https://www.univarsolutions.com/suppliers/pristaerospace/prist-anti-icing-fuel-additive
from the time i froze my radiator solid going 80 on the expressway, even with only "radiator fluid" in it.
guessing that there is probably still enough water in the fuel to freeze and clog the fuel line if it's cold enough...
@ai6yr it gets cold up there, insanely cold!
I don't the original source for this, but this says 737-6/900 can go down to -43C before fuel freezes... so they are not far from there for sure. 🤯 Brrrrrr
https://www.scribd.com/document/834566484/Boeing-737-Limitations
#aviation