Abstract: A method of removing water (7) from a fuel tank (2) using a water scavenging line (4) which has an inlet (6) immersed in the water and an outlet (5) coupled to a water tank (3). The method comprises filling the fuel tank with fuel (30) whereby the fuel exerts hydrostatic pressure on the water, the hydrostatic pressure driving the water up the water scavengingline against the force of gravity and into the water tank. The use of hydrostatic pressure provides an automatic and relatively simple method of extracting the water from the bottom of the fuel tank. The water tank enables the extracted water to be stored for disposal at a later time, typically by feeding the water into an engine.

Abstract: A fuel pumping and water scavenging system for pumping fuel from a fuel tank towards an engine, the system comprising: first and second fuel pumps each having a pump inlet for collecting fuel from the fuel tank; and a water scavenging line coupling a water inlet to the pump inlet of the first pump. The first pump is configured to pump fuel towards the engine at a higher rate than the second pump, unless the first pump fails. A method of removing water from an aircraft fuel tank, the method comprising collecting water from a pool at the bottom of the fuel tank during take off or climb and feeding the water to an engine of the aircraft.

Abstract: A water scavenging system (1) for removing water from an aircraft fuel tank (2), the water scavenging system comprising: a water line (10); and a valve (20) which is configured to control the flow of water in the water line in response to a change in an effective angle of the valve. In use, the valve opens automatically in response to an increase in the effective pitch of the aircraft during take off and climb. The valve comprises: a pendulum (40); and a valve closure member (46) which is coupled to the pendulum such that a change in the angular position of the pendulum relative to the water line causes the valve closure member to move from a closed position in which the valve closure member impedes the flow of water in the water line to an open position in which water can flow through the valve.

Abstract: A fuel system comprising: a fuel line coupled to an engine; a fuel pump having an inlet coupled to a fuel tank and an outlet coupled to the fuel line; and a water scavenging system having an inlet for collecting water and an outlet coupled to the fuel line in parallel with the pump. The water scavenging system is powered by the hydraulic action of fuel in the fuel line using for example a venturi arrangement or a motor/pump combination.

Abstract: engine, the system comprising: first and second fuel pumps each having a pump inlet for collecting fuel from the fuel tank; and a water scavenging line coupling a water inlet to the pump inlet of the first pump. The first pump is configured to pump fuel towards the engine at a higher rate than the second pump, unless the first pump fails. A method of removing water from an aircraft fuel tank, the method comprising collecting water from a pool at the bottom of the fuel tank during take off or climb and feeding the water to an engine of the aircraft.

Abstract: A water scavenging system (1) for removing water from an aircraft fuel tank (2), the water scavenging system comprising: a water line (10); and a valve (20) which is configured to control the flow of water in the water line in response to a change in an effective angle of the valve. In use, the valve opens automatically in response to an increase in the effective pitch of the aircraft during take off and climb. The valve comprises: a pendulum (40); and a valve closure member (46) which is coupled to the pendulum such that a change in the angular position of the pendulum relative to the water line causes the valve closure member to move from a closed position in which the valve closure member impedes the flow of water in the water line to an open position in which water can flow through the valve.

Abstract: A fuel system comprising: a fuel line coupled to an engine; a fuel pump having an inlet coupled to a fuel tank and an outlet coupled to the fuel line; and a water scavenging system having an inlet for collecting water and an outlet coupled to the fuel line in parallel with the pump. The water scavenging system is powered by the hydraulic action of fuel in the fuel line using for example a venturi arrangement or a motor/pump combination.

Abstract: A method of removing water (7) from a fuel tank (2) using a water scavenging line (4) which has an inlet (6) immersed in the water and an outlet (5) coupled to a water tank (3). The method comprises filling the fuel tank with fuel (30) whereby the fuel exerts hydrostatic pressure on the water, the hydrostatic pressure driving the water up the water scavengingline against the force of gravity and into the water tank. The use of hydrostatic pressure provides an automatic and relatively simple method of extracting the water from the bottom of the fuel tank. The water tank enables the extracted water to be stored for disposal at a later time, typically by feeding the water into an engine.