What is Motive Flow in an Aircraft Fuel System?

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SUMMARY

Motive flow in an aircraft fuel system refers to the use of fuel to pump fuel, primarily for transferring fuel between tanks. Two main types of motive flow pumps are utilized: ejector pumps, which employ the venturi effect, and turbine pumps, which use high-pressure motive flow to drive a turbine for fuel movement. These systems are lightweight and simpler than mechanically driven transfer pumps, allowing for efficient cycling of fuel that is not consumed back into the tanks.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of aircraft fuel systems
  • Knowledge of ejector and turbine pump mechanisms
  • Familiarity with the venturi effect
  • Basic principles of fluid dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the operation of ejector pumps in aviation fuel systems
  • Explore turbine pump technology and its applications in aircraft
  • Study the venturi effect and its implications in fluid transfer
  • Investigate the advantages of motive flow systems over mechanical pumps
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, aircraft maintenance technicians, and anyone involved in the design or maintenance of aircraft fuel systems will benefit from this discussion.

sureshav1
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Hi,

Could someone explain what is a motive flow in the aircraft fuel system?

Thanks,
Suresh
 
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Basically it uses fuel to pump fuel. We have a couple different types of motive flow pumps in my jet: ejector, and turbine. Ejector motive pumps use the venturi effect to transfer fuel, using high pressure motive flow
Ejector_or_Injector.png

Turbine type motive flow pumps use that same high pressure motive flow to drive a turbine which moves fuel from one tank to another.

In general, motive flow is used in fuel transfer between tanks in an aircraft. They are lightweight and relatively simple systems in comparison to using mechanically driven transfer pumps at all the tank interfaces. It is all the same fuel being used for engine feed, and motive flow, but fuel that isn't being consumed is regularly cycled through the motive flow circuit, and then back into the tanks.
 

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