recuperater

recuperater

recuperaterA component of an aircraft fuel system normally fitted in the fuel tank to ensure a feed of fuel under negative g conditions in the aircraft. It contains air at a slightly lower pressure than the booster pump pressure. In normal flights, fuel is forced into this recuperater by the booster pump. When the aircraft is inverted, the booster pump is no longer immersed in fuel and is unable to pump the fuel. This task is done by the air pressure in the recuperater, which forces the fuel into the engine. A recuperater normally permits flying under negative g conditions for varying periods between 15 and 30s.