Ecology Bottles
During my first G500 exterior preflight, while standing in the right main gear wheel well, I noticed a bottle labeled “HYD SYS ECOLOGY BOTTLE.” I didn’t recall learning about it in pilot initial, so, naturally I was curious. Then, while conducting the Tail Compartment inspection, I spotted another. A Planebook and FSI Training App search revealed no results. Turning to the Maintenance Manuals and Maintenance Training Manuals, I found the answers I sought. If you’re like me, and like to know about such things, read on:
GVII-G500 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION MANUAL
1.2.1.11 Ecology Bottle
The hydraulic ecology bottles are located in the main wheel well and in the tail compartment. The main wheel well hydraulic ecology bottle is on the forward right side of the torque box, forward of the forward gear door actuator horn fitting. The tail compartment hydraulic ecology bottle is on the forward side of the PTU bracket forward of the FQI.
The main wheel well bottle collects overflow hydraulic fluid from the flap drive unit case drain, which is drained periodically during maintenance. The tail compartment bottle collects overflow hydraulic fluid from the reservoirs, auxiliary pump and PTU. Both bottles are identical and have a nylon drain tube.
MAIN WHEEL WELL ECOLOGY BOTTLE -
27-00-00: FLIGHT CONTROLS – General Data, Revision 1, December 15/18
The PDU contains a case drain port, for cooling and lubrication of the hydraulic motor. This fluid is ported back to the system return through the HCM. An external PDU motor seep drain is located on the bottom of the hydraulic motor and is connected with a tube to an ecology bottle located on the right side of the torque box.
GVII-G500 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE MANAUL
20-30-01: Hydraulic System Components – Leakage Limits, Basic Issue, July 20/18
Ecology bottle (flap power drive unit), Right main wheel well - Check for presence of fluid
If the fluid level is more than the midpoint of the bottle, the fluid must be removed and noted accordingly. Upon a subsequent inspection, if the level is more than the midpoint, refer to the allowable leakage rate for the flap power drive unit.
TAIL COMPARTMENT ECOLOGY BOTTLE -
GULFSTREAM G500/G600 MAINTENANCE TRAINING MANUAL:
Scupper Drain Lines
The scupper drain lines provide a path for a possible hydraulic leak or seep to be contained in an ecology bottle located below the PTU shelf. Scupper drain lines are clear nylon so that a hydraulic leak or seep can be readily detected.
Scupper drain lines are installed at the following locations:
Reservoir bootstrap pressure port
Dry chamber of reservoir (Backside of the pressure piston)
Aux Pump seal drain
PTU Pump seal drain
GVII-G500 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE MANUAL:
Ecology bottle (left / right hydraulic system reservoirs, auxiliary hydraulic pump and PTU), Tail compartment - Check for presence of fluid
If the fluid level is more than the midpoint of the bottle, the fluid must be removed and noted accordingly. Upon subsequent inspection, if the level is more than the midpoint, refer to the allowable leakage rate for the left / right hydraulic system reservoirs, auxiliary hydraulic pump and PTU.