Comparison Of Thermal Stability Characteristics Of Fischer-Tropsch And Hydroprocessed Alternative Jet Fuels In A Fixed Bed Reactor

The recent volatility in oil prices has fueled uncertainty about the world\u27s ability to meet future demands. Furthermore, the growing concern over the negative environmental impacts produced by emissions has resulted in worldwide efforts for developing renewable jet-fuel alternatives. This has led current military and civilian fuel specifications to allow the use of Fischer-Tropsch (FT) and Hydroprocessed fuels (HEFA) in blends up to 50% in volume with regular Jet-A/JP-8. On the other hand, physical properties, and the broad chemical composition, including trace elements in those fuels, may result in engine performance issues found only after extensive operation. This may result in higher maintenance and operation costs. This study presents the coking depositions of several renewable fuels after being stressed in a fixed bed reactor. This was done in an effort to assess the effects (if any) on the thermal stability of renewable fuels interacting with materials representative of state of the art aircraft systems (steel, aluminum, titanium tubing) and to determine whether the use of renewable fuels enhances thermal stability when blended, up to 50%, with oil-derived fuels. Copyright © 2013 by ASME