What are the standards and regulations around synthesised aviation fuel?
A summary of the ASTM D7566 – 22a - What are the standards and regulations for synthesised aviation fuel?
The aviation industry relies on high-quality jet fuel to ensure the safe and efficient operation of aircraft. To meet the evolving needs of the industry and address environmental concerns, the ASTM International developed the standard specification D7566 − 22a. This specification outlines the requirements for aviation turbine fuel containing synthesised hydrocarbons, offering an alternative to conventional fuels. This article provides an overview of the contents of the fuel, the testing process, and a detailed analysis of the requirements for aviation turbine fuels containing synthesised hydrocarbons that Avioxx is planning to follow.
Overview of Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesised Hydrocarbons.
Aviation turbine fuel containing synthesised hydrocarbons, as defined in ASTM D7566 − 22a, refers to fuel blends that incorporate hydrocarbons derived from alternative sources. These sources can include coal, natural gas, biomass, fatty acid esters, and hydrogenated fats, oils and in Avioxx’s case waste materials such as municipal waste.
With the patented Avioxx process, the hydrogen and carbon is extracted from these materials and using various steps produces synthesised fuel in line with the specification defined within the ASTM D7566.
The fuel is produced through processes such as gasification, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, hydrothermal conversion, and hydroprocessing. By utilising synthesised hydrocarbons, this fuel aims to reduce reliance on conventional sources and promote sustainability in the aviation industry.
Importance of Testing Aviation Turbine Fuel
To ensure the quality and safety of aviation turbine fuel containing synthesised hydrocarbons, rigorous testing procedures are necessary. The testing process involves assessing various properties and characteristics of the fuel, including its chemical composition, physical properties, and performance attributes. Compliance with the detailed requirements outlined in ASTM D7566 − 22a is critical to confirm that the fuel meets the necessary standards for aviation applications.
These high standards also ensure safety for aircraft and its passengers. Because the back end of our process uses the standard Fischer-Tropshe reactor – a well-established process, the output quality of the fuel is easier to test and demonstrate. The key complexity to the Avioxx process is sourcing and preparation of the feedstock material.
Detailed Requirements of Aviation Turbine Fuels Containing Synthesised Hydrocarbons.
ASTM D7566 − 22a provides specific requirements that aviation turbine fuels containing synthesised hydrocarbons must meet. These requirements cover a wide range of aspects, including fuel composition, physical properties, chemical properties, and performance characteristics. Here are some key elements of the detailed requirements.
1. Composition
The fuel composition is defined in terms of blending components and their respective volume percentages. The specification allows for blending conventional hydrocarbons with synthetic blending components defined in Annex A1 to Annex A7. The volume ratios of these components in the final fuel blend must adhere to the specified limits.
2. Physical Properties
Physical properties such as density, freezing point, flash point, and viscosity are critical for ensuring safe and efficient fuel operation. ASTM D7566 − 22a sets specific limits for these properties, ensuring that the fuel meets the required standards.
3. Chemical Properties
The chemical properties of aviation turbine fuel containing synthesised hydrocarbons include limits on impurities and contaminants such as sulphur, aromatics, water, and trace materials. These limits are crucial to maintain the fuel's quality, prevent corrosion, and minimize environmental impact.
4. Performance Characteristics
Performance characteristics of the fuel, such as thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and lubricity, are also assessed. These characteristics ensure that the fuel performs optimally and does not cause any detrimental effects on aircraft engines and components.
5. Testing Process
The testing process for aviation turbine fuel containing synthesised hydrocarbons involves using ASTM-approved test methods. These methods provide accurate and reliable measurements of various fuel properties. Test results must conform to the maximum and minimum values specified in ASTM D7566 − 22a. The precision of the test methods is not considered when determining compliance.
6. Summary
Aviation turbine fuel containing synthesised hydrocarbons, as outlined in ASTM D7566 − 22a, presents an alternative and more sustainable fuel option for the aviation industry. Compliance with the detailed requirements of this standard is crucial to ensure the fuel's quality, safety, and performance. By setting specific limits for fuel composition, physical properties, chemical properties, and performance characteristics, the standard helps maintain consistent quality and compatibility with aircraft engines. Rigorous testing procedures using approved test methods are essential to verify compliance with the standard and ensure the fuel's suitability for aviation applications.
In summary, ASTM D7566 − 22a plays a crucial role in standardising the specification for aviation turbine fuel containing synthesised hydrocarbons. This specification provides the aviation industry with an alternative fuel option that promotes sustainability while meeting the necessary performance requirements. By adhering to the detailed requirements and conducting thorough testing, the industry can embrace this fuel and contribute to a greener future for aviation.