Development and evaluation of additives to inhibit oxidative deposition of jet fuels

摘要

Jet fuel is not only the propellant, but also the primary coolant for many aircraft engines and airframes. With the development of next-generation propulsion systems, both the maximum heat flux and the overall bulk temperature that the fuel will experience will the significantly increased as compared to current standards. This poses a significant problem since current fuels can begin autoxidize at temperatures as low as 300 deg F. This oxidation can result in the formation of undesirable carbonaceous deposits in both the fuel transfer and injection systems that can lead to increased maintenance as well as possible mechanical failure of the aircraft. Although it is possible to use specialty fuels that are less prone to deposit formation, it is not an economically desirable approach. Therefore, efforts are underway to develop additives, that when added at low concentrations to conventional jet fuels, enhance the thermal stability of the fuel.