JET FUEL THERMAL STABILITY IMPROVEMENTS THROUGH FUEL PROCESSING

摘要

The effectiveness of various refining processes in upgrading the thermal stability of aircraft turbine engine fuels has been examined. A Jet A-1 fuel was subjected to clay-treatment, desulfurization, and hydrogenation. The thermal stability of the treated and untreated fuels was determined using the Jet Fuel Thermal Oxydation Tester (JFTOT) thermal stability method. Desulfurization increased the JFTOT breakpoint by 120 to 140F, and desulfurization followed by hydrogenation increased the JFTOT breakpoint of the fuel by more than 150F. A low-aromatic JP-4 type of fuel, blended from a hydrogenated stock and a solvent-treated stock to remove aromatics, was also tested and compared to a conventional JP-4 fuel. Desulfurization, hydrogenation, clay treatment, and aromatic solvent extraction have been shown to be effective methods for upgrading the thermal stability of jet fuels.