Emissions Reduction by Catalytic Reformulation of Jet Fuel

摘要

Many of the naval bases proposed to accept deployment of the Joint Strike Fighter are in non-attainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for the emissions of ozone precursors: oxides of nitrogen (NO(x)) and reactive volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The emissions of particulate matter including soot are also a concern. The Navy would benefit from a cleaner fuel so that high performance engines can run cleaner and criteria pollutants in the exhaust, regulated by the Clean Air Act, will be reduced. This project undertook demonstration of an innovative catalyst with potential to reformulate jet fuel to result in reduced emissions from gas turbine engines. Phase I work completed emissions measurements from a modular, atmospheric combustor, and a 3,300 lb thrust gas turbine engine. For both, jet fuel went through an exposure period to catalyst in the fuel storage tank before testing, and in-line canisters of catalyst were also tested. Emissions measurements were performed for sequential firing with untreated and treated fuels. Gas phase data from the atmospheric combustor (Jet-A and JP-8 fuels) and the turbine engine (Jet-A fuel) showed no measurable benefit in emissions reduction by any of the catalyst formulations tested. Smoke number data from the turbine engine also showed no measurable benefit, but the low smoke condition may have prevented conclusive observation.