Comparison of Combustion Properties Between a Synthetic Jet Fuel and Conventional Jet A1

Aviation fuel is a petroleum product that fulfills the Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels. Crude oil has been the raw material for production of aviation fuels for many years. Since the availability of crude oil is predicted to be limited in the future, alternative raw materials for aviation fuels are highly desirable. A Swedish company, Oroboros AB, has developed a novel clean synthetic jet fuel, LeanJet®. The fuel is produced synthetically from synthesis gas (Syngas) by the Fischer-Tropsch process. A comparative experimental investigation of combustion properties has been performed, comparing the synthetic jet fuel with Jet A1. The following parameters were investigated in an atmospheric combustor, which was originally designed for a Volvo Aero turbine (VT40): • Emissions of NOx, CO and HC; • Ignition and extinction points; • Liner temperatures; • Soot levels in the combustor. The emission measurements showed good combustion efficiency with low HC and CO for both fuels. With very lean mixtures, however, both the CO and the HC levels increased for the synthetic fuel. The nitrous oxides for the synthetic jet fuel were reduced over the operation conditions investigated. Qualitative reduction of soot levels was also seen for the synthetic jet fuel. The fuels showed no difference in material temperature along the combustor wall. Small differences in ignition characteristics were found, but no differences in extinction were observed.