Thermal Degradation Process of Semi-Synthetic Fuels for Gas Turbine Engines in Non-Aeronautical Applications

This article concerns the issue of thermal degradation process of fuels, important from the perspective of the operation of turbine engines, especially in the context of new fuels/bio-fuels and their implementation. The studies of the kerosene-based jet fuel (Jet A-1) and its blends with synthetic components manufactured according to HEFA and ATJ technology, were presented. Both technologies are currently approved by ASTM D7566 to produce components to be added to turbine fuels. Test rig investigations were carried out according to specific methodology which reflects the phenomena taking place in fuel systems of turbine engines. The mechanism of thermal degradation process was assessed on the basis of test results for selected properties, IR spectroscopy and calculation of activation energy. The results show that with the increase of the applied temperature there is an increment of the content of solid contaminants, water and acid for all tested fuels. Thermal degradation process is different for conventional jet fuel when compared to blends, but also semi-synthetic fuels distinguished by different thermal stability depending on a given manufacturing technology.