Bartosz Gawron

Butanol/Biobutanol as a component of an aviation and diesel fuel

This paper describes the analysis and conclusions regarding the use of butanol/biobutanol as a component of – biobutanol is interesting as biocomponent of gasoline, diesel fuel as well as aviation fuels. This is especially important in case of air transport, which is the carbon dioxide emission source of the fastest growth. gasoline, including aviation ones, but there are no information about biobutanol added to mineral Jet fuel as well as diesel fuel. Direction of research conducted by leading aviation companies indicates that hydrocarbon biocomponent will be main biofuel used as aviation turbine fuel. One of reported technology is focused on use of butane-1-ol as semi-finished products for isoparaffinic hydrocarbons generation that then would be used for aviation turbine fuels production. In order to do such analysis the preliminary lab testing of blends of butanol isomers with aviation fuel Jet A-1 and diesel fuel were performed. The paper contains the results of standard tests for blends of mineral fuels with butane-1-ol and butane-2-ol added in concentration of 0-20 % regarding the use of such component of mineral fuels are pr significantly influence on conductivity of Jet fuel. In case of aviation fuel for turbine engines, and diesel fuel, the restrictions regarding direct use of butanol are important. However, butanol can be treated as semi-finished material for synthesizing of biohydrocarbons used in above applications.

The laboratory test rig with miniature jet engine to research aviation fuels combustion process

Abstract This article presents laboratory test rig with a miniature turbojet engine (MiniJETRig – Miniature Jet Engine Test Rig), that was built in the Air Force Institute of Technology. The test rig has been developed for research and development works aimed at modelling and investigating processes and phenomena occurring in full scale jet engines. In the article construction of a test rig is described, with a brief discussion on the functionality of each of its main components. Additionally examples of measurement results obtained during the realization of the initial tests have been included, presenting the capabilities of the test rig.

Performance and emission characteristic of miniature turbojet engine FED Jet A-1/alcohol blend

This paper presents differences between fossil fuel (Jet A-1) and alcohol/Jet A-1 blend, during combustion process using laboratory test rig with miniature turbojet engine (MiniJETRig). The test rig has been created in Air Force Institute of Technology for research and development works aimed at alternative fuels for aviation. Fuel from different feedstock (non-fossil sources) is introduced into market due to ecological aspects, fuel price stability and energy security. Application of alcohol to propel aircraft has started form using a blend of aviation gasoline with ethanol in spark-ignited internal-combustion engines. Taking into account that large part of aviation fuels used by commercial aircraft is jet fuels, so in this area it has begun to look for possibilities to apply alcohol component. In 2016, international standard (ASTM) approved a synthetic blending component for aviation turbine fuels for use in civil aircraft and engines – alcohol-to-jet synthetic paraffinic kerosene (ATJ-SPK). According to standard, ATJ-SPK synthetic blending components shall be comprised hydro processed synthetic paraffinic kerosene wholly derived from isobutanol processed through dehydration, oligomerization, hydrogenation and fractionation. Two different fuel samples, a traditional fossil jet fuel (Jet A-1) and a blend of 10% butanol with Jet A-1 were tested. Laboratory tests of selected physicochemical properties and bench tests with the same profile of engine test were carry out for both fuel samples. The obtained results: engine parameters and exhaust gas emissions are compared and discussed.

Investigations to check applicability of 1st generation biocomponents to fuels for turbine aircraft engines

The study outlines results from the studies on applicability of 1st generation biocomponent, namely long-chain fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) of vegetable origin, as an ingredient to fuels used to supply turbine aircraft engines. The presented analysis refers to both physical and chemical properties of developed fuel mixtures of Jet A-1 pure kerosene fuel with various amounts of the FAME additive and is based on own results obtained from tests of turbine engines on workbenches. The experiment results indicate that there are virtually no chances to apply the 1st generation biocomponents of the FAME type to aircrafts, however it is possible to seek for application opportunities of such biocomponents to other turbine engines, different from the aviation engineering.

Assessment of the Fuel Thermal Degradation Process on the Basis of the Deposit Content Analysis

Abstract The publication subject is the issue related to the assessment of phenomena occurring during the jet fuel thermal degradation process. The research in this article was carried out on a specialised laboratory station, according to the author’s own methodology. The assessment of the fuel degradation process was conducted on the basis of an analysis of the content of deposits collected on filters with a diameter of 0.8 µm and 3.0 µm. The filters were additionally analysed under a microscope. The results indicate that a degree and intensity of the fuel thermal degradation process are affected by the technology of the tested fuel and the test temperature. The article was prepared on the basis of the results obtained within the framework of the research project No. 2011/01/D/ST8/06567 funded by National Science Centre.

Hydroperoxides Formation in Jet Fuels Coming from Different Production Processes in Simulated Fuel System of Modern Aircraft

Abstract The paper presents issues related to the process of thermal degradation of jet fuel. This process is of a different nature depending on temperature and time, in which the fuel is subjected to thermal action. The standard method for testing the jet fuel thermal stability seems to be insufficient, therefore, the conduct of the research on a dedicated test rig was taken in this paper. The assessment of the fuel degradation process was carried out on the basis of determination of hydroperoxide and acid numbers as signs of the occurred process. The article has been prepared within the research project No. 2011/01/D/ST8/06567 funded by the National Science Centre in Poland.

An innovative method for exhaust gases toxicity evaluation in the miniature turbojet engine

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an assessment method of the toxicity emission evaluation during combustion in the miniature turbojet engine. Design/methodology/approach A small-scale turbojet engine was used for the research because measurements on real aircraft turbines are complex and expensive. The experiment was performed in accordance with innovative BAT – CELL Bio – Ambient Cell method which consists of determination of virtual toxic impact of the gas mixture on the living cells; it is therefore a direct method. The most significant innovation of this method is that, during the test, which consists of exposing the cells to the gas mixture, the cells are deprived of culture fluid. Findings The preliminary analysis shows that the method used here allows to determine the virtual impact of the gases on the human respiratory system and skin. It could be useful in defining the arduousness of an airport. The obtained results show that both of exhaust gases represent similar toxicity. Practical implications The new in vitro method allows to determine the virtual impact of the gases on the human respiratory system and skin. Significant potential for further research not only on the miniaturised engines, but also in the case of real objects, as this method does not have to be performed in a laboratory. Originality/value The work presents potential application of the innovatory method for exhaust gases toxicity evaluation in jet engines, which could be useful in defining the arduousness of an airport.

Investigation of Lubrication Properties of Petroleum Fuel and Biohydrocarbon Blends

Abstract The paper covers issues regarding lubricity of petroleum fuels used in piston and turbine engines, containing hydrocarbon biocomponents. Basing on available literature it can be said that the most prospective fuel components are biohydrocarbons. The paper describes effect of biohydrocarbons included in aviation fuel and diesel fuel on lubricity of such blends. The analysis covers two processes for obtaining biohydrocarbons, the HVO and the Fischer-Tropsch process. Due to problems with actual products acquiring, biohydrocarbons models representing chemically the actual ones from specific process. Lubricity testing was carried out according to standard test methods.

Low Temperature Properties Of Fuel Mixtures Of Kerosene And Fame Type Used To Supply Turbine Engines In Marine And Other Non-Aeronautical Applications

Abstract A worldwide trend to popularise gradually increasing use of biofuels in various applications was a motivation for gaining interest in FAME as a commonly available biocomponent to fuels combusted in turbine engines. These engines are mainly used in aeronautics, but many of them are also used in other, non-aeronautical areas, including marine navigation. Specific conditions in which fuels are combusted in turbine engines used in these applications are the reason why fuel mixtures of kerosene and FAME type should reveal relevant low temperature characteristics. The article presents results of tests of low temperature properties of mixtures of the jet fuel Jet A-1 and methyl esters of higher fatty acids (FAME). The prepared mixtures contained different contents of FAME. The obtained results present changes of: viscosity, cloud point, pour point, crystallising point, and cold filter plugging point, depending on the percentage by volume of FAME. They also prove that the course of changes of low temperature properties of these mixtures is affected by chemical structure of the biocomponent.

Hydrocarbon Biocomponents use in Aviation Fuels - Preliminary Analysis of Issues

Abstract Article is related to the aspect of the introduction of biofuels to power turbine aircraft engines. The paper presents the current trends in the use of alternative fuels in aviation and the problems connected with the introduction of hydrocarbon biocomponents. It is pointed to the need to take research and implementation works in the field of the subject, also in Poland.