Mercedes Mullins
Jet fuel, also known as aviation turbine fuel or Avtur, is a highly refined kerosene-type fuel with a carbon number distribution of about 8 to 16 carbon atoms per molecule. It is used to power jet engines and has a lower octane rating than the petrol used in road vehicles, typically around 15. Jet fuel's octane level is lower because it is ignited by pressure and heat, rather than spark ignition like in car engines. This means that jet fuel has a higher resistance to spontaneous combustion than gasoline, and it can safely operate at higher compression ratios.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Octane Rating | Around 15 |
| Similarity to Diesel | Yes |
| Use in Diesel Engines | Possible, but not advisable |
| Use in Gas Engines | No |
| Use in Turbine Engines | Yes |
| Use in Piston Engines | No |
| Use in Spark-Ignited Engines | Yes |
| Freezing Point | -40˚C for Jet A, -47˚C for Jet A-1 |
| Flash Point | Higher than 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Autoignition Temperature | 210 °C (410 °F) |
| Additives | Antistatic, anti-ice |
| Dye | Sometimes, to prevent tax evasion |
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What You'll Learn
Jet fuel is around 15 octane
Jet fuel is quite low in octane compared to other fuels. For example, traditional unleaded gasoline for cars is 87 octane. The most common avgas is 100 octane, which is a measure of the fuel's ability to resist premature detonation or "knock".
Jet fuel is similar to diesel fuel and can be used in diesel engines. However, jet fuel lacks some of the lubricants found in road diesel fuel. It is also similar to automotive diesel, and many diesel engines can run on jet fuel. Jet fuel is higher in price due to refining and the addition of lead to raise the octane level.
Octane represents the fuel's resistance to spontaneous detonation. The higher the octane, the more it resists detonation, and the higher the compression ratio the engine can run at. Aviation fuels must meet strict requirements for flying characteristics such as flashpoint and freezing point. Jet fuel has a freezing point of -40˚C for Jet A and -47˚C for Jet A-1.
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Jet A-1 is the most common jet fuel
Jet A-1 contains static dissipator additives, which help to reduce the risk of static electricity buildup during fueling and flight operations. These additives minimize the potential for sparks and fires, ensuring a safer flying experience. The fuel has an autoignition temperature of 210 °C (410 °F) and is straw-coloured in appearance.
Jet A-1 is the standard specification fuel used in most parts of the world, except in Russia and CIS members, where TS-1 fuel is the most common. Jet A-1 is marked in white italicized text within a black rectangle on fuel trucks, storage tanks, and plumbing. Jet A-1 is also environmentally friendly, as it can translate to cost savings and a reduced environmental impact due to its fuel efficiency.
Jet A-1 is a kerosene-based jet fuel with a carbon number distribution of about 8 to 16 carbon atoms per molecule. It complies with ASTM specification D1655, offering a balance of performance and safety. Jet A-1 is designed to meet strict requirements for flying characteristics, such as flashpoint and freezing point, which are crucial for aircraft operating in cold weather conditions.
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Jet fuel is similar to diesel
Jet fuel has a relatively low octane rating of around 15. This is because jet engines operate at higher temperatures than car engines, so jet fuel requires less resistance to spontaneous detonation. In comparison, traditional unleaded gasoline for cars has an octane rating of 87.
Jet fuel and diesel fuel have a lot in common. Historically, the two types of fuel were very similar in terms of extraction, production, and composition. Even today, jet fuel is similar to automotive diesel, and many diesel engines can run on jet fuel and vice versa. Jet-A, the most common type of jet fuel, is made from kerosene and is similar to diesel fuel.
Jet fuel and diesel fuel are both specific fractional distillates of petroleum fuel oil. However, they are designed for different types of engines, with diesel fuel being for diesel-specific engines and jet fuel being for aviation turbine engines. While jet fuel can be used in diesel engines, it lacks some of the lubricants found in road diesel fuel.
Despite their similarities, jet fuel and diesel fuel have diverged over time in terms of composition, application, and broader use. For instance, aviation fuels must meet strict requirements for flying characteristics such as flashpoint and freezing point, which are not relevant to diesel fuels.
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Jet fuel is more expensive due to refining
Jet fuel is a lot more expensive than traditional gasoline for cars, which is usually 87 octane in the United States. Jet fuel is quite low in octane, with a rating of around 15. However, this is not the reason for its high price. The cost of jet fuel is primarily due to the refining process, the addition of lead to increase its octane level, and taxes.
Refining jet fuel is a complex and costly process. Jet-A, the most common type of jet fuel, is made from kerosene and is similar to diesel fuel. It has a freezing point and flashpoint suitable for flying, which must be carefully controlled during refining. The refining process for jet fuel also involves removing impurities and unwanted compounds, which requires specialized equipment and techniques. This drives up the price.
Another factor contributing to the expense of jet fuel is the addition of lead. Aviation gas, or Avgas, still contains tetra-ethyl lead additives to lubricate the engine. Lead was removed from automotive gas in 1986, but it remains in Avgas as a suitable alternative hasn't been found. This additional component increases the cost of jet fuel production.
The limited supply of jet fuel further drives up its price. The booming freight and shipping industries are also demanding diesel fuel, putting strain on the market. As a result, both industries are paying more for fuel. Additionally, the increase in airline travel has led to higher demand for jet fuel, contributing to the rising prices.
Finally, taxes play a role in the high cost of jet fuel. Taxes and political factors influence the price, and these additional costs are passed on to the consumer. Overall, the high price of jet fuel is primarily due to the complex refining process, the addition of lead, limited supply, increasing demand, and taxes. These factors combine to make jet fuel a costly and specialized fuel type.
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Jet fuel is highly refined kerosene
Jet fuel is a highly refined type of kerosene, also known as aviation turbine fuel or Avtur. It is used to power jet engines and is relied on by airlines and passengers worldwide. The most common type of jet fuel is Jet-A, which has been used in the United States since the 1950s and is made from kerosene. Jet-A has a flash point higher than 38°C (100°F) and an auto-ignition temperature of 210°C (410°F). It is similar to diesel fuel and can be used in diesel engines, although it lacks some lubricants found in road diesel.
Jet fuel has a lower octane rating than the petrol used in road vehicles, typically around 15 octane. Octane represents the fuel's resistance to spontaneous detonation, so jet fuel's low octane rating reflects its susceptibility to pre-combustion and misfiring. This is due to the higher operating temperatures within jet engines, which require a lower octane fuel.
Jet fuel undergoes a refining process to optimise the yield of jet kerosene, a high-value product. This refining, along with the addition of lead to raise the octane level, contributes to the high price of jet fuel. The composition of jet fuel can vary, and it may contain additives to improve its performance and reduce engine wear. For example, Jet-A fuel includes an anti-icing additive, and Jet-A-1 fuel includes an antistatic additive.
The freezing point of jet fuel is critical for its use in extremely cold climates. Jet-A-1 has a freezing point of -47°C, while Jet B, a blend of kerosene and gasoline used in very cold regions, has an even lower freezing point of -60°C. The low freezing points of these jet fuels help prevent fuel inlet pipes from freezing at high altitudes, where temperatures can be extremely low.
In summary, jet fuel is a highly refined kerosene-based fuel that is essential for powering jet engines and enabling global air travel. Its properties, including its low octane rating, susceptibility to detonation, and low freezing point, are carefully optimised through refining processes and the addition of additives to meet the specific requirements of jet engines.
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Frequently asked questions
Jet fuel is quite low in octane, with a rating of around 15.
Jet fuel, also known as aviation turbine fuel or Avtur, is a highly refined kerosene, ignited by pressure and heat.
Octane represents a fuel's resistance to spontaneous detonation. The higher the octane, the more it resists detonation, and the higher the compression ratio the engine can run at.
Jet fuel is ignited by pressure and heat, so it does not rely on octane for combustion.
Jet fuel is similar to diesel fuel and can be used in diesel engines. However, it should not be used in gasoline-powered engines as it will cause them to stop running.
