Mercedes Mullins
While it may be tempting to use jet fuel in a diesel engine, especially with fluctuating fuel costs, it is not advisable. Jet fuel is specifically designed for airplanes and contains additives that are not permitted in diesel fuel. Additionally, jet fuel has a higher flash point than diesel, which can impact performance and safety. Jet fuel also lacks the necessary lubricants found in diesel fuel, which can lead to engine damage over time. While some older vehicles may be able to handle jet fuel, it is not recommended for modern high-performance engines. It's best to use the fuel that is made for your vehicle to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
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What You'll Learn
The differences between diesel and jet fuel
Despite their seemingly different names, jet fuel and diesel fuel have more in common than one might think. Historically, jet fuel and diesel were quite similar in extraction, production, composition, and even their application. However, over time, they diverged in terms of composition, application, and broader use.
One of the main differences between jet fuel and diesel fuel is their composition. Jet fuel is a performance specification rather than a chemical compound, with a range of molecular mass between hydrocarbons defined by requirements such as freezing or smoke points. Kerosene-type jet fuel, including Jet A and Jet A-1, has a carbon number distribution between about 8 and 16 carbon atoms per molecule. On the other hand, diesel fuel is a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil.
Another key difference is their application. Jet fuel is specifically designated to power gas-turbine engines in aircraft, while diesel fuel is designed to power engines built to run on diesel fuels. Jet fuel has a higher flash point than diesel, which refers to the temperature at which the vapour above the liquid fuel catches fire when a flame or spark is present. Jet fuel has a flash point above 38°C, while diesel fuel has a flash point above 55°C. This higher flash point makes jet fuel safer for aircraft use, as it doesn't vaporize as easily as diesel fuel.
Additionally, jet fuel tends to have poor lubricating ability compared to diesel, which can increase wear on fuel injection equipment. Jet fuel, especially Jet-A type, is considered very 'dry', and while it has acceptable lubricity for gas-turbine engines, it requires lubricity additives when used in diesel engines.
Finally, there are differences in the specifications and legal requirements for jet fuel and diesel. Jet fuel specifications are designed to improve the safety and reliability of flight, while diesel specifications can vary depending on local factors such as refinery ability, market demand, government regulation, and seasonal requirements. The use of jet fuel in diesel engines may be inefficient or even dangerous due to these differences in specifications and legal requirements.
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The history of jet fuel development
In the 1930s, engineers realized that the maximum performance of piston engines was limited due to the decline in propulsive efficiency as blade tips approached the speed of sound. This led to the development of gas turbine engines, commonly known as "jet" engines, which offered a way to break through the barrier and achieve higher performance. The first successful jet-powered aircraft was flown in 1939 by Dr Hans Von Ohain of Germany, using gasoline as fuel. The world's first turboprop was the Jendrassik Cs-1, designed by Hungarian mechanical engineer György Jendrassik and tested between 1938 and 1942.
By the 1950s, the jet engine had become almost universal in combat aircraft, with the exception of cargo, liaison, and other specialty types. The fuel efficiency of these early turbojet engines was worse than piston engines, sacrificing efficiency for higher speed. However, the 1970s saw the advent of high bypass engines in jetliners, which achieved greater fuel efficiency at high altitudes, enabling much longer direct flights.
Kerosene emerged as a base fuel for aviation fuels due to its higher flash point and freezing point of −60 °C (−76 °F) compared to aviation gasoline. This was followed by the introduction of various kerosene types for different purposes and the development of specifications to ensure the fuel's performance under all flight conditions. Jet-A, a mix of extremely refined kerosene, powers modern commercial airliners and burns at temperatures above 49 °C (120 °F).
More recently, there has been a growing focus on sustainable and renewable jet fuels. Global collaborations have led to the development of efficient, sustainable jet fuels, such as those created by LanzaTech and used by Virgin Atlantic, which convert waste carbon into jet fuel that burns cleaner and emits less CO2. Other initiatives include the U.S. military's efforts to reduce dependence on foreign crude oil by sourcing jet fuel from alternative sources, such as biofuels and synthetic fuels. The world's first commercial flight using sustainable aviation fuel made from recycled waste carbon took place from Orlando to London. Additionally, Qatar Airways operated the first commercial flight with a 50:50 blend of synthetic Gas to Liquid (GTL) jet fuel and conventional jet fuel, supplied by Shell's GTL plant in Bintulu, Malaysia.
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The safety concerns of jet fuel in diesel engines
While it may be tempting to use jet fuel in a diesel engine, there are several safety concerns to consider. Firstly, jet fuel is specifically designed for aviation use, and using it in a diesel engine may not provide the desired performance. Jet fuel has a higher level of sulfur and other additives, such as cetane, which could potentially damage your engine over time.
Another critical concern is the lack of lubricants in jet fuel, specifically Jet-A. This can lead to increased wear and tear on the high-pressure fuel pump, and while some people have suggested adding lubricants, the specific type and ratio of lubricants required is still under debate and further study is needed.
Additionally, there are health and safety risks associated with jet fuel emissions. Studies have shown that exposure to jet engine emissions can cause eye and respiratory irritations and may have adverse effects on human health, including potential carcinogenicity. Airport personnel and residents living close to airports are particularly at risk of these harmful emissions.
Furthermore, the use of jet fuel in a diesel engine may not be legal and could result in fines. It is important to follow the regulations and use the fuel that is designed for your specific vehicle to ensure compliance and avoid any legal repercussions.
Lastly, jet fuel is manufactured to have a low freezing point to prevent engines from stalling at high altitudes and cold temperatures. Using jet fuel in a diesel engine may not provide the same performance or efficiency, especially in colder climates, and could potentially damage the engine.
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The additives needed for jet fuel to work in a diesel engine
Jet fuel and diesel fuel have similar compositions and chemical properties, but there are some key differences. Jet fuel has a higher level of sulfur and additives, including cetane, which is not allowed in diesel. Jet fuel also often contains antifreeze, anti-microbial agents, static dissipaters, and corrosion inhibitors to improve performance in aeronautical engines. On the other hand, diesel fuel contains added lubricants to promote healthy engine function.
Due to these differences, jet fuel is not recommended for use in diesel engines as it may damage the engine and void warranties. However, some people have used jet fuel in their diesel engines without issues, especially in older vehicles. It is important to note that modern high-performance engines may not tolerate jet fuel as well.
To use jet fuel in a diesel engine, additives are needed to address the lack of lubricants in jet fuel. A common recommendation is to use a lubricity additive specifically designed for this purpose, such as those offered by Amalgamated or Stanadyne. Another option is to use a fuel filter with a lubricity doser, such as the one made by Fleetguard. Additionally, it is suggested to mix jet fuel with diesel fuel at a 50/50 ratio to minimize potential issues.
It is important to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before using jet fuel in a diesel engine, as there may be unknown long-term effects on engine performance and durability.
In recent years, researchers at the California Institute of Technology and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory have been working on additives to enhance the safety of jet fuel and diesel fuel. These additives are based on long molecules called polymers, which can reduce the intensity of post-crash fires and provide more time for passenger escape. While these polymers have shown no adverse effects on diesel engine operation, they are still in the testing phase and require larger-scale production for widespread implementation.
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The performance of jet fuel in older diesel engines
Jet fuel is very similar to diesel fuel and, in some cases, may be used in diesel engines. Turbine engines (as with diesel engines) can operate with a wide range of fuels because the fuel is injected into a hot combustion chamber. However, jet fuel tends to have poor lubricating ability compared to diesel, which increases wear in fuel injection equipment. An additive may be required to restore its lubricity.
Some people have the idea that they can use Jet-A fuel in their diesel engines. However, jet fuel is made specifically for airplanes, and there is a reason that lead was phased out of the fuel used in cars. Even though some older cars have engines that can handle the lead in aviation fuel, it is not recommended that you use the same fuel that powers massive planes. Jet-A fuel also has a higher level of sulfur and other additives that may damage your engine.
The greatest limitation of Jet-A versus diesel fuel is the lack of lubricants in the former. One might wonder what kind and ratio of lubricants should be added to the Jet-A, even a 50:50 mix, to minimize wear in the high-pressure fuel pump. Jet fuel is more expensive than diesel fuel, but the logistical advantages of using one fuel can offset the extra expense of its use in certain circumstances.
Jet fuel is often used in diesel-powered ground-support vehicles at airports. The United States military uses JP-8 as a "universal fuel" in both turbine-powered aircraft and diesel-powered ground vehicles. It was introduced at NATO bases in 1978 and is projected to remain in use until at least 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not advisable to use jet fuel in a diesel engine. Jet fuel is specifically designed for airplanes and has a higher flash point than diesel. Additionally, jet fuel lacks lubricants, which are necessary for diesel engines.
Using jet fuel in a diesel engine can damage the engine due to its lower levels of lubricants. It can also cause carbon deposits, coat flame tubes, and lead to local overheating and power instability.
Jet fuel is less likely to gel and has a higher flash point, making it safer than diesel fuel. It is also more stable and less prone to biocide contamination.
There are three types of jet fuel: Jet A, Jet A-1, and Jet B. Jet A and Jet A-1 are composed mostly of kerosene, while Jet B is a naphtha-kerosene mix. Jet A is the most commonly discussed type of jet fuel for use in diesel engines, but it is not recommended due to the risks mentioned above.
