Preventing Jet Fuel Contamination: Helpful Tips and Resources

  • Thread starter djeitnstine
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In summary, the conversation revolves around the topic of jet fuel contamination and ways to reduce or prevent it. The original poster is seeking input and links for their research paper on the subject. The conversation leads to discussing different forms of contamination and providing various resources and websites for further information. The conversation ends with a discussion on the rarity of microbial contamination in jet fuel and ways to prevent it.
  • #1
djeitnstine
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Hi guys, are any of you familiar with jet fuel contamination? I'm doing a research paper on ways to reduce or prevent it. Any input and or links would be appreciated.

Thanks in advanced
 
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  • #2
I would ask this question to Fred, he designs jet engines for a living.
 
  • #3
Whoa that's awesome. Thats the career path I want to take. I'm guessing his user name is simply 'Fred' so i can just message him?
 
  • #4
Jet fuel is made to strict quality control standards.
Why do you think that jet fuel is contaminated?
What is it contaminated with?
 
  • #5
I think the OP means when it is stored in the aircraft or at the point of refuelling, not how it was manufactured.

to the OP: It's FredGarvin that's into the jet R&D and a pretty helpful guy to boot.
 
  • #6
You're starting off with a pretty broad statement when you say contamination. I would first research the different forms of contamination that can exist...for example,
- bacterial
- microbial
- foreign object
- water
- ice (akin to water contamination but desrves it's own heading)

As far as links go, there aren't many out there for free. Some of the ones I know of are:
http://www.chevronglobalaviation.com/docs/aviation_tech_review.pdf

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=5&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.burnsmcd.com%2Fportal%2Fpage%2Fportal%2FInternet%2FContent_Admin%2FPublications%2520Repository%2FTechBriefs%2520Link%2520Repository%2Farticle-jetfuelquality-001.pdf&ei=NJ-ZSfCiKKCYNZ3NnfEL&usg=AFQjCNEFtg1AW-APfSIT1G9AJz6eVuuHng&sig2=OPXyRTLdhAXtYU3iD62XBg [Broken]

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.faa.gov%2Fairports_airtraffic%2Fairports%2Fresources%2Fadvisory_circulars%2Fmedia%2F150-5230-4A%2F150_5230_4a.pdf&ei=vZ-ZSa6OH4TYNPrcoIkM&usg=AFQjCNGk5AsmBIEefrUQ2R2NrgOmChA58g&sig2=rGMev_oqxNgawALaqCpuuA [Broken]
Others:

http://www.astm.org/BOOKSTORE/PUBS/1005.htm [Broken]

http://www.crcao.com/reports/aviafuel/CCGFS.htm [Broken]

http://openlibrary.org/b/OL4487541M

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=8&url=http%3A%2F%2Famd.nbc.gov%2Flibrary%2Fdm%2Ffuel_hb.pdf&ei=VqCZSZrTIJjAtgeG8vGwCw&usg=AFQjCNF346Cdwo6AoaAXFALVnlg7n_Sf6w&sig2=aqiVc5NTWVwfeaCGi-0d8w [Broken]

http://www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=406&gTable=mtgpaper&gID=7933 [Broken]
 
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  • #7
Sorry I didn't state it in my opening statement but its bacterial and microbial. Preferably microbial though. Thank you fred for the links.
 
  • #8
Basically my report is on "What is microbial contamination in jet fuels and methods to reduce it" Do you think I can create a decent analytical report on this topic? Or will I simply be regurgitating pre-analyzed reports on this topic.
 
  • #9
Well, considering the vast amount of work done in this area, I can't really see you doing much other than reviewing existing works. Then again, I don't know how much of a chemist you are. It is my understanding that there are not that many aspects to what supports microbial growth...food, water, air... I can't really answer that for you. You need to be the judge after some of your preliminary research.
 
  • #10
Ok thank you Fred. I think I will just settle for making a really good analytical report.
 
  • #11
Microbial growth is not all that common, and is not just a problem with jet fuel, as it also appears in diesel fuel and other hydrocarbons.. When you do find it the appearance is similar to coffee grounds.
Regular draining of water can prevent it and the fuel also contains a biocide to prevent it.

Here are some sites with more info:
http://www.aviationnews.com.au/News_Stories/Archived_Stories/0059887-FuelFungus_CRC.htm
http://www.dieselsolutions.co.nz/the-diesel-bug.shtml [Broken]
http://www.monografias.com/trabajos44/the-water-contamination/the-water-contamination2.shtml
http://www.amtonline.com/publication/article.jsp?pubId=1&id=1201&pageNum=2
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is jet fuel contamination?

Jet fuel contamination refers to the presence of any foreign substances or impurities in the jet fuel that can affect its quality or performance. This can include water, sediment, or other contaminants that can affect the fuel's ability to combust properly.

2. How does jet fuel become contaminated?

Jet fuel can become contaminated in several ways. It can be contaminated during the refining process, during transportation and storage, or during refueling of the aircraft. Contamination can also occur due to improper maintenance of fuel tanks or fuel systems.

3. What are the effects of jet fuel contamination?

Jet fuel contamination can have serious consequences for the aircraft and its engines. It can cause engine malfunctions, reduced fuel efficiency, and even engine failure. It can also lead to increased maintenance costs and potential safety hazards for the aircraft and its passengers.

4. How is jet fuel contamination detected?

There are several methods used to detect jet fuel contamination. These include visual inspection, water detection paste, and fuel filtration systems. Sophisticated testing equipment such as fuel analyzers can also be used to identify and quantify the type and level of contamination.

5. How can jet fuel contamination be prevented?

Preventing jet fuel contamination is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations. This can be achieved through regular maintenance and inspection of fuel tanks and systems, proper storage and handling procedures, and use of high-quality filtration systems. It is also important to follow industry standards and regulations for fuel quality control.

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