Renewable Aviation Fuel Blending for Low-Temperature Operability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aviation fuels face challenges in achieving low viscosity at low temperatures, which is crucial for reliable low-temperature operability, especially in aviation applications, while also addressing the need for renewable fuel sources to reduce emissions and combat climate change.
Innovation Solution
A fuel blend comprising 50-95 vol-% of petroleum-derived jet fuel and 5-50 vol-% of renewable middle distillate fuel, specifically produced through Fischer-Tropsch synthesis or hydrogenation of renewable oils, is formulated to achieve a viscosity of 12 mm2/s or below at −40° C., enhancing cold flow properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If renewable fuel components are increased in aviation fuel blends, then emissions are reduced and climate change is combatted, but viscosity at low temperatures increases which compromises low-temperature operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the viscosity index and cold flow properties of the fuel blend through selective blending of renewable middle distillate with petroleum-based jet fuel. By adjusting the proportion of renewable components (5-50 vol.%) and their specific properties (viscosity index, cold flow temperature), the formulation maintains low-temperature operability while increasing renewable content to reduce emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by creating a blended fuel composition combining renewable middle distillate (produced via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis or hydrogenation) with petroleum-based jet fuel. This composite approach leverages the low-temperature properties of petroleum fuel and the renewable credentials of bio-derived fuel, achieving both environmental and performance goals simultaneously.
2Quantity of substance
If renewable middle distillate is blended with petroleum-based jet fuel, then renewable fuel content is increased, but calculated viscosity at low temperatures exceeds the required maximum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the viscosity index and cold flow characteristics of the blend through controlled mixing ratios. The formulation specifies that the blend must have a viscosity index within a certain range and cold flow temperature below a threshold, requiring precise control of blending parameters to maintain compliance with aviation fuel specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements feedback by requiring that the actual measured viscosity of the blend be compared against calculated values and specification limits. The process involves measuring the cold flow temperature and viscosity index, comparing them to required maximums, and adjusting the blend formulation accordingly to ensure compliance with aviation fuel standards.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The blend exhibits improved cold viscosity properties, ensuring reliable low-temperature operability and pumpability, surpassing calculated viscosities, thus meeting aviation fuel standards and enabling increased renewable fuel content without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
renewable middle distillate fuel component, specifically produced through Fischer-Tropsch synthesis or hydrogenation of renewable oils
Implementation Method 2
renewable middle distillate fuel component, specifically produced through Fischer-Tropsch synthesis or hydrogenation of renewable oils
Data Source
AI summary
An aviation fuel composition is disclosed, containing 50-95 vol-% of petroleum-derived jet fuel component, and 5-50 vol-% of renewable middle distillate component. The fuel composition has a viscosity of 12 mm2/s or below at −40° C., 10 mm2/s or below at −30° C., and 8 mm2/s or below at −20° C., as measured in accordance with an EN ISO 3104 (1996) standard. A method for producing the aviation fuel composition is also disclosed. The method containing mixing the petroleum derived jet fuel component and the renewable middle distillate component to obtain the aviation fuel composition, such that the petroleum-derived jet fuel component and the renewable middle distillate component are mixed together in an amount containing 5-50 vol-% of renewable middle distillate component and about 50-95 vol-% of petroleum-derived jet fuel component.