Protecting Jet Engines with The Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Stability Tester

Protecting Jet Engines with the Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Stability Tester

Introduction
Jet fuel stability under high-temperature conditions is critical to prevent gum and deposit formation in engines and fuel-handling systems. The Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Stability Tester from Changsha Friend Experimental Analysis Instrument Co., Ltd. evaluates fuel performance by measuring gum formation tendencies under accelerated thermal aging, supporting fuel producers and aviation operators in maintaining fuel quality.

Testing Principle
Following ASTM D3241 (JFTOT) or IP 323 methods, a thin film of jet fuel flows over a heated platinum loop maintained at a precise temperature (270–300 °C). A condensate collection system captures oxidation byproducts that form insoluble deposits. The instrument monitors the pressure drop across the deposition zone or measures deposit weight after a fixed run duration (e.g., 30 minutes). Lower deposit formation indicates better thermal stability.

Design Highlights

• Precision Loop Heater: Controls loop temperature with ±1 °C accuracy to simulate engine fuel-path conditions.

• Fuel Flow Control: Mass-flow controller delivers jet fuel at 10 mL/min ±0.1 mL/min to maintain consistent film thickness.

• Deposit Detection: Differential pressure transducer and load cell collect real-time deposit-growth data.

• Automated Sample Handling: Preheat section and post-run rinse cycle reduce cross-contamination.

• Software Analytics: Generates stability curves, deposit weight metrics, and pass/fail determinations per specification.

Industry Applications

• Refineries and Fuel Blenders: Validate thermal stability of jet fuels and bio-blend components before release.

• Airlines and Ground Handlers: Monitor fuel stability to prevent fouling of fuel-nozzle screens and heat exchangers.

• Regulatory Laboratories: Certify fuel types against standard limits for thermal oxidative deposits.

• Engine OEMs: Establish fuel recommendations for different engine models and flight profiles.

Best Practices

1. Sample Filtration: Remove particulates >1 µm prior to testing to isolate oxidative deposit formation.

2. Loop Cleaning: Perform solvent-based clean cycles between runs to eliminate residual deposits.

3. Reference Fuels: Include certified high- and low-stability fuels in each run to verify system performance.

4. Environmental Control: Maintain inlet fuel temperature and laboratory conditions to minimize variability.

By adopting this thermal oxidation stability tester, aviation stakeholders can ensure jet fuel quality, prevent engine fouling, and sustain operational efficiency.