Surface Fouling in Aviation Fuels: An Isothermal Chemical Study

Abstract

Surface fouling in aircraft fuel lines that results from autoxidation of aviation fuel remains a serious and very complicated problem. This area has been studied using two Jet-A fuels, POSF-2827 and POSF-2980. The results of a series of dynamic experiments conducted in a single-pass, tubular heat exchanger operated at very slow flow rates under near-isothermal conditions are reported herein. Such studies, by minimizing complications resulting from fluid dynamics and heat flow, constitute a simpler global approach to the chemistry of fouling. The basis for the selection of experimental test conditions is discussed, and data from measurements of dissolved oxygen and surface deposition as a function of fuel stress duration are presented. The effects of parameters such as reaction temperature, tube diameter, experimental test time, and fuel dopants are considered.