ASTM D7566 Addresses Aviation Fuel with Synthesized Hydrocarbons
October 19, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
ASTM International approved ASTM D7566 - Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons.
The standard was developed by Subcommittee D02.J0.06 on Emerging Turbine Fuels, part of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants.
Concerns with the future cost and supply of conventionally derived aviation fuel and the imposition of carbon emissions limitations contributed to the development of ASTM D7566, said Mark Rumizen, chair of the task group that developed the standard.
According to Rumizen, the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) was established in 2006 to facilitate the introduction of alternative aviation fuels.
"The U.S. Air Force, CAAFI and ASTM Subcommittee J (Section J.06) coordinated the evaluation and qualification of candidate alternative fuels," said Rumizen.
"In support of this effort, Section 6 of Subcommittee J established the synthetic fuels task group to write ASTM D7566 to accommodate blends of conventional aviation turbine fuel with synthesized hydrocarbon blend components," he said.
In addition to providing requirements for these blends, ASTM D7566 defines specific types of aviation turbine fuel that may contain synthesized hydrocarbons for civil use in the operation and certification of aircraft. Experts said it describes fuels found satisfactory for the operation of aircraft and engines.
This initial version of ASTM D7566 provides criteria for the production, distribution and use of aviation turbine engine fuel produced from coal, natural gas or biomass using the Fischer-Tropsch process, experts said.
However, the standard is structured to accommodate other future types of synthetic fuels produced from non-conventional feedstocks and processes as they are developed. These new fuel types can be added to ASTM D7566 in annexes after they are qualified, according to ASTM.
Potential users of ASTM D7566 include entities involved in the production, transportation, storage, trade and use of aviation turbine engine fuel including refineries, pipelines, airport fuel farms and airlines.
ASTM requests participation from manufacturers of aircraft and turbine engines, as well as representatives from companies comprising the aviation fuel infrastructure and biofuel producers to help develop the standard.
Source: ASTM International.