How Hot Does Jet Fuel Burn?

Have you ever been curious about how hot jet fuel burns and the science behind its power? You’re not alone! Every time we see jets zip across the sky, it’s natural to question what exactly gives them such strength. Fortunately, understanding this essential aviation resource isn’t as intimidating as one might think. Once you understand the intricate jet fuel burning process, it will be much easier to grasp how all the complex components work together and make flights a reality.

This post will provide a comprehensive overview of jet fuel, from its composition to the burning process and all other aspects related to its use. We’ll dispel common myths associated with jet fuel, examine its environmental impacts, and explore the alternatives revolutionizing this field. Without further ado, let’s dive in and learn more about jet fuel.

What is jet fuel, and how does it work in the jet engine?

Jet fuel, widely known as aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and avtur, is a colorless to straw-colored combustible product utilized in aircraft with gas-turbine engines. Scott Martin, a highly knowledgeable and experienced propulsion technology expert with prior experience at Boeing as well as multiple federally funded research grants to his name, has stated that “Jet fuel is diesel.”

He explained that jet fuel is the perfect choice for a jet engine since it does not require spark plugs due to its property of auto-ignition with compression and heat, unlike gasoline which needs spark plug ignition.

Being derived from a fraction of crude oil, jet fuel is comparable to kerosene, however, it has a much higher flashpoint than the AVGAS used in piston-engine aircraft. This feature provides essential defense against potential fire hazards, particularly in circumstances of accidents involving turbo jet planes, since the risks are reduced significantly more than in other types of aircraft.

Understanding Jet Fuel’s Components and Properties

Jet fuel consists of various intricate hydrocarbon compounds, such as paraffin, cycloparaffins or naphthenes, aromatics, and olefins extracted from crude oil and natural gas. Additionally, it includes additives that protect the fuel from deterioration in tanks and engines while inhibiting sludge formation.

When looking at the properties of jet fuel, two components stand out: combustion quality and energy content. These traits play a major role in how much power an aircraft can generate from the fuel. Not to be overlooked, other indispensable qualities of jet fuel are its lubricity, volatility, stability, fluidity, non-corrosivity, and cleanliness. Beyond supplying energy, jet fuel also serves as a cooling agent for some fuel system parts and a hydraulic liquid in the engine control systems.

Jet fuel weighs 6.47-7.01 pounds per US gallon at a temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit, while one pound equals 0.143-0.155 gallons in reverse calculation terms. Consequently, it can be estimated that most commercial aircraft have an approximate capacity for 5,000 – 100,000 gallons or 30,000–700,000 pounds worth of jet fuel on board!

How Does the Combustion Chamber Help Power a Plane?

The combustion chamber of a jet engine is where the fuel and air mixture are ignited, allowing the plane to take off. The combustion process begins when atomized fuel is added to the compressed air. The intense heat created by the rapid burning of this fuel-air mixture then creates thrust, which propels the plane forward. This type of combustion is known as “jet” or “turbo-jet” because it uses higher pressures than standard car engines and combusts faster with more efficiency.

The exhaust from the burning process passes through a turbine, which in turn drives an axial compressor that helps mix fresh air with the burning gases for increased power output. As a result, jets can fly at a higher pace than other types of aircraft. The jet’s combustion process is highly efficient and produces fewer pollutants than traditional car engines.

The burning of jet fuel requires precision and a complex system to ensure that the air-fuel mixture is combusting optimally. This system includes components such as fuel injectors, spark plugs, oxygen sensors, pressure regulators, and temperature gauges. These components work in motion to make sure that the engine is running properly and efficiently. Because of this complex process, pilots need to monitor the health of their plane’s engine regularly. Regular maintenance can help reduce potential issues with the engine caused by inefficient combustion or other mechanical problems.

The Different Types of Jet Fuel & Their Properties

Jet A and Jet A-1 are the popular jet fuels used in commercial aviation, designed to adhere to a standardized international specification. On the other hand, Jet B is the only other jet fuel primarily used in civilian turbine-engine powered aircraft due to its impressive cold weather performance characteristics.

Jet A/A-1

Since the 1950s, Jet A has been one of the most popular fuel types in the United States. However, it is generally unavailable outside America and in a few Canadian airports, such as Vancouver and Toronto. In contrast, Jet A-1 is widely utilized around much of the world other than Russia and its Commonwealth of Independent State (CIS) members, where TS-1 reigns supreme as their standard specification fuel. Jet A and Jet A-1 both boast flash points above 38 °C (100 °F) with an autoignition temperature of up to a staggering 210 °C (410 °F), making them two of the most efficient jet fuels currently in use. The open-air burn temperature for both these jet fuel types is 1,030 °C (1,890 °F).

Jet B

Jet B is a widely acknowledged naphtha-kerosene fuel that provides superior cold-weather performance. However, the lighter components of this type of jet fuel can make it hazardous to manage and therefore restricts its use to only colder climates. This high-octane blend comprises 70% gasoline and 30% kerosene, otherwise known as a wide-cut fuel.

Boasting an incredibly low flash point and a melting point of -60 degrees Celsius (-76 Fahrenheit), this specific jet fuel is mainly used for military aircraft operating in far-north regions like Canada, Alaska, and occasionally Russia. Its high temperature and particularly low freezing range make it ideal for such climates.

Common differences between Jet A and Jet A-1:

• The key contrast between Jet A and Jet A-1 fuels lies in their melting points. While the former has a melting point of -40°C (-40°F), the latter’s melting point is significantly lower, at an icy -47°C (-53°F).
• The next differentiator is the vital inclusion of some static dissipater additives to Jet-A1 that are intended to lower the static charges generated by the jet fuel’s motion in the tank.
• The jet fuel types are designated by a special marking. Jet A trucks, plumbing, and storage tanks that contain this type of fuel will display a black sticker with “Jet A” written in white text next to another black stripe.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Jet Fuel?

As jet fuel is an essential component of air travel, it’s important to recognize the advantages and drawbacks that come with its use.

Boasting an energy density that meets the standards of other aviation fuels, this fuel is especially helpful for high-altitude flights due to its low freezing point. Additionally, it can be easily derived from kerosene and costs less than traditional avgas. Unlike expensive and leaded alternatives, jet fuel stays secure without any leakage or contamination.

When compared with kerosene fuel, wide-cut fuel was found to have several operational drawbacks caused by its higher volatility. These include greater evaporative loss at high altitudes, decreased chance of survival in airplane crashes fueled with wide-cut fuel, and a heightened risk of fire on the ground during handling.

Safety Considerations for Handling and Storing Jet Fuel

Jet fuel is a volatile and flammable substance that can be hazardous to people and the environment if mishandled, stored improperly, or spilled. To ensure this doesn’t happen, it is important to follow some safety measures while handling and storing jet fuel.

Managing the Jet Fuel Supply:

When working with the jet, there are a few safety protocols to keep in mind. Let’s review some of the basics:

Storing the Jet Fuel:

The working team must take safety and ownership seriously at all times while storing the jet fuel since they are responsible for their well-being and those around them. By ensuring that work procedures and plant design follow inherent safety protocols, potential risks, and hazards can be successfully prevented in the gas and oil industry.

To this point, it is clear that Jet Fuel (or Aviation Turbine Kerosene) is a superior quality aviation fuel used to power turbo aircraft engines. For optimal performance, security, and reliability during flights, jet fuel must remain consistent throughout its supply chain journey and meet specific quality standards. To uphold the highest grade of quality for this crucial component of air travel, stringent guidelines and protocols are followed concerning how to  handle it. Furthermore, stainless steel tanks or epoxy-coated containers (both fixed and mobile) are essential for appropriate storage because they prevent any contamination in the fuel.

In order to guarantee the quality of jet fuel and prevent any contamination, rigorous lab tests, as well as examinations, must be conducted. Epoxy-coated tanks are closely monitored through frequent visual surveys and internal examination every five years for cleanliness; if any damage is identified with regard to the coating, it must then be repaired immediately before recertification. The epoxy coating can significantly break down over time, so these procedures must take place annually to ensure safety standards remain uncompromised.

If any localized coating damage is detected on the tank’s surface, the exposed steel and resulting fuel contamination could threaten flight safety. This unacceptable situation does not align with global standards and requires immediate action to ensure the optimal performance of aircraft systems. As soon as such an issue has been identified, corrective measures are immediately planned and put into place. So when it comes to storing jet fuel, routine inspections are essential to preserving fuel tanks’ structural integrity and ensuring that the highest safety levels are maintained.

Does burning jet fuel melt steel beams?

The short answer is no. Steel melts at 2,750°F, and jet fuel burns at temperatures of 800-1,500°F, so it doesn’t reach the melting point of steel but rather holds about half its strength when heated up to 1,100°F. This was found in a comprehensive report published by Popular Mechanics back in 2005. Thus, it can cause a structure to catch fire and potentially weaken it, resulting in structural failure. In the case of the Twin Towers attacks on September 11, 2001, jet fuel burning at temperatures between 800 – 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit ignited fires that weakened the structural integrity enough to cause the collapse of the World Trade Center.

The fire that occurred at the World Trade Center was a diffuse flame, also known as a fireplace flame. In this type of flame, the oxidant and the fuel are not mixed before ignition but flow together uncontrollably and combust when the fuel/oxidant ratios hit values within the flammable range.

When both the fuel and oxidant are at ambient temperature, a maximum flame temperature can be determined. For instance, carbon burning in pure oxygen has a maximum of 3200°C while hydrogen is 2750°C. Therefore, for any hydrocarbons under these conditions, the highest flame temperature should be approximately around 3000°C.

When air is used in place of pure oxygen, the maximum flame temperature decreases by two-thirds. That’s because every molecule of oxygen produces heat that forms a molecule  of water and carbon monoxide.

The advantage of using pure oxygen instead of air when heating molecules is that only two molecules (carbon monoxide and water) need to be heated. With air, these two must also be heated along with four nitrogen molecules. Thus, burning hydrocarbons in air leads to only 1/3rd of the rise in temperature as burning in pure oxygen since it requires heating 3 times as many molecules when air is utilized. Although burning of hydrocarbons (jet fuel) in the air can lead to a maximum flame temperature increase of 1,000°C – that’s far short of the steel’s melting point. But reaching this maximum temperature is complex with a diffuse flame.

Plus, we have already seen that the open-air burn temperature of jet fuel is far below the one that’s required to melt the structural steel beams. Therefore, while jet fuel may be able to ignite combustible materials and cause a fire on a structure made of steel beam frames, it would not melt the structural steel beam, as  was evident from the incident that occurred at the World Trade Center.

What burns hotter, jet fuel or gasoline?

Jet fuel is composed of hydrocarbons, like all other petroleum-based fuels. When jet fuel burns in an engine, it releases more energy than gasoline and has a higher flashpoint – the temperature at which fuel ignites. This means that jet fuel can reach higher temperatures before it combusts, up to about 300°F (149°C) for Jet A and 500°F (260°C) for Jet B. So when comparing the heat of jet fuel and gasoline based on  combustion temperature alone, jet fuel burns hotter than gasoline.

However, because it contains fewer volatile compounds than gasoline does, jet fuel doesn’t vaporize as easily and requires hotter temperatures to become combustible. This means that while jet fuel has a higher flashpoint, it is more difficult to ignite in an engine. To ensure effective combustion, jet engines must be designed to maintain temperatures of at least 300°F (149°C). Furthermore, when burned in an aircraft engine, jet fuel emits fewer pollutants than gasoline does. This is because jet fuel contains fewer impurities and produces less volatile exhaust gases upon combustion. Ultimately, all these factors make jet fuel the preferred choice for powering commercial jets and military aircraft alike.

Steps to Take in Case of a Jet Fuel Fire Burn

If you’re working in the aviation industry, it’s important to be aware of the steps you should take if you or someone else is exposed to a jet fuel fire burn. Even though these accidents are comparatively rare, they can have serious effects and require prompt medical care.

Get Out of Danger:

The first step is to get away from the burning fuel and any other source of danger. If possible, move everyone away from the area until help arrives. Ensure that all passengers are safely seated and remain calm throughout the evacuation process.

Call for Help:

Once everyone has been evacuated from the area, call local emergency services immediately for assistance and follow their instructions closely. Provide as many details about your location, the extremity of the fire, and any other important information.

Cool Down the Fire:

If you have access to an approved fire extinguisher or other types of fire suppression system, use them to contain the blaze until help arrives. Otherwise, keep everyone away from the area and wait for first responders. In a true emergency, emergency teams will utilize an ingenious mixture of water and 3% specialized foam called Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) to put out jet fuel fires quickly and safely.

Treat Burn Injuries:

If anyone has been burned by hot fuel, immediately begin providing care using cool water and sterile bandages to cover exposed areas. Don’t apply ointments or creams, as these can worsen the condition of the skin in some cases. Seek medical attention right away if needed.

Clean Up Spilled Fuel:

Once everyone has been removed from danger and is safe, it is important to contain and clean up any spilled fuel. Use absorbent materials such as sandbags, kitty litter, or sawdust to soak up the liquid. Responsibly dispose of these materials according to local regulations.

Report the Incident:

Finally, be sure to contact the right authorities and report the incident. This helps them know about dangerous conditions in your area and can help keep everyone safe from future fuel fire accidents. It’s also important for insurance purposes if you have an automobile policy that covers accidental damage caused by fires.

Common Misconceptions About Jet Fuel Combustion

Jet fuel combustion is an essential component of any jet engine, used to help generate the thrust that propels a plane forward. Despite its importance, there are many misconceptions about jet fuel combustion and the way it works. Here, we’ll address some of the most common misconceptions and explain why they are incorrect.

All jet fuels are created equal:

This simply isn’t true. Different jet fuels have different properties, such as octane ratings and autoignition temperatures, which can affect a plane’s performance. Some fuels are more volatile than others, meaning that they burn at higher temperatures, so the engine needs to be carefully monitored for proper functioning.

Jet fuel is the same as gasoline:

This misconception comes from the fact that jet fuel and gasoline are both petroleum-based fuels, but they are, in fact, very different products. Jet fuel has a much lower flashpoint than gasoline, meaning it ignites at a higher temperature and takes longer to combust. Jet fuel also contains additives designed to improve its performance at high altitudes and reduce corrosion on internal components of plane engines, which makes it far more efficient for aircraft than traditional gasoline.

Jet fuel is just kerosene:

While jet fuel does share some similarities with kerosene, the two are not the same. Jet fuel consists of a mixture of hydrocarbons and other organic compounds, which can vary depending on their origin, while kerosene is mainly refined from petroleum. Kerosene typically has a lower flashpoint, meaning that it is less volatile and may not be suitable for aircraft.

Jet fuel can provide more power than other fuels:

Jet fuel does not necessarily provide more power than other fuels, such as petrol or kerosene, but it does have slightly better energy density due to its higher-octane rating. This means that it burns more efficiently when used in an aircraft engine, resulting in better performance and less pollution. However, jet fuel cannot provide significantly more power than other fuels due to its lower flash point and higher viscosity.

Jet fuel has no carbon emissions:

While it’s true that jet fuel does have a lower carbon footprint than other fossil fuels like gasoline or diesel, it still produces its fair share of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse pollutants during combustion. The efficiency of modern-day engines helps reduce their environmental impact, but they don’t completely eliminate the emissions.

Uncovering the effects of external factors on the jet fuel-burning process

In order to better understand the jet fuel-burning process, it is important to consider external factors that can impact the fuel’s performance. Temperature, pressure, and humidity are three of the most important external factors to consider when assessing jet fuel performance.

Temperatures at Which the Jet Fuel Burns

The burning of jet fuel is highly sensitive to temperature. Jet fuels will burn at temperatures between 300 and 400 degrees Celsius, but the exact parameters depend on the specific additives used in production. If the temperature falls below this range, the fuel may not ignite and may be too thick or viscous for efficient combustion. Conversely, if the temperature rises above this range, there can be an increase in emissions such as CO and unburned hydrocarbons (UHC).

Focusing on the optimum temperature range for jet fuel burning is essential to minimizing emissions and maximizing efficiency. For instance, there are techniques such as fuel pre-heating and fuel temperature control systems that can be employed to maintain the most suitable combustion conditions.

Pressure Levels Required for Jet Fuel Combustion

For efficient combustion of jet fuel, it must be pressurized appropriately. At ground level, jet fuels require pressures of up to 3-5 atmospheres to burn properly, while at higher altitudes, up to 7-8 atmospheres of pressure may be required. As the pressure increases, so does the combustion efficiency, and this can help to reduce emissions. The exact pressure requirements depend on the fuel itself and its composition.

Humidity Control:

When burning jet fuels, the humidity of the fuel must be taken into account as well. Too much moisture can cause incomplete combustion and excess emissions, while too little moisture can lead to improper atomization of the fuel and inefficient fuel distribution across the engine. To ensure that these conditions are avoided, modern jet engines are now equipped with sophisticated humidifiers and dehumidifiers which maintain optimal levels of humidity. This helps to reduce both emissions and fuel costs.

The Environmental Impact of Jet Fuel Emissions

Jet fuel is a highly combustible and refined petroleum product used in aircraft engines to generate thrust. It has been used in the aviation industry since World War II, with its use continuing to increase due to global air travel. There are two main components of jet fuel: kerosene-based Jet A and synthetic paraffinic kerosene-based Jet A-1.

While jet fuel can be an efficient source of energy for powering planes, it also has significant environmental consequences. The emissions from burning jet fuel result in air pollution, which can have serious health impacts on humans and animals alike. In addition, jet fuel releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which  lead to climatic change.

The most common pollutants released by jet fuel combustion are nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, CO2, volatile organic compounds, and other chemicals. Nitrogen oxides can cause respiratory problems and acid rain, while CO2 is the most significant contributor to global warming.

How to reduce the environmental hazards caused by jet fuel emissions:

To reduce the negative environmental impact of air travel, alternative fuels such as biofuels or hydrogen-based fuels are being developed. Biofuels made from renewable sources, such as plant oils, have a lower net-carbon footprint than traditional fossil fuels. Hydrogen-based fuels also offer a potential low-emissions alternative to conventional jet fuel. The challenge with both types of alternative fuel is that they still need to be tested for safety and efficiency to be used in aircraft commercially.

Recent Advances in Jet Fuel Technology

Jet fuel technology has advanced significantly over the years and continues to do so. Recent developments in jet fuel technology include formulations that are more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly than ever before. Notably, new jet fuels can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 10%, as well as improve combustion performance at higher altitudes, and reduce deposits in engines. Here are some newest advances in jet fuel technology:

1. Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (SPK):

SPK is a type of advanced jet fuel developed to reduce the number of carbon emissions produced by aircraft engines. Made from renewable sources such as plant oils, it has a higher cetane number than traditional jet fuels, allowing for more efficient burning and improved engine performance. Additionally, it has fewer impurities, which may help to minimize deposits and corrosion within the engine.

2. Renewable Aviation Fuel (RAF):

RAF is an alternative jet fuel made from biomass sources such as animal fats, vegetable oils, or sustainable waste streams. It can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% while still offering comparable performance to traditional aviation fuels. RAF also has a higher energy density, resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced operational costs for airlines.

3. Synthetic Fuel (Synfuel):

Synfuel is an alternative aviation fuel made from synthetic gasification, which involves transforming carbon-based feedstock into liquid hydrocarbon fuel. This process yields a low-carbon, sulfur-free jet fuel with superior performance characteristics when compared to traditional petroleum-based fuels. The use of Synfuel can reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and aircraft noise levels, making it the perfect option for airlines looking to lower their environmental impact.

4. Bio-jet Fuel:

Bio-jet fuel is derived from sustainable biomass sources such as agricultural waste or algae oil and is produced via fermentation processes. Bio-jet fuel has an environmental benefit over traditional fossil fuels, as it reduces net carbon dioxide emissions. This fuel type is compatible with existing aircraft engines and produces lower levels of particulate matter than conventional jet fuels. However, the production of bio-jet fuel requires large amounts of land for cultivation or growth, making it a costlier option than Synfuel or fossil-based jet fuel.

5. Sustainable Aviation Fuel:

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is an alternative jet fuel made from sustainable sources such as used cooking oil, animal fats, and plant-based oils. It can also be created from hydrogen derived from water electrolysis and renewable electricity. SAF has the same energy content as conventional jet fuels and is compatible with existing aircraft engines. However, it produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fossil fuels when burned. Additionally, producing SAF requires fewer resources in comparison to bio-jet fuels as it does not require large amounts of land for cultivation or growth.

Bottomline

With all things considered, jet fuel science demonstrates the remarkable complexity of aviation and its technological advancements to get us soaring in the skies. On an ecological level, the future of air travel looks quite promising, with exciting renewable alternative initiatives being pursued. It’s become increasingly crucial to ensure that we develop new approaches that maximize efficiency and minimize emissions. Overall, learning about jet fuel science not only gives us insight into modern marvels and advances in flight but also reminds us as a population that we must do our part to preserve Earth’s limited resources.

Read Also: What Is Jet Fuel Made Of?