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Characterization of the Fine Particle Emissions from the Use of Two Fischer-Tropsch Fuels in a CFM56-2C1 Commercial Aircraft Engine
Citation:
Kinsey, J., W. Squier, AND M. Timko. Characterization of the Fine Particle Emissions from the Use of Two Fischer-Tropsch Fuels in a CFM56-2C1 Commercial Aircraft Engine. ENERGY AND FUELS. American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, , 33, (2019). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.9b00780
Impact/Purpose:
The fine particulate matter (PM) generated by commercial aircraft can create problems for both the local air quality around airports and contribute to the formation of contrails and contrail-induced cirrus clouds. Various types of alternative jet fuels have the potential to reduce these emissions and provide associated energy security and social benefits. This study characterized the PM emissions from the use of two types of synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK) jet fuels manufactured by the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process and their 50% blends as compared to conventional JP-8 fuel. The results of the study showed significant decreases in both the particle number and mass emissions from the use of these fuels with an associated decrease in particle size. Further research is needed to define the long-term environmental implications of the use of such alternative fuels including any change in chemical properties of the particles which might cause potential health problems.
Description:
The fine particulate matter (PM) emissions from the use of two types of Fischer-Tropsch aviation fuels and their 50:50 blends with military JP-8 were quantified as part of the first Alternative Aviation Fuel Experiment (AAFEX). Measurements were made at 30-m downstream of a CFM56-2C1 engine for PM mass and number, particle size distribution, black carbon (BC), and volatile PM (sulfate + organics) using selected on-line instrumentation. The PM number emission index (EIN) ranged from ~ 5 x 1015 to 5 x 1016 particles/kg fuel burned depending on fuel flow, fuel composition, and sampling temperature with the magnitude of the emissions inversely correlated to fuel flow. The PM mass emissions (EIM) measured in the study varied from ~ 4 to 600 mg/kg fuel again depending on fuel flow, fuel type, and sampling temperature with a characteristic U-shaped curve of EIM with respect to fuel flow observed from the data. At low fuel flow (corresponding to low engine power), particle number and volume size distributions contained a single mode whereas at higher engine power, a bi-modal distribution was observed. The BC emissions varied from ~ 10 to 200 mg/kg fuel depending on fuel type and were found to exponentially increase with engine power (fuel flow). The volatile PM varied with sample temperature, fuel type, and increasing fuel flow within the range of EIs from ~ 1 to 11 mg/kg fuel with the highest values being at low fuel flow. Finally, the use of the two neat alternative fuels reduced the EIN by a median value of 72-76% and the EIM by ~ 94% as compared to JP-8 across all power conditions tested.
URLs/Downloads:
DOI: Characterization of the Fine Particle Emissions from the Use of Two Fischer-Tropsch Fuels in a CFM56-2C1 Commercial Aircraft Engine