Restoring Essential Flow and Ignition Properties to Antimisting Kerosine (AMK) for Turbine Aircraft Operations.

Flow properties of antimisting kerosine 0.3 FM-9 Jet A,such as filtration resistance and apparent viscosity, are greatly improved by increasing the temperature to 140 C or by the addition of a fuel-soluble surfactant. This is achieved by preventing flow-induced hydrogen bonding that results in the buildup of a gel-like structure. Flow in porous media appears to be a promising method of producing polymer degradation however, energy levels higher than 7 kWs1 will be required to reduce both filtration and ignition properties of antimisting kerosine AMK to that of Jet A. A small-scale test has been used to measure the resistance of a fuel to form a mist that will support flame propagation. Preliminary results indicate that this measurement is in good agreement with other large-scale fire safety tests. The ignition resistance of AMK has been found to depend on fuel properties such as aromatic content and the presence of polar additives. The most controversial result of these experiments is that in addition to improving filterability, surfactants increase the ignition resistance of AMK. While the rheological mechanism for this has not been established, several factors suggest that it is associated with improved solubility of the polymer. Author