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Languages : en
Pages : 33
Book Description
The U.S. military spends approximately about $3.5 billion (2003 dollars) per year for aviation fuel. This corresponds to 3 to 4 billion gallons per year (~10% of total U.S. aviation fuel use). The fleet average emission index for particulate matter (PM) has been estimated to be approximately 0.04 g/kg of fuel burned. The total amount of particulate emissions for aircraft in the United States is estimated at 3 million kg per year. Although there is some uncertainty in these estimates, they are consistent with the magnitude being used to estimate global emissions from aircraft (Niedzwiecki, 1998). Airborne particles pose both health and environmental risks. The health effects of particulate matter are related to its ability to penetrate the respiratory system. Particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5) can enter the lungs and end up in lung capillaries and air sacs (alveoli), causing a variety of respiratory problems. Particulate emissions contribute to environmental problems such as visibility impairment (haze) and may contribute to increased signature (infrared emissions) from military aircraft, thus increasing aircraft detectability/vulnerability in enemy territory. Gas turbine engines and ground support equipment are major local sources of PM2.5 particles. The health and environmental concerns from particulate emissions motivated this work to evaluate the use of the +100 (BetzDearborn SpecAid 8Q462) additive in jet fuel as a means to reduce the particulate emissions from military gas turbine engines. The +100 additive was developed to increase the thermal stability of JP-8 fuel in order to reduce carbon buildup in fuel system components and injection nozzles. Mostly military aircraft (~3,000) are currently using the +100 additive; however, the additive is also suitable for commercial aircraft due to the similarities of JP-8 and Jet A.
