Presentation Profile
Development of an NIR Analyzer for Measuring Multiple Fuel Properties of Commercial and Military Grade Jet Fuel in the Field
Currently Scheduled: 1/19/2018 - 9:30 AM - 9:50 AM
Room: Exhibit Hall
Main Author
Dr. Raj Shah - Koehler Instrument Company
- Cindy Galdamez - Koehler Instrument Company
- Stuart Farquharson - Real Time Analyzers
Abstract:
When it comes to Aviation fuel of both commercial and military grade, quality and safety are of the utmost importance. A new technique has been developed for quick, in-field analysis of Jet Fuel properties that can be compared to the governing ASTM requirements. ASTM D1655 is the standard specification for aviation turbine fuels, the new portable near-infrared (NIR) analyzer that will be discussed in this poster can give results with comparable reproducibility to some of the key tests required by this standard. Before the development of this new technique, Raman spectroscopy was used to analyze several fuel properties, however these analyzers are very expensive and not feasible for commercial use. The new Portable Fuel Quality Analyzer uses optics, detectors, and a light source that are much more cost effective allowing there to be more fuel checks during the shipment process at fuel ports and depots. Through experimental research it was determined that an NIR analyzer that measures in the 1000 to 1600 nm spectral range with 5 nm resolution and a 1 cm path length would give results meeting ASTM repeatability and reproducibility for testing certain fuel properties. Through the use of multivariate statistics and a fuel sample data base the values given by the Portable NIR Analyzer were correlated to the ASTM proven values. Twenty-two correlation models for diesel, gasoline, and jet fuels were developed with the help of ASTM certified laboratories to compare repeatability and reproducibility values. The analyzer determined properties had reproducibility values that compared favorably to the ASTM values and the repeatability values of the analyzer properties often exceeded ASTM repeatability values. Therefore, for jet fuel in particular, the user can quickly and easily determine Density, API Gravity, Distillation Fractions, Flash Point, Viscosity (at -20°C), Freezing Point, Pour Point and Fuel System Icing Inhibitor values.
