The Quality of Aviation Fuel

Available in the United Kingdom

Annual Survey 2007

Garry Rickard
QINETIQ/08/01656
June 2008
 Administration page
Customer Information
Customer reference number
Project title
Customer Organisation
Customer contact
Contract number
Milestone number
Date due
DFG2a/1500
Provision of Technical Services to the DFG
Defence Fuels Group / Energy Institute
Gp Capt Nigel Arnold
EI – Sonia Quintanilla
DFG2a/1500

Principal authors
Garry Rickard 01252 397076
Room G23, Bldg 442, gkrickard@qinetiq.com
QinetiQ FLC
Cody Technology Park,
Farnborough GU14 0LX

Release Authority
Name Andrew Clague
Post Project Manager
Date of issue July 2008

Record of changes
Issue Date Detail of Changes
1 JUL 08 First Issue

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 2
 Abstract
This report contains a summary of the data relating to the specification properties for
AVTUR supplied in the UK during the year 2007. The data is expressed in the form of
histograms and mean values, which are graphically compared over the period 1986-
2007. This report is the thirty-fifth in a series of annual survey reports.

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 3
 List of contents
1 Introduction 6
2 Results 7
2.1 Tabulated Data 7
2.2 Histograms and trend graphs for annual mean results 7
2.3 Graphs of near specification trends for AVTUR produced from 1983 to
2007 7
3 Discussion 8
3.1 Sample size 8
3.2 Total acidity 8
3.3 Aromatics 8
3.4 Total Sulphur 8
3.5 Mercaptan Sulphur 8
3.6 Distillation 9
3.7 Flash Point 9
3.8 Density 9
3.9 Freezing point 9
3.10 Kinematic viscosity 10
3.11 Specific Energy 10
3.12 Smoke Point 10
3.13 Naphthalenes 10
3.14 Existent Gum 10
3.15 Microseparometer 10
3.16 Particulate Contamination 10
3.17 Saybolt Colour 11
3.18 BOCLE 11
3.19 Refining Processes Data 11
3.20 Near specification trends 11
4 Summary of Changes and Trends 12
4.1 Trend data 12
4.2 Significant changes from 2006 12
5 References / Bibliography 13
A Appendix A: Tables 14
A.1 Table 1, minima and maxima for 2007 data and specification limits 14
A.2 Table 2 (part 1), the range of results obtained for AVTUR from the
different sources of supply during 2007 15
B Appendix B: Figures 17
B.1 Figure 1 – Total Acidity Histogram 17
B.2 Figure 2 – Total Acidity Trend Graph 17
B.3 Figure 3 – Aromatics Histogram 18
B.4 Figure 4 – Aromatics Trend Graph 18
B.5 Figure 5 – Total Sulphur Histogram 19

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 4
 B.6 Figure 6 – Total Sulphur Trend Graph 19
B.7 Figure 7 – Mercaptan Sulphur Histogram 20
B.8 Figure 8 – Mercaptan Sulphur Trend Graph 20
B.9 Figure 9 – Distillation IBP Histogram 21
B.10 Figure 10 – Distillation IBP Trend Graph 21
B.11 Figure 11 – Distillation 10% Recovery Histogram 22
B.12 Figure 12 – Distillation 10% Recovery Trend Graph 22
B.13 Figure 13 – Distillation 50% Recovery Histogram 23
B.14 Figure 14 – Distillation 50% Recovery Trend Graph 23
B.15 Figure 15 – Distillation 90% Recovery Histogram 24
B.16 Figure 16 – Distillation 90% Recovery Trend Graph 24
B.17 Figure 17 – Distillation FBP Histogram 25
B.18 Figure 18 – Distillation FBP Trend Graph 25
B.19 Figure 19 – Flash Point Histogram 26
B.20 Figure 20 – Flash Point Trend Graph 26
B.21 Figure 21 – Density Histogram 27
B.22 Figure 22 – Density Trend Graph 27
B.23 Figure 23 – Freezing Point Histogram 28
B.24 Figure 24 – Freezing Point Trend Graph 28
B.25 Figure 25 – Kinematic Viscosity Histogram 29
B.26 Figure 26 – Kinematic Viscosity Trend Graph 29
B.27 Figure 27 – Specific Energy Histogram 30
B.28 Figure 28 – Specific Energy Trend Graph 30
B.29 Figure 29 – Smoke Point Histogram 31
B.30 Figure 30 – Smoke Point Trend Graph 31
B.31 Figure 31 – Naphthalenes Histogram 32
B.32 Figure 32 – Naphthalenes Trend Graph 32
B.33 Figure 33 – Existent Gum Histogram 33
B.34 Figure 34 – Existent Gum Trend Graph 33
B.35 Figure 35 – MSEP Histogram 34
B.36 Figure 36 – MSEP Trend Graph 34
B.37 Figure 37 – Particulate Histogram 35
B.38 Figure 38 – Colour Histogram 35
B.39 Figure 39 – Near Specification Limit Trend Analysis (Acidity, Aromatics) 36
B.40 Figure 40 – Near Specification Limit Trend Analysis (Mercaptans, Flash
Point, Freezing Point) 36
B.41 Figure 41 – Near Specification Limit Trend Analysis (Smoke Point,
Naphthalenes) 37

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 5
1 Introduction
Surveys relating to the specification properties of aviation turbine fuels supplied in
the UK from 1974 onwards have been published annually by QinetiQ Fuels &
Lubricants Centre(1-22). This report covers a similar survey for 2007 involving 1,245
batches complying with Defence Standard 91-91 Issue 5(23). The Energy Institute (EI)
and the Defence Fuels Group (DFG) have jointly funded the production of this report
by QinetiQ. The Energy Institute funding is part of the EI Test Methods Technical
Development Programme. The copyright of this document belongs to the Defence
Fuels Group and the Energy Institute who have given permission for QinetiQ to
distribute to industry.
The information contained in this report has been supplied by oil companies and
associated test houses for main batches of aviation fuel released during 2007 in
accordance with Defence Standard 91-66 Issue 2 (Segregation, Handling and Quality
Assurance of Petroleum Fuels, Lubricants, and Associated products)(24).

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 6
2 Results
The data reported has been abstracted from test certificates for new batches of
AVTUR, either produced in, or imported to, the UK during 2007. The data for all but
four of the specification properties for AVTUR are summarised in tables and figures in
the Appendices. The data for copper corrosion, thermal stability and water reaction
were not included as the majority of results were identical. Data for electrical
conductivity was not included because at the point of testing the conductivity of many
batches was below the specified limits. This is permitted on the condition that Static
Dissipater Additive (SDA) is added further downstream(23) to ensure that the
conductivity limits are met at the point of delivery into aircraft.

2.1 Tabulated Data

Table 1 – Specification limits for each property from Defence Standard 91-91 Issue
5(23) compared to the maxima and minima of the 2007 AVTUR data submitted to
QinetiQ.
Table 2 – Maxima and minima of the 2007 AVTUR data submitted by each of 9
sources.

2.2 Histograms and trend graphs for annual mean results

Figures 1 to 38 are histograms and trend graphs. The histograms show the number of
batches in each frequency class along with the percentage that this represents of the
total number of batches included. The trend graphs show the mean results for each
property plotted against year for the period 1986 to 2007.

2.3 Graphs of near specification trends for AVTUR produced from 1983 to 2007

For seven specification properties, Figures 39 to 41 show the percentage of batches

that have results near the specification limits, plotted against year for the period 1986
to 2007. The properties the figures relate to are listed below.
Figure 39 – acidity, aromatics
Figure 40 – mercaptan sulphur, flash point, freeze point
Figure 41 – smoke point, naphthalenes

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 7
3 Discussion
The data for copper corrosion, water reaction and electrical conductivity are not
discussed in this section for the reasons given in paragraph 2.
BOCLE results should be reported for all batches containing more than 95%
hydroprocessed material, of which at least 20% is severely hydroprocessed. However,
it was not possible to establish if a BOCLE test was required for many batches as the
refining process was not clearly reported.

3.1 Sample size

Data from 1,245 batches were included in this report which represents 15,451,771 m3
of AVTUR.
The data in the tables and histograms for some properties have been derived from
fewer than 1,245 batches because the specification, for a variety of reasons, allows
waivers.

3.2 Total acidity

The volume weighted mean value is 0.0040 mg KOH/g and this an increase of 0.0005
mg KOH/g compared with 2006. The percentage of batches ‘near specification limit’
has increased a little compared to 2006 but remains low. (For the purposes of this
report ‘near specification limit’ results were those that lie within the reproducibility
of the method at the specification limit).

3.3 Aromatics

The volume weighted mean value is 18.7% v/v. The mean value has been increasing
since 2002.
Aircraft operators are often concerned about the problems caused by different
batches of fuel having large variations in aromatics. The aromatic content ranged
from 11.0% v/v to 25.0% v/v with 96% of batches in the range 13% v/v to 23% v/v.

3.4 Total Sulphur

The volume weighted mean value of 0.048% m/m represents a decrease of 0.008%
m/m compared to the value for 2006. The apparent upward trend since 1999 has
been reversed during the last two years. The distribution of sulphur contents in
figure 5 appears to show a multimodal distribution. There appears to be a relatively
small but increasing number of batches with a very high sulphur content.
The variation in the mean value is likely to be related to the origin of the large
amount of jet fuel imported into the UK.
Defence Standard 91-91 allows several different methods for determining sulphur
content. Many laboratories are using newer equipment that can determine the
sulphur content to 3 decimal places, whereas when older equipment/different test
methods are used the result may only be reported to 2 decimal places. Therefore, the
actual sulphur content (to 3 decimal places) is now often reported and fewer sulphur
contents are recorded as '<0.01' (which for the purposes of this report are recorded as
0.01). The way in which the sulphur content is reported may have an effect on the
apparent mean value.

3.5 Mercaptan Sulphur

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 8
 Mercaptan sulphur was reported for 93% of batches. A number of test certificates
showed the mercaptan sulphur content as '<0.001'. (For this report these results
were recorded as 0.001). This may affect the volume weighted mean value, which for
2007 was 0.0007% mass.

3.6 Distillation

The mean value for Initial Boiling Point (IBP) has changed little in recent years. The
mean values for 10%, 50%, and 90% recovered have also not changed significantly.
The mean value for Final Boiling Point (FBP) showed an increasing trend from 1991 to
1998, but has changed little since then.

3.7 Flash Point

The volume weighted mean for 2006 increased slightly to 42.2°C, which is low
compared to the 80s and early 90s. Figure 20 shows no large changes in recent years.
17% of batches were ‘near specification limit’ in 2007, the second highest value
recorded since 1983. There appears to be a rising trend in the number of flash point
results near the specification limit. This may lead to problems and possible disputes
when recertifying jet fuel, especially as it has been reported that the true
reproducibility of flash point for jet fuel is probably larger than the data published in
IP 170. An Energy Institute round robin is underway to further evaluate the precision
of IP 170.

3.8 Density

The volume weighted mean is 802.2 kg/m3. The last four years’ mean values appears
to reverse the downward trend in density since 1996. A low fuel density can be
problematic for operators of aircraft on long haul routes. The minimum density was
786.0 kg/m3.

3.9 Freezing point

The volume weighted mean value of –54.6°C has decreased significantly since 2006.
The percentage of batches ‘near specification limit’ increased slightly to 13.7%. Figure
40 indicates that freezing point and flash point continue to be major restraining
factors in AVTUR production.

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 9
3.10 Kinematic viscosity

The volume weighted mean was 3.80 cSt, which is slightly higher than 2006. Before
2007, Figure 26 indicates a decreasing trend since 1998.

3.11 Specific Energy

The volume weighted mean was 43.21 MJ/kg and represents little change compared
to 2006. Figure 28 shows no particular trend in mean value.

3.12 Smoke Point

The volume weighted mean was 22.9 mm which is a significant reduction compared
to 2006. There has been a reducing trend since 2004. The percentage near the
specification limit is 24.4%, indicating smoke point is a restraining factor in jet fuel
production.

3.13 Naphthalenes

Only 986 results (79% of total batches) were reported as the specification only
requires the determination of naphthalene content if the smoke point is less than 25
mm.
The mean for 2007 was 1.34 % vol, a slight decrease compared with 2006. There
appears to be a downward trend since 1988.

3.14 Existent Gum

For 78.7% of batches the existent gum results were reported as <1 or 1. For results
reported as <1, a value of 1 has been recorded for this survey. The mean value was
0.82 mg/100ml as shown in Figure 33. The precision for existent gum is very poor, it
is likely that all batches contain virtually no gum and the range of results (up to a
maximum of 6 mg/100ml) is due to the test precision. There is no apparent trend in
mean value for existent gum.

3.15 Microseparometer

The mean MSEP value of 94.0 is a little lower than 2006 but remains one of the
highest values since records began in 1986. There appears to be an increasing trend
in the mean value.
The Defence Standard 91-91 issue 5 limits for MSEP rating were a minimum of 85
without SDA, or 70 with SDA due to the over sensitivity of the test method to SDA
(Stadis 450). Some MSEP values were reported outside the specification limits. The
reported failures may not be at the point of manufacture and downstream of this
point a low MSEP is not used as the sole reason for rejection of a fuel.

3.16 Particulate Contamination

This is a relatively new requirement for Defence Standard 91-91. The volume
weighted mean value increased dramatically from 0.22 mg/l in 2006 to 0.79 mg/l in
2007. A number of batches did not include results for this property. Most of these
batches were imported fuel and it is assumed that this testing was carried out at
point of manufacture.

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 10
 A number of batches contained high levels of particulate well above the specification
limit. It is assumed that these batches were imported and the reported results were
not from the point of manufacture. It is expected that the particulate was removed
by filtration before transfer to aircraft. A subset of high results is inset within Figure
37. There was one further result of 13 mg/l which is not shown in the figure.

3.17 Saybolt Colour

This is a relatively new requirement for Defence Standard 91-91 Issue 5. The volume
weighted mean value is down to 25.2 from 28 in 2006. 36% of batches had a
reported value of 30 (down from 61% in 2006) and the remaining batches had values
from 15 to 29. There is no specification limit for this property. A number of batches
did not include results for this property. Most of these batches were imported fuel
and it is assumed that this testing was carried out at point of manufacture.

3.18 BOCLE

There were no BOCLE results reported in 2007.

Many certificates did not clearly identify the refining processes used so it was not
possible to establish if a BOCLE test was required.

3.19 Refining Processes Data

Defence Standard 91-91 requires that the quantities of hydroprocessed and severely
hydroprocessed material present at the point of manufacture be reported as a
percentage of the total volume.
As indicated at 3.18, for a number of certificates, this information is absent. Many
certificates report the quantity of severely hydroprocessed material as a percentage
of the hydroprocessed material rather than treating the two components separately.
On many certificates the quantity of hydroprocessed and severely hydroprocessed
material was reported but when this equates to less than 100%, the refining process
used to obtain the rest of the batch was not reported. Reporting this information is
not a specification requirement but is necessary to determine how much of the fuel
refined in the UK was processed using MEROX treatment and how much was
untreated. The refining process data received is therefore considered unreliable and
the histogram was not included in this report.

3.20 Near specification trends

Figures 39 to 41 are graphs showing the percentage of batches with test results near
the specification limit, against year, for seven specification properties.
The properties with the highest percentage of batches with results near the
specification limit in 2007 were freezing point (13.7%), smoke point (24.4%), and flash
point (16.5%).

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 11
4 Summary of Changes and Trends
4.1 Trend data
Properties where the mean value has a rising
trend
Density (increasing since 2003)
Aromatics (increasing since 2002)
Properties where the mean value has a
decreasing trend
Smoke Point (decreasing since 2002)
Naphthalenes (decreasing since 1988)

Particulate (increasing since records began in

2005)

4.2 Significant changes from 2006

Property Change
Aromatics Up 0.5% volume (mean is the highest value for 20 years)
Sulphur Down 0.008% mass (reversing a previous upward trend)
Density Up 3.1 kg/m3 (mean is approaching highest value recorded since records began in
1986)
Freezing Point Down 2°C (mean is at the lowest level since records began in 1986)
Smoke Point Down 0.84 mm (mean is at the lowest level since records began in 1986)
Naphthalenes Down 0.12% volume (mean is at the lowest level since records began in 1986)

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 12
5 References / Bibliography
[1] Various MQAD and Harefield Annual Fuel Surveys 1974-1986
[2] DQA/TS Materials Centre Report No. 361, March 1987
[3] DQA/TS Technical Report No. 88/2, May 1988
[4] DQA/TS Technical Report No. 89/8, November 1989
[5] DQA/TS Technical Report No. 91/4, March 1991
[6] DQA/TS Technical Report No. 91/10, November 1991
[7] QATS FL Division Technical Paper FLT/1/93, March 1993
[8] QATS FL Division Technical Paper FLT/3/93, June 1993
[9] FVS FL Division Technical paper DRA/FVS/FL/TR94002/1, September 1994
[10] LS FL Division Technical paper DRA/LS/LSF4/TR95004, June 1995
[11] LS FL Division Technical paper DRA/LS4/TR96/044/1, July 1996
[12] SMC FL Division Technical paper DERA/SMC/SM1/TR970039, May 1997
[13] MSS Technical Report DERA/MSS1/TR980069/1.0, May 1998
[14] MSS Technical Report DERA/MSS/MSMA1/TR990400/1.0, August 1999
[15] MSS Technical Report DERA/MSS/MSMA3/CR001238, June 2000
[16] FST Technical Report DERA/FST/CET/TR010603, June 2001
[17] FST Technical Report QinetiQ/FST/CR023267, May 2002
[18] FST Technical Report QinetiQ/FST/CR032630, June 2003
[19] FST Technical Report QinetiQ/FST/TR042832, June 2004
[20] FST Technical Report QinetiQ/FST/ TR050276, June 2005
[21] FST Technical Report QinetiQ/FST/ TR0601360, June 2006
[22] Technical report QINETIQ/S&DU/T&P/E&M/TR0701148, June 2007
[23] Specification Defence Standard 91-91/Issue 5. Turbine Fuel, Aviation Kerosine
Type, Jet A-1, NATO code: F-35, JSD: AVTUR. Issued by UK Defence
Standardisation, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow G2 8EX
(www.dstan.mod.uk).
[24] Specification Defence Standard 91-66/Issue 2. Segregation, Handling and Quality
Assurance of Petroleum Fuels, Lubricants and Associated Products. Issued by UK
Defence Standardisation, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow G2 8EX
(www.dstan.mod.uk).

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 13
A Appendix A: Tables
A.1 Table 1, minima and maxima for 2007 data and specification limits
Def Stan 91-91 Issue 5
All Sources
Method Method No. Specification Limits
Min Max Min Max Mean
Total Acidity, mg
IP 354 - 0.015 0 0.015 0.0040
KOH/g
Aromatics, %
IP 156 - 25.0 11.0 25.0 18.7
volume
Total Sulphur, %
IP 336 - 0.30 0 0.29 0.048
mass
Mercaptan Sulphur,
IP 342 - 0.0030 0.0002 0.0030 0.0007
% mass
Distillation IBP, °C Report 141.6 168.9 151.5
10% Recovery, °C - 205.0 157.9 184.0 169.5
50% Recovery, °C IP 123 Report 179.0 210.1 195.0
90% Recovery, °C Report 208.0 255.1 234.9
FBP, °C - 300.0 235.5 285.0 259.1
Flash Point, °C IP 170 38.0 - 38.0 51.5 42.2
Density @ 15°C,
IP 365 775.0 840.0 786.0 815.4 802.2
kg/m3
Freezing Point, °C IP 16 - -47.0 -73.8 -47.0 -54.6
Viscosity @ -20°C, IP 71 - 8.00 2.96 6.48 3.80
mm2/s
Specific Energy, Net
42.80 - 43.00 43.48 43.21
MJ/kg
Smoke Point, mm IP 57 19.0 - 20 26 22.94
Naphthalenes, %
ASTM D1840 - 3.00 0.24 2.66 1.34
volume
Existent Gum,
IP 131 - 7 1 6 0.82
mg/100ml
MSEP 85 (70 with
ASTM D3948 - 57 100 94.0
SDA)
BOCLE, mm ASTM D5001 - 0.85 n/a n/a n/a
Particulate, mg/l IP 423 - 1.0 0.01 13.0 0.79
Colour ASTM D 156 Report 15 30 25.2

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 14
A.2 Table 2 (part 1), the range of results obtained for AVTUR from the different sources of supply during 2007
Def Stan 91-91 Spec.
Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4
Limits
Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max
Total Acidity, mg KOH/g - 0.015 0.001 0.015 0.000 0.009 0.001 0.009 0.0005 0.0147
Aromatics, % volume - 25.0 11.0 22.2 12.9 24.1 15.6 22.2 14.9 25.0
Total Sulphur, % mass - 0.30 0.024 0.10 0.002 0.29 0.001 0.016 0.0061 0.2824
Mercaptan Sulphur, % mass - 0.0030 0.0004 0.0027 0 0.0010 - - 0.0002 0.0028
Distillation IBP, °C Report 142.3 155.7 143.9 163.7 148.5 158.5 141.6 159.5
10% Recovery, °C - 205.0 161.9 178.4 157.9 182.8 165.5 175.0 161.2 178.5
50% Recovery, °C Report 188.9 204.1 186.9 210.0 182.0 195.5 186.4 204.6
90% Recovery, °C Report 213.6 243.0 229.8 255.1 212.5 230.0 210.0 251.6
FBP, °C - 300.0 247.2 275 235.5 277.6 239.5 264 246.4 285
Flash Point, °C 38.0 - 38 42.5 38.5 51.5 40.5 46.5 38.5 46.5
3
Density @ 15°C, kg/m 775.0 840.0 789.3 803.1 792.2 815.2 800.3 815.4 787.6 810.7
Freezing Point, °C - -47.0 -55.8 -47.2 -61 -47 -73.8 -57.1 -62.1 -47
2
Viscosity @ -20°C, mm /s - 8.00 3.37 4.379 3.303 4.864 3.05 6.48 3.14 4.943
Specific Energy, Net MJ/kg 42.80 - 43.13 43.48 43.1 43.4 43.0 43.2 43.05 43.39
Smoke Point, mm 19.0 - 22.4 26 20 25 20 22 20 26
Naphthalenes, % volume - 3.00 0.56 2.13 0.51 2.2 0.5 1.47 0 2.66
Existent Gum, mg/100ml - 7 1 5 1 2 1 1 0 3
MSEP (* min. with SDA) 85 (70*) - 71 99 71 100 71 100 82 100
Particulate, mg/l - 1.0 0 0.95 0.07 0.97 - - 0 13.0
Colour Report - - 21 30 30 30 17 30
Number of Batches - - 139 260 75 251
3
Total Quantity m - - 247,338 2,148,906 3,241,789 4,212,911

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 15
 Table 2 (part 2), the range of results obtained for AVTUR from the different sources of supply during 2007
Def Stan 91-91
Source 5 Source 6 Source 7 Source 8 Source 9
Spec. Limits
Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max
Total Acidity, mg KOH/g - 0.015 0.002 0.014 0.001 0.015 0.001 0.013 0.0002 0.015 0.0008 0.015
Aromatics, % volume - 25.0 15 20.6 14.7 20.7 11.5 21.4 12.5 20.6 14.5 22.6
Total Sulphur, % mass - 0.30 0.014 0.102 0 0.1 0.01 0.26 0.01 0.2779 0.01 0.14
Mercaptan Sulphur, % mass - 0.0030 0.0002 0.0005 0.0005 0.0019 0.0002 0.003 0.0002 0.003 0.0003 0.0023
Distillation IBP, °C Report 147.3 160.2 143.6 164.2 147.3 168.9 145.4 158.5 143.8
10% Recovery, °C - 205.0 167.3 175.9 168.1 184 160.5 182.5 160.3 176 163.9 177.3
50% Recovery, °C Report 192.1 201.7 187.9 210.1 184.5 206.2 179 200.8 189.1
90% Recovery, °C Report 240.4 253.4 228.2 244.8 223.7 253.7 208 247.5 227
FBP, °C - 300.0 267 282.9 243.3 268.5 248.4 282.5 237 279.8 251.2 273.2
Flash Point, °C 38.0 - 41.5 49 39.5 50 38.5 51.5 38.5 45 38 47.5
3
Density @ 15°C, kg/m 775.0 840.0 793.9 805.8 796.8 814.9 786 811.2 788.6 803.2 795.3 808.9
Freezing Point, °C - -47.0 -53 -49.5 -60.5 -48.5 -57.9 -47.5 -60 -47.6 -59.1 -47.4
2
Viscosity @ -20°C, mm /s - 8.00 3.701 4.608 3.393 4.971 3.157 4.718 2.96 4.745 3.321 4.225
Specific Energy, Net MJ/kg 42.80 - 43.184 43.346 43.12 43.31 43.099 43.461 43.11 43.42 43.1 43.4
Smoke Point, mm 19.0 - 22 26 22 26 20 26 22 26 21 25
Naphthalenes, % volume - 3.00 0.94 1.3 1.69 2.28 0.24 1.92 1.47 1.47 0.9 2.6
Existent Gum, mg/100ml - 7 1 1 1 6 0 5 1 5 1 3
MSEP (* min. with SDA) 85 (70*) - 70 100 73 100 70 99 57 99 75 99
Particulate, mg/l - 1.0 - - 0.01 0.65 0.1 0.8 - - 0.01 0.82
Colour Report - - 17 26 - - 15 30 22 30
Number of Batches - - 21 62 97 183 157
3
Total Quantity m - - 190,096 792,593 788,438 1,865,345 1,964,355

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 16
B Appendix B: Figures
B.1 Figure 1 – Total Acidity Histogram

Total Acidity
(Spec Lim = 0.015 Max, Mean = 0.004, St Dev = 0.004)

450 34.0%

400
Number of batches

350
300
250
16.2%
200
150 9.5%

100 6.7%
5.5%
4.4% 4.7% 4.6% 3.9%
50 2.7% 2.7% 2.3% 1.8%
0.2% 0.6% 0.4%
0
0 0.001 0.002 0.003 0.004 0.005 0.006 0.007 0.008 0.009 0.01 0.011 0.012 0.013 0.014 0.015

mg KOH/g

B.2 Figure 2 – Total Acidity Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean Acidity

0.0060

0.0055

0.0050
mg KOH/g

0.0045

0.0040

0.0035

0.0030
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 17
B.3 Figure 3 – Aromatics Histogram

Aromatics
(Spec Lim = 25 Max, Mean = 18.7, St Dev = 2.3)

600
41.7%
500
Number of batches

400
22.4%
300
18.1%
200
7.6%
100 6.2%
3.3%
0.6%
0
12 14 16 18 20 22 24
% vol

B.4 Figure 4 – Aromatics Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean Aromatics

19.5

19.0
% Volume

18.5

18.0

17.5

17.0
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 18
B.5 Figure 5 – Total Sulphur Histogram

Total Sulphur
(Spec Lim = 0.3 Max, Mean = 0.05, St Dev = 0.06)

500
36.1%
450
Number of batches

400
350
24.1%
300
250
200 14.1%

150
100 6.4%
5.3%
3.1%
50 1.4% 1.7% 1.0% 1.2% 1.0% 0.8% 1.1% 1.8%
0.7%
0
0.00 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.10 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18 0.20 0.22 0.24 0.26 0.28
%m

B.6 Figure 6 – Total Sulphur Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean Total Sulphur

0.070

0.065

0.060
% Mass

0.055

0.050

0.045

0.040

0.035
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 19
B.7 Figure 7 – Mercaptan Sulphur Histogram

Mercaptan Sulphur
(Spec Lim = 0.003 Max, Mean = 0.0007, St Dev = 0.0007)

450 36.2%
400
Number of batches

350
300 22.9%
250 19.3%

200 14.4%
150
100
4.1%
50 1.6% 1.6%
0
0 0.0005 0.001 0.0015 0.002 0.0025 0.003
% mass

B.8 Figure 8 – Mercaptan Sulphur Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean Mercaptan Sulphur

0.0011

0.0010

0.0009
% Mass

0.0008

0.0007

0.0006

0.0005
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 20
B.9 Figure 9 – Distillation IBP Histogram

Distillation IBP
(Spec Lim = Report, Mean = 152, St Dev = 4)

700
50.4%
600
Number of batches

500

400 27.8%

300
15.3%
200

100 5.4%
0.2% 0.9% 0.1%
0
140 145 150 155 160 165 170
°C

B.10 Figure 10 – Distillation IBP Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean IBP

155.0

154.0

153.0
°C

152.0

151.0

150.0

149.0
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 21
B.11 Figure 11 – Distillation 10% Recovery Histogram

10% Recovery
(Spec Lim = 205 Max, Mean = 170, St Dev = 5)

600
40.6%
500
Number of batches

400
25.2% 24.6%
300

200

100 5.5%
3.5%
0.6%
0
160 165 170 175 180 185
°C

B.12 Figure 12 – Distillation 10% Recovery Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean 10% Recovery

174.0

173.0

172.0

171.0
°C

170.0

169.0

168.0

167.0
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 22
B.13 Figure 13 – Distillation 50% Recovery Histogram

50% Recovery
(Spec Lim = Report, Mean = 195, St Dev = 5)

600
41.1%
500
Number of batches

32.4%
400

300
16.2%
200

100 4.5% 4.7%

0.5% 0.6%
0
180 185 190 195 200 205 210
°C

B.14 Figure 14 – Distillation 50% Recovery Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean 50% Recovery

197.5

197.0

196.5

196.0
°C

195.5

195.0

194.5

194.0

193.5
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 23
B.15 Figure 15 – Distillation 90% Recovery Histogram

90% Recovery
(Spec Lim = Report, Mean = 235, St Dev = 7)

500
450 34.8%
32.6%
Number of batches

400
350
300
250
200 12.0%
150 9.2%
100
3.1% 3.0% 3.3%
50 0.3% 0.9% 0.8%
0
210 215 220 225 230 235 240 245 250 255
°C

B.16 Figure 16 – Distillation 90% Recovery Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean 90% Recovery

239.0

238.0

237.0

236.0
°C

235.0

234.0

233.0

232.0
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 24
B.17 Figure 17 – Distillation FBP Histogram

Distillation FBP
(Spec Lim = 300 Max, Mean = 259, St Dev = 8)

450 33.3%
400
Number of batches

350
24.6%
300
250
200
11.7%
150
7.6% 7.1%
100 6.5%
3.6% 3.9%
50 0.8% 0.6%
0.2%
0
235 240 245 250 255 260 265 270 275 280 285
°C

B.18 Figure 18 – Distillation FBP Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean Distillation FBP

261.0

260.0

259.0

258.0
°C

257.0

256.0

255.0

254.0

253.0
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 25
B.19 Figure 19 – Flash Point Histogram

Flash Point
(Spec Lim = 38 Min, Mean = 42.2, St Dev = 2.2)

450 34.4% 33.7%

400
Number of batches

350
300 20.8%
250
200
150
100 5.0%
50 2.7% 1.9% 1.1% 0.4%
0
38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52
°C

B.20 Figure 20 – Flash Point Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean Flash Point

45.0

44.5

44.0

43.5
°C

43.0

42.5

42.0

41.5

41.0
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 26
B.21 Figure 21 – Density Histogram

Density
(Spec Lim = 775 Min, Mean = 802.2, St Dev = 6.0)

400
27.7%
350 25.4%
Number of batches

23.1%
300
250
200
10.8% 10.9%
150
100
50 1.9%
0.2%
0
785 790 795 800 805 810 815
kg/m³

B.22 Figure 22 – Density Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean Density

803.0

802.0

801.0
kg/m³ @ -15°C

800.0

799.0

798.0

797.0

796.0
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 27
B.23 Figure 23 – Freezing Point Histogram

Freezing Point
(Spec Lim = -47 Max, Mean = -54.6, St Dev = 4.0)

700 51.7%

600
Number of batches

500

400
23.2%
300

200 12.7%

100 5.4%
1.1% 2.2% 1.5% 1.7%
0.1% 0.3%
0
-75 -72 -69 -66 -63 -60 -57 -54 -51 -48
°C

B.24 Figure 24 – Freezing Point Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean Freezing Point

-51.0

-51.5

-52.0

-52.5
°C

-53.0

-53.5

-54.0

-54.5

-55.0
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 28
B.25 Figure 25 – Kinematic Viscosity Histogram

Kinematic Viscosity
(Spec Lim = 8 Max, Mean = 3.8, St Dev = 0.3)

800
55.7%
700
Number of batches

600
500 36.4%

400
300
200
5.9%
100
1.5% 0.4% 0.1% 0.0% 0.1%
0
3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5
mm²/s

B.26 Figure 26 – Kinematic Viscosity Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean Viscosity

4.00

3.95
mm²/s @ -20°C

3.90

3.85

3.80

3.75

3.70
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 29
B.27 Figure 27 – Specific Energy Histogram

Specific Energy
(Spec Lim = 42.8 Min, Mean = 43.2, St Dev = 0.1)

500 36.8% 37.1%

450
400
Number of batches

350
300
250
14.9%
200
150 10.0%

100
50 1.0% 0.2%
0
43 43.1 43.2 43.3 43.4 43.5
MJ/kg

B.28 Figure 28 – Specific Energy Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean Specific Energy

43.30

43.28

43.26
MJ/kg

43.24

43.22

43.20

43.18
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 30
B.29 Figure 29 – Smoke Point Histogram

Smoke Point
(Spec Lim = 19 Min, Mean = 23, St Dev = 1)

400
350 26.8%
25.0%
Number of batches

300 21.1%
250
200 14.9%

150
8.5%
100
50 2.6%
1.1%
0
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
mm

B.30 Figure 30 – Smoke Point Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean Smoke Point

24.60
24.40
24.20
24.00
23.80
mm

23.60
23.40
23.20

23.00
22.80
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 31
B.31 Figure 31 – Naphthalenes Histogram

Naphthalenes
(Spec Lim = 3 Max, Mean = 1.34, St Dev = 0.51)

250
21.8%
Number of batches

200
17.7%
15.6%
150 13.8%

9.8%
100 7.9%
5.6%
4.6%
50
2.1%
0.9%
0.1%
0
0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 2.25 2.5 2.75
% vol

B.32 Figure 32 – Naphthalenes Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean Naphthalenes

2.10

2.00

1.90
% Volume

1.80

1.70

1.60

1.50

1.40

1.30
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 32
B.33 Figure 33 – Existent Gum Histogram

Existent Gum
(Spec Lim = 7 Max, Mean = 0.8, St Dev = 0.6)

1200
78.7%
1000
Number of batches

800

600

400

200 7.0%
1.0% 0.4% 0.3% 0.1%
0
1 2 3 4 5 6
mg/100ml

B.34 Figure 34 – Existent Gum Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean Existent Gum

1.05

1.00

0.95
mg/100ml

0.90

0.85

0.80

0.75
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 33
B.35 Figure 35 – MSEP Histogram

MSEP
(Spec Lim = 70 Min, Mean = 94, St Dev = 7)

600
40.5%
500
Number of batches

400 28.7%

300

200 14.0%

6.7%
100 4.2% 4.8%
0.1% 0.1% 0.0% 1.0%
0
55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
MSEP

B.36 Figure 36 – MSEP Trend Graph

Trend of the Annual Mean MSEP

97.00

96.00

95.00
mg/100ml

94.00

93.00

92.00

91.00

90.00

89.00
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 34
B.37 Figure 37 – Particulate Histogram

Particulate
(Spec Lim = 1 Max, Mean = 0.8, St Dev = 1.2)

250
16
22.2%
14
Number of batches

200 12
18.2%
17.2% 10

8
150 6

4
11.2%
2
100 0
7.3% 7.6%
3.0 3.4 3.8 4.2 4.6 5.0 5.4

4.3%
50
2.0% 1.1%
0.5% 0.7%
0
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
mg/l

B.38 Figure 38 – Colour Histogram

Colour
(Spec Lim = Report, Mean = 25, St Dev = 4)

450
36.0%
400
350
Number of batches

300
250
200
150
9.9%
8.8%
100 7.5%
4.3%
50 2.4% 2.9% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.9%
0.2% 0.4% 0.3% 0.9% 1.7%
0
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 35
B.39 Figure 39 – Near Specification Limit Trend Analysis (Acidity, Aromatics)

Near specification limit trend analysis

70%
Acidity
60%
Aromatics
% Near specification

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%
1983

1984

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007
Year

B.40 Figure 40 – Near Specification Limit Trend Analysis (Mercaptans, Flash

Point, Freezing Point)

Near specification limit trend analysis

70%

60% Mercaptans
Flash Point
% Near specification

50% Freeze Point

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%
1983

1984

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 36
B.41 Figure 41 – Near Specification Limit Trend Analysis (Smoke Point,
Naphthalenes)

Near specification limit trend analysis

70%
Smoke Point
60%
Naphthalenes
% Near specification

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%
1983

1984

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007
Year

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 37
 Initial distribution list
External
Defence Fuels Group AFTM
Energy Institute Technical Manager Standards (3copies)
Aviation Fuel Industry Approx 70 copies

QinetiQ
Mr P Jones Business Group Manager
Mr K Cowey Technical Manager
Dr A Clague Capability Leader, Fuels
Mr P Brook Principal Scientist, Fuels
Mr G K Rickard Principal Scientist, Fuels

Information Resources
DRIC DSTL Knowledge Services (2 copies)

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 38
Report documentation page
Originator’s Report Number QINETIQ/08/01656

Garry Rickard
QinetiQ Cody Technology Park,
Originator’s Name and Location Building 442, Room G23,
Farnborough GU14 0LX
Customer Contract Number and Period
DFG2a/1500
Covered

Gp Capt Nigel Arnold, HQ DFG, Defence

Petroleum Centre, West Moors, Wimborne,
Customer Sponsor’s Post/Name and Location BH21 6QS
Sonia Quintanilla, Energy Institute, 61 New
Cavendish Street, London W1G 7AR

Report Protective Marking and Date of issue Pagination No. of

any other markings references
UNCLASSIFIED July 08 Cover + 40 24
Report Title
The Quality of Aviation Fuel Available in the United Kingdom Annual Survey 2007

Translation / Conference details None

Title Protective Marking UNCLASSIFIED

Authors Garry Rickard

Downgrading Statement Not Applicable

Secondary Release Limitations Not Applicable

Announcement Limitations Not Applicable

Keywords / Descriptors AVIATION FUEL, JET FUEL, SURVEY, 2007

Abstract
This report contains a summary of the data relating to the specification properties for AVTUR
supplied in the UK during the year 2007. The data is expressed in the form of histograms and
mean values, which are graphically compared over the period 1986-2007. This report is the
thirty-fourth in a series of annual survey reports.

Abstract Protective Marking: UNCLASSIFIED

This form meets DRIC-SPEC 1000 issue 7

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 39
 Blank page

QINETIQ/08/01656 Page 40