Jet Fuel / Aviation Turbine Fuel

Aviation fuel is a specialized type of petroleum-based fuel used to power aircraft. The most commonly used fuels for commercial aviation are Jet A and Jet A-1, which are produced to a standardized international specification. Jet fuel is a mixture of a large number of different hydrocarbons. The range of their sizes (molecular weights or carbon numbers) is restricted by the requirements for the product.

  • Jet A-1 is a kerosene grade of fuel suitable for most turbine engined aircraft. It is produced to a stringent internationally agreed standard, has a flash point above 38°C (100°F) and a freeze point maximum of -47°C. It is widely available outside the U.S.A. Jet A-1 meets the requirements of British specification DEF STAN 91-91 (Jet A-1), (formerly DERD 2494 (AVTUR)), ASTM specification D1655 (Jet A-1) and IATA Guidance Material (Kerosine Type), NATO Code F-35.
  • Jet A is a similar kerosene type of fuel, produced to an ASTM specification and normally only available in the United States. It has the same flash point as Jet A-1 but a higher freeze point maximum (-40°C). It is supplied against the ASTM D1655 (Jet A) specification. Jet A specification fuel has been used in the United States since the 1950s and is usually not available outside the United States and a few Canadian airports such as Toronto and Vancouver, whereas Jet A-1 is the standard specification fuel used in the rest of the world.

Our fuel drums are traditionally 205 liters and are sealed at all times. The fuel drums should be stored in a cool or dry place to maintain fuel quality. If the fuel in the drums is stored outside, the drums must be stored on their sides (preferably on shelves). If this is not possible, drums should be stored upright, with a slight tilt (a 2 x 4 under one side of the drum is useful), so that water flows from the top of the drum. The barrel must be positioned so that the drain is not the low point, where it could be covered by water. Covering the drum with plastics or a tarp is also recommended.

The volatile products such as automotive gasoline and aviation have a life span shorter than the storage of heavy products because the lighter volatile components evaporate over time. This alters the composition of fuels, and makes them unsuitable for use. The species of automobiles contain some elements that can degrade over time to form gums, varnish or sediment. Heavier products such as diesel, heating oil, Jet A-1, and Petrosol 3139, have no volatile components, and they retain their quality for longer periods under good storage conditions .

All products in drums should be used on the principle of “first in, first out”. Use the oldest product first.
Fill the codes on drums as YY / MM / DD, which is year / month / day. The stored fuel drums should be checked regularly for leaks to prevent contamination of soil and groundwater environment.

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