Aviation fuel, also known as aviation turbine fuel (ATF), is typically made from crude oil through a refining process. Here are the steps involved in producing aviation fuel:
Distillation: Crude oil is first distilled in a refinery to separate it into different fractions based on their boiling points. The fraction with a boiling point range of 100-400°C, known as the kerosene fraction, is used as the base for aviation fuel.
Hydrotreating: The kerosene fraction is then treated with hydrogen gas in a process called hydrotreating. This removes impurities such as sulfur, nitrogen, and metals that could damage aircraft engines.
Fractional Distillation: The hydrotreated kerosene is then distilled again to separate it into different grades of aviation fuel. Jet A and Jet A-1 are the most common grades of aviation fuel used in commercial aviation.
Additives: Certain additives, such as antistatic agents and corrosion inhibitors, are added to the fuel to improve its performance and safety characteristics.
Quality Control: The final product is then tested and undergoes quality control to ensure it meets the specifications set by aviation authorities such as ASTM International.
Overall, the production of aviation fuel requires a complex refining process to ensure it is safe and meets the high-performance standards required for aviation use.
