Determining the concentration of pipeline Drag Reducer Additive in Aviation Turbine Fuels as per ASTM D7872

User Benefits

- Simple GPC method for quantitation of DRA in jet fuel. - Shorter and sensitive method for DRA

Introduction

A small amount of polymer additive is added to the fluid which causes the reduction in friction and increases the pumping capacity of fluids. The addition of such polymeric additive is called Drag Reducing Agent (DRA). The DRA is added in relatively small amounts but may cause some serious impacts on the jet engine performance if that is found in higher concentrations in jet fuels. DRA is frequently added into multiproduct pipelines to increase throughput or reduce energy requirements of fuel movement. Although these additives are not used in jet fuel, contamination can occur from other products if proper batching guidelines are not followed or by other cases of human error. CRC Report No. 642 reviewed the impact of DRA on jet fuel fit-for-purpose performance and concluded that the fuel spray angle and atomization capability of several engine-type fuel nozzles can be adversely affected impacting high altitude relight performance at elevated concentrations. A method that accurately quantifies the amount of DRA in jet fuel can be useful in confirming the absence of significant contamination to protect the safety of aviation operations. This test method is designed to measure down to sub-100 μg/L levels of DRA in aviation fuel.

August 1, 2022 GMT