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Jet a1 vs kerosene 28sec

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Jet a1 vs kerosene 28sec

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Old 15th May 2011, 19:15
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I stand to be flamed or to be corrected...

When I did some flying in remote areas in Southern Africa (B407) I was told in a pinch (read emergency situation) that I could use diesel, though this needed to be logged and the TBO for the engine would be reduced by 25%, I believe this is in the maintenance manual, though fortunately i never had to confirm.
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Old 15th May 2011, 19:22
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I was told in a pinch (read emergency situation) that I could use diesel
Not sure about this, but in a pinch, it is my understanding that very limited use of aviation gasoline is approved, but with maintenence implications.
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Old 15th May 2011, 19:32
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Gordy - the short answer is because it is a mil standard suitable for use in any mil aircraft anywhere in the world.

The FSII also has anti-bacterial properties which helps fight fungal growth in the fuel. I don't know if it is a separation issue if it sits in the tank too long but that isn't usually an issue for us - it may be a corrosion factor in a steel tank, ours are rubber.
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Old 15th May 2011, 19:43
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Crab

Got it....over here most places give you the option of having it added. It is added at the nozzle and normally costs more. The anti-bacterial qualities are what I believe cause some problems---but again not sure exactly what, but will find out tomorrow.
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Old 15th May 2011, 20:40
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in the "old" days in the military we could run on a 20/80 petrol/diesel mix perfectly ok in a lack of proper fuel situation. BUT it would soot up the wheels a lot quicker and thus, due to maintenance, it was only in emergency.

use the correct fuel
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Old 15th May 2011, 20:57
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According to Conoco Philips....

Product Name: Aviation Kerosene
Synonyms: Aviation Jet Fuel A-1 (civilian)
...............Avtur
...............NATO F34, F35 (military)
...............Regular Burning Oil (RBO)
...............28 Second Heating Oil
Safety Data Sheet Number: 814650
Intended Use: Aviation Turbine Fuel
Manufacturer: ConocoPhillips Ltd, Humber Refinery
South Killingholme, North Lincolnshire DN40 3DW

http://apollofuels.co.uk/p7spepper/img/kero_msds.pdf
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Old 15th May 2011, 21:28
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From the RR 250-C47B (B407) Operation and Maintenance Manual (Sep 09): Fuel Specifications

"(2) Emergency

Operation on ASTM D-910 AVGAS, all grades, is permitted for a maximum of six hours for each turbine overhaul period if aircraft boost pumps are available and turned on."

No mention of diesel or other non aviation fuels. Avgas containg TCP is not permitted. Likely would run on diesel but would probably become unairworthy from a regulatory standpoint if done, requiring at least an inspection and possibly an overhaul (not to mention possible liability issues). So if its REALLY an emergency, might be worth it!

Last edited by EN48; 15th May 2011 at 22:49.
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Old 15th May 2011, 21:45
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it may be a corrosion factor in a steel tank, ours are rubber.
My understanding is that if the FSII concentration is too high, it can attack the rubber bladder and other rubber fuel system components leading to fuel system contamination.
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Old 15th May 2011, 21:58
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It is added at the nozzle and normally costs more.
In the U.S., FSII is sometimes added by the FBO to his tank farm and all fuel sold by such an FBO has FSII whether you want it or not. In other cases, FSII is added by a system on the fuel truck as fuel is pumped into the aircraft, or (now rarely) from a spray can as fuel is pumped. Fuel that is not pre-blended with FSII may or may not have an additional antimicrobial agent added by the FBO. As far as I have been able to determine, most FBO's add the antimicrobial to their tank farm if the fuel does not contain this agent from the wholesaler.
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Old 15th May 2011, 22:13
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The way to find out what (if any) maintenance penalty is incurred by using a different fuel from the normally available type is to read the Fight Manual.

The requirements for different aircraft/engine installations can vary. Putting forward a "one size fits all" answer is incorrect.

However, if the fuel type in question doesn't appear in the aircraft documentation then don't try to use it.
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Old 15th May 2011, 22:39
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We ran a Jet Ranger, Long Ranger, and three MD-500 E's on #1 Clear Diesel for years without any problems what so ever.
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Old 15th May 2011, 22:54
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The recommended fuel is used for a reason.
Simply it's the Best for the engine.
Emergency use of 'Anything' that is liquid and will burn was only for when Ivan was coming over the horizon and now't else was available.
As was mentioned the Wasp could be run on 'Anything' but life of the primative donkey was shortened drastically, down to about 10 Hrs if Avgas was used.

john
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Old 16th May 2011, 01:24
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We ran a Jet Ranger, Long Ranger, and three MD-500 E's on #1 Clear Diesel for years without any problems what so ever.
What am I missing here? For the B407 (and I assume other FAA certified acft), approved fuels appear in the Limitations section of the RFM and are all aircraft jet fuels (no diesel, kerosene, Irish whiskey, etc). The use of ANYTHING else would seem to raise multiple serious questions unless the Limitations are amended accordingly. Perhaps different with other aviation authorities outside the U.S. No doubt these turbine engines will run on other types of fuels but the use of such fuels would seem to violate regulations, void warranties, create liabilities, etc. (Civil acft only - military make their own rules)

Last edited by EN48; 16th May 2011 at 01:37.
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Old 16th May 2011, 01:26
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Originally Posted by jonwilly
The recommended fuel is used for a reason.
Simply it's the Best for the engine.
Emergency use of 'Anything' that is liquid and will burn was only for when Ivan was coming over the horizon and now't else was available.
As was mentioned the Wasp could be run on 'Anything' but life of the primative donkey was shortened drastically, down to about 10 Hrs if Avgas was used.

john
john,

Are you sure that wasn't the time limit for use of Avgas, rather than engine life? We could use diesel in Alouettes for a specific number of hours within an overhaul period with a TOT of about 50C higher than with JetA1. As already stated, most Flight Manuals will list approved fuels and any limitations associated with their use: that would be the first 'port of call' for consideration of what fuel to use on your helicopter
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Old 16th May 2011, 01:48
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Let's say you operate a western engine in the former Soviet bloc
OK - I see where you're headed. The B407 RFM fuel Limitations does state that fuels listed in the RR Operation and Maintenance Manual may also be used in accordance with any RR limitations (but no Irish whiskey there either!)
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Old 16th May 2011, 03:10
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Originally Posted by EN48
OK - I see where you're headed. The B407 RFM fuel Limitations does state that fuels listed in the RR Operation and Maintenance Manual may also be used in accordance with any RR limitations (but no Irish whiskey there either!)
That is because the use of Irish whiskey is in the Pilots Operating Manual (though a good Single malt Scotch, or Rye Whiskey also approved)
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Old 16th May 2011, 05:49
  #37 (permalink)  
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Flightpath has clearly pointed out that it is actually the same fuel produced at the refinery yet no-one has made comment ?
Has he added the 28 sec in red, or highlighted it ?

Still not going to use it , but the question I asked has defiantly given a good debate !
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Old 16th May 2011, 06:04
  #38 (permalink)  
 
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Pratt & Whitney Safety Bulletin PT6T-72-5144 allows for "Automotive Diesel Fuel (Regular Grade)" to be used without penalty. With this limitation: "Shall not be used below +40 °F (+5 °C) ground OAT"

We often use Diesel as an alternate fuel in our B412's.
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Old 16th May 2011, 12:07
  #39 (permalink)  

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Flightpath has clearly pointed out that it is actually the same fuel produced at the refinery yet no-one has made comment ?
It was actually covered by a poster earlier in the discussion. With regard to aircraft fuels, it's not only the actual composition of the fuel that's the important thing. What is also very important is how it is cared for between leaving the refinery and getting into the engine.

Similar argument/ discussions go on about the pros and cons of the use of MOGAS in aircraft piston engines.

One good piece of aviation advice given to me many years ago: "Think what the Board of Inquiry might have to say about it". These days I would also add a rider: "And the insurance company".
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Old 16th May 2011, 12:25
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ShyT,
One good piece of aviation advice given to me many years ago: "Think what the Board of Inquiry might have to say about it". These days I would also add a rider: "And the insurance company".
I suppose that would only apply if the accident was fuel related. Clearly if an accident was cfit for example, and the engine was running perfectly, then surely it would not be a factor.
One of my engineers tells me three of his gazelles and two of his allouettes have been running on heating oil for years with no problems.
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