CHAPTER 6: NEW JET FUEL FROM BLENDING MICROALGAE BASED JET FUEL AND JET
6.4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
6.4.12 Organic compounds
Some few organic compounds were tested in both Jet A1 and algae-based jet fuel. The data is presented in tables 18 and 24. Except for the total aromatics which should be around a maximum value of 25 % in volume regarding ASTM specifications, there are no specified ASTM limits for the other parameters. Analysing the data recorded in both tables 18 and 24, it was found that there was no significant difference between the same organic parameters for both Jet A1 and algae-based jet fuel. The tests were not done on both blends due to limited resources, however, from the data of every single fuel, it is possible to predict that these organic compounds will have the same influence in both blend regarding their impact on physico- chemical parameters such as flash point, freezing point, viscosity etc
CONCLUSION
Blending conventional jet fuel with algae-based jet fuel in 80/20 and 20/80 ratios respectively can assist in reducing the dependence on fossil fuels while keeping the same level of sustainability. The 80/20 blended jet fuel with 80% of conventional jet fuel in volume has totally complied with ASTM D1655 standards for the parameters analysed in this study.
The contribution of Jet A1 has had an influence on the outcome of this blend. However, regarding the 20/80 blended jet fuel made with 80% of algae-based jet fuel, the majority of parameters have complied with ASTM D1655 standards except for the freezing point, the density at 15 oC and the acidity which are slightly beyond the required ASTM D1655 standard values. The storage stability test was also undertaken after 30, 60, 90 and 120 days
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from the day of preparation. The data recorded in this regard has revealed that majority of parameters have remained compliant with regard to ASTM D1655 standards for the 80/20 blended jet fuel. However, parameters such as density and total acidity were found to be beyond the limits required by ASTM D 1655 standards for the 20/80 blended jet fuel during the entire storage period. The 80/20 blended jet fuel was fully compliant to ASTM D1655 standards and it can be a sustainable option for certification.
The 20/80 blended jet fuel is also an acceptable option for certification based on the data generated in this study. However, it is imperative to purify or upgrade further the algae-based jet fuel in order to get a highly purified product. This will improve the density, reduce sensibly the contamination, water content, dissolved substances and the particulate matters. From the data collected in the current study, blending in 80/20 and 20/80 can both be explored as one of the options to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and carbon footprint. More studies have to be done in terms of additives to improve the quality of the blends and enhance the possibility for certification for both blends.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors wish to thank the support from the accredited laboratories Wearcheck and Biosciences for their assistance in the samples characterisation and the financial support received from their respective institutions.
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