Surfactants in kerosene fuels used in aviation

[e2e4]

Hello,

I have a few questions about unwanted surfactants in JET A-1 fuel?

Are the surfactants mostly responsible for the dissolved (trapped) molecules of water in the fuel?
Could a surfactant part which is lyophobic to fuel molecules, be, at the same time, hidrophilic to the water molecules in the fuel?
Do the surfactants have any connections with low clearness of the fuel?
How do the surfactants disarm the filter/separator and inhibit coalescence of the water from fuel with the filter?

Thanks

 

[Zefram]

for your questions about surfactants in JET A-1 fuel. Surfactants, also known as surface-active agents, are chemical compounds that are added to fuel to improve its properties, such as reducing the surface tension between fuel and water. They can also act as emulsifying agents, helping to keep water and fuel mixed together.

To answer your first question, surfactants are not solely responsible for the dissolved water molecules in fuel. Water can be present in fuel due to contamination during the production, transportation, or storage process. However, surfactants can play a role in trapping water molecules in the fuel by reducing the surface tension and allowing the water to mix with the fuel instead of separating out.

It is possible for a surfactant to be lyophobic to fuel molecules and hydrophilic to water molecules. This is because surfactants have a unique molecular structure that allows them to have both hydrophobic (water-repelling) and hydrophilic (water-attracting) regions. This allows them to interact with both fuel and water molecules simultaneously.

Surfactants can also contribute to low clearness of fuel. This is because they can form stable emulsions with water, making it difficult for the water to settle out and be removed during the filtration process. This can result in hazy or cloudy fuel.

As for how surfactants interfere with the filter/separator and inhibit coalescence of water and fuel, it is important to understand the role of these components. The filter/separator is designed to remove water from fuel by allowing it to coalesce into larger droplets that can be separated out. However, surfactants can prevent this coalescence from occurring by stabilizing the water droplets and keeping them suspended in the fuel. This can clog the filter and inhibit the separation of water from the fuel.

In conclusion, surfactants play a crucial role in the properties of JET A-1 fuel, including its interaction with water. They can contribute to the presence of dissolved water in fuel, affect its clearness, and interfere with the filter/separator process. It is important for fuel producers and users to carefully select and monitor the use of surfactants in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of aircraft. I hope this answers your questions and provides a better understanding of surfactants in JET A-1 fuel.