Fuel Stability Foam
Abstract
A new means of increasing the chemical stability of petroleum fuel during storage has been developed. Distillate fuel blends have been shown to form significantly less total particulate matter (comprising the sum of the suspended insoluble and adhered particulate matter) following storage in contact with Fuel Stability Foam (FSF) than similar reference fuels aged in the absence of FSF. The most effective FSF material has been found to be a reticulated polyurethane which maximizes the fuel stabilizing properties. This effect is at least equivalent to that of any known fuel-soluble chemical stabilization additive. Enhanced filterability and decreased colouration of fuels after storage in contact with FSF were also observed. Total insolubles in aged fuels containing known deposit promoting agents, including carboxylic acids, soluble copper and aromatic thiols, were reduced to low levels by the presence of FSF. Contributing mechanisms for the stabilizing action of FSF include adsorption by the FSF of chemical precursors to the particulate matter, absorption of soluble particulate matter, solution of solid particulate matter in the foam and adsorption and interaction with species to modify the acid/base environment of the fuel. Australia.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA205155
Entities
People
- A. J. Power
- R. K. Solly
- W. Arfelli
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group