Technical Notes
# 027
Exceeding Expectations
Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Test for Stability of Aviation
Turbine Fuels (JFTOT)
The thermal oxidation stability of jet fuel is essential for estimating the amount of deposits in degraded
fuel. To learn more about this test, let’s apply the AmSpec approach.
A = Application
All oils deteriorate in service due to oxidation. Oil is always in contact with air during use and most
frequently combines with oxygen. This oil oxidation forms insoluble and soluble materials that form deposit
on the engine.
Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Test (JFTOT) is a test method for measuring the high temperature stability of gas
turbine fuels. It subjects the test fuel to conditions related to those occurring in turbine engine systems.
The fuel is pumped at a fixed rate through a heater, after which it enters a stainless steel filter where fuel
degradation products may become deposited. The essential data derived are the amount of deposits on an
aluminum heater tube which is then visually rated.
Figure 1 - Shows the JFTOT Rating System
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M = Methods
The most common method that AmSpec uses to determine the Thermal Stability of Aviation Turbine Fuels:
D3241 – Thermal Oxidation Stability of Aviation Turbine Fuels
S = Scope
Method Products Scope
D3241 Gas turbine fuels Differential pressure values in mm
Hg
** Please note below, Turnaround Time is defined as the actual length of time, on average, it takes to perform a
particular method once the sample has arrived and logged in the lab, and prepared for testing.
P = Procedure Notes
Method Limitations Instrumentation Turnaround Time
D3241 N/A JFTOT – Typically run at 2.5 hours
275oC and 260oC for
marginal fuels
E = Equivalents
ASTM IP ISO DIN JIS AFNOR
D3241 323 6249 K2276B M07-051
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Also, please be advised individual / group AmSpec laboratory / operational tours can be arranged upon request.
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C = Cause & Effect
Thermal stability is a measure of the amount of heat jet fuel can be exposed to before it oxidizes. The
thermal stability of fuel used requires improvement as aircrafts are upgraded to improve fuel
consumption. It is a requirement because of the quantity of heat produced increases with flight
velocity. Additionally, jet fuel absorbs excess heat from cooling aircraft components such as engine oil,
which leads to fuel oxidation. The fuel performance during gas turbine operation can be assessed by the
level of deposits that form when liquid fuel contacts a heated surface at a specified temperature. The
final tube rating is an estimate of the degraded fuel deposit on the tube. This rating is just one basis for
judging the overall stability of the fuel sample.
Figure 2 – Picture of a Failing JFTOT Heater Tube Due to Peacocking
For any questions about these methods, please contact Jennifer Nesci at [email protected]
Also, please download the new & improved AmSpec Smart Phone app for a number of useful conversion tools
and information.
If you would like to be removed from our distribution list or you require information on a certain subject, please let us know via return email.
Also, please be advised individual / group AmSpec laboratory / operational tours can be arranged upon request.
Please visit us on our website…www.amspecllc.com or contact us at (800) 286-2208
