Revised ASTM Aviation Fuel Standard
Renewable Synthesized Iso-Paraffinic (SIP) fuel has now been included in ASTM International standard D7566, Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons. A recently approved revision that adds SIP fuel to the ASTM D7566 annex will facilitate use of the fuels in all airlines internationally.
“Independent analysis indicates that renewable farnesane hydrocarbon produced from sugarcane can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent when compared to conventional Jet A/A1 fuel” says ASTM member Fernando Garcia, senior director, scientific and regulatory affairs, Amyris Inc.
First approved in 2009, ASTM D7566 covers an evaluation program to verify that products covered by the standard are fully compatible with all engine parts and all material and equipment used in the supply chain. The standard has recently been revised to incorporate international material specifications for SIP, or low carbon aviation fuel, ensuring fuel quality equal or superior to petroleum-derived aviation turbine fuels. In addition to being used to ensure flight safety, ASTM D7566 also functions as a reference fuel standard when validating aviation turbine engines, aircraft fuel systems and ground fuel-handling equipment.
