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Coal-Based Jet Fuel Approaches Ready Ramp
While Penn State's JP900 fuel was developed for use in high-performance military aircraft, there are no compelling technical barriers to prevent coal-based fuel from being used in commercial jetliners.
Photo courtesy of Airbus Industries.
Combustion tests have shown that coal-based JP900 meets or exceeds almost all specifications for military JP8 and commercial Jet A jet fuels.
Photo courtesy of Pratt & Whitney.
Tests show that coal-based JP900 has a flash point higher than required for JP8, a lower viscosity and freezing point and a higher smoke point. The coal-based fuel is also lower in aromatics - compounds such as benzene and toluene - than conventional jet fuels and is almost sulfur free.
Photo courtesy of Energy Institute, Penn State University.
Any transition to coal-based fuel may in fact be led by Asian or European nations, who have less indigenous oil, more available coal, and a huge, growing demand for fuels of all kinds. One thing is certain. Aviation is not likely to be the leader.
"The aviation industry, whose major focus is on safety, is remarkably cautious," Barnett said.
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