Characterization of Fischer-Tropsch Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene and Traditional Aviation Turbine Fuel

Significance of the Topic

Detailed characterization of aviation fuels supports regulatory compliance and environmental goals by mapping composition differences between conventional and synthetic fuels. GC×GC–TOFMS offers high-resolution separation and spectral identification critical for safety, performance, and emissions analysis.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study illustrates the application of two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry to characterize traditional jet turbine fuel and Fischer–Tropsch synthetic paraffinic kerosene (FT-SPK). It aims to differentiate compound classes, reveal compositional variations across production methods, and streamline certification under ASTM standards.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Fuel samples were diluted in hexane (100:1). A LECO QuadJet thermal modulator GC×GC system with Rxi-17SilMS and Rxi-5MS columns executed a temperature program from 40 °C to 300 °C. The secondary oven and modulator ran 15 °C above the primary oven. A LECO Pegasus BTX time-of-flight mass spectrometer acquired 35–900 m/z at 200 spectra/s. Data processing used ChromaTOF software with automated deconvolution and NIST23 library searches.

Main Results and Discussion

Contour plots reveal distinct elution bands for paraffins, cycloparaffins, and aromatics in commercial fuels. Traditional jet fuels (A–D) show subtle variations, while LTFT-SPK and HTFT-SPK exhibit clear differences in branching and carbon number distribution. The FT-SPK/A blend highlights added monocyclic aromatics. GC×GC resolved coeluting peaks, improving library match scores above 850/1000 and avoiding misidentification common in one-dimensional GC. Semi-targeted filtering reduced over 11 000 features to specific heteroatom-containing analytes relevant for emissions and catalyst integrity.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid class-level profiling for quality control and fuel certification.
• Enhanced peak deconvolution for accurate compound identification.
• Capability to monitor heteroatoms affecting emissions and engine performance.
• Single-workflow analysis streamlining regulatory compliance (ASTM D7566, D1655).

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements may include integration of real-time data analytics and machine-learning algorithms for automated feature recognition, expansion of SAF pathway monitoring, coupling with orthogonal detectors (e.g., sulfur chemiluminescence), and miniaturized GC×GC platforms for field-deployable fuel analysis.

Conclusion

Combining GC×GC with TOFMS on the Pegasus BTX 4D platform delivers comprehensive, high-resolution chemical insights into both traditional and synthetic aviation fuels. This approach accelerates certification steps, ensures performance consistency, and supports the transition to sustainable aviation fuels.

Reference

• https://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/aircraft-propulsion/viewpoint-bio-based-aromatics-point-way-burning-100-saf
• https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/sustainable-aviation-fuel-market-70301163.html
• https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/sustainable_aviation_fuel.html
• https://aviationweek.com/special-topics/sustainable-aviation-fuel/saf-market-worth-13112-billion-2033
• https://guidehouseinsights.com/reports/market-outlook-for-sustainable-aviation-fuels
• https://www.netl.doe.gov/research/carbon-management/energy-systems/gasification/gasifipedia/ftsynthesis
• https://skynrg.com/sustainable-aviation-fuel/technology-basics/