Effect of dicarboxylic acid esters on the lubricity of aviation kerosene for use in CI engines

To reduce their fuel related logistic burden, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Armed Forces are advancing the use of a single fuel for both aircraft and ground equipment. To this end, F-34 (the commercial equivalent is Jet A-1) is replacing distillate diesel fuel in many applications. However, tests conducted with this kerosene type on high frequency reciprocating rig showed that this type of fuel causes unacceptable wear. This excessive wear is caused by the poor lubricity of aviation fuel. In order to make this type of fuel compatible with direct injection compression engines, seven di-carboxylic acid esters have tested to improve the lubricity of kerosene. Tribological results showed that all esters tested in this series of experiments seem to be suitable for increasing the kerosene lubricity to a satisfactory level.