Development of a Test Method to Determine Potential Peroxide Content in Turbine Fuels

A test method was developed for the prediction of peroxide potential of fuels, experimental conditions were sought so that the oxidative tendencies of fuels could be assessed within a reasonable time i.e., less than 48 hours. Through the generally accepted 43 C (110 F) bottle storage method fo accelerated fuel aging, the relative ratings of four selected fuels' oxidative tendencies were established. A matrix of experiments was designed to allow selection of those short-term reaction conditions that would give results comparable to the 43 C bottle storage experiments. Additionally, the results of these experiments would allow the development of global reaction kinetics to aid the determination of fuel peroxidation potential. From a partially completed experimental matrix, fuel stressing was completed at 60 and 100 C under an initial oxygen pressure of 689 kPa (100 psig). Experimental results at 60 C gave inconclusive results. Results of the 100 C experiments produced essentially self-consistent results that also agreed with those of the bottle storage for the most stables and least stable fuels. Results of the two intermediate stability fuels, however were interchanged.