The influence of surface area to volume ratio on long-term storage of jet fuel, a field study

Yalfal Siyum, Moshe Rabaev, Udi Akiva, Noam Brown, Eytan Geissmann, Rephael Fass, Joseph Geva, Josefa Ben Asher

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Though it is generally known that a surface area to volume ratio (SA/V ratio) has a bearing on long-term storage stability of jet fuel, little real field data exists on this subject. In this field study, the stability of jet fuel stored for 2 to 10 years in 30 liter, 10m3, 300m3, 30,000m3 tanks and in a 150 km section of 16 pipeline, has been evaluated in relation to impact of SA/V ratio. The tests performed included the general specification requirements, long-term storage evaluation tests and microbiological tests. The data suggests that straight run jet fuel may be safely stored under good housekeeping conditions for ten years in carbon steel or stainless steel made storage tanks, having a SA/V ratio less than 3. Contrary to that, storage of straight run jet fuel, for only two years, in an underground 150 km section of 16 carbon steel pipeline, having SA/V ratio of 10, went off spec regarding existing gum. The storage conditions in this pipeline supported accumulation of water and rust particles in topographically low sampling points that could have contributed to the deterioration process. In small aluminum made tanks bearing SA/V ratio higher than 20, JFTOT deteriorated within several months of storage. This study sets a basis for an initiative to collect more historical data on this subject from various sources. A broader data base will enable to determine a solid numeric indicator to be used for decision making, regarding strategic storage of jet fuel in remote locations, based on volume, structure, construction materials and design considerations.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication13th International Conference on Stability, Handling and Use of Liquid Fuels 2013
PublisherIASH
Pages646-655
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9781632663788
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event13th International Conference on Stability, Handling and Use of Liquid Fuels 2013, IASH 2013 - Rhodes, Greece
Duration: 6 Oct 201310 Oct 2013

Publication series

Name13th International Conference on Stability, Handling and Use of Liquid Fuels 2013

Conference

Conference13th International Conference on Stability, Handling and Use of Liquid Fuels 2013, IASH 2013
Country/TerritoryGreece
CityRhodes
Period6/10/1310/10/13

Keywords

  • Jet fuel
  • Long term storage
  • Surface area to volume ratio

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