A method for determining biocarbon in aviation kerosene has been created at Novosibirsk State University. This analysis will be useful for certifying new aviation fuel and its use in accordance with modern standards.
To reduce the negative impact on the environment, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) launched the CORSIA program in 2016. Under this program, airlines are required to offset increased emissions.
The goal of the program is to prevent the growth of carbon dioxide emissions compared to the 2020 level. Russia has also joined this international initiative. From 2025, flights from the European Union must use 2% SAF — fuel with a biogenic component. By 2050, this share should reach 63%.
The Center for Collective Use "Accelerator Mass Spectrometry NSU-NNTs" has for the first time analyzed the biocarbon content in samples of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). During the laboratory study, 4 samples of various origins were analyzed. The results showed that the accelerator mass spectrometry method can become a routine method for analyzing biocarbon in SAF aviation fuel.
Fuel with a biogenic component is the result of processing biomass: vegetable oils, animal fats, wood waste, and microalgae. It is mixed with kerosene obtained from fossil hydrocarbons.
NSU emphasized that Russia today is one of the leading producers of aviation kerosene and has enormous potential for creating biocarbon.
To create "sustainable aviation fuel," it is necessary to undergo a certification procedure and ensure control over compliance with the requirements for the minimum biocarbon content. This requires developing a standard method of analysis. It can be carried out by measuring the concentration of radiocarbon: indirectly, by determining the radioactivity of the material, or directly using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS).
Ekaterina Parkhomchuk, the head of the center that conducted the analysis, explained that its complexity is associated with the high content of sulfur and nitrogen in aviation fuel. These substances quickly cause corrosion of measuring instruments. Novosibirsk State University has created a unique device for working with special substances.
The technology we have proposed, thanks to the existing infrastructure, will allow a quick transition to the production of aviation biofuel with a reduced carbon footprint without significant capital investment.
Earlier, Perm scientists came up with a way to increase the environmental friendliness of aircraft engines. For more efficient combustion of the fuel-air mixture, it began to be heated.
Read more materials:
The latest MS-21-300 aircraft consumes half as much kerosene as the Tu-154M
The fuel efficiency of the SJ-100 airliner has increased due to clever wingtips