Properties of aviation petrol

Properties of aviation petrol are as follows :

1. Flashpoint: 38 ⁰C
2. Auto-ignition temperature: 210 ⁰C
3. Freezing point: -40 ⁰C
4. Open air burning temperature: 287.5⁰C
5. Density at 15₀C : 0.807kg/L
6. Calorific value :11,500 cal/g
7. Boiling point: 40 to 102⁰C

Aviation petrol may contain a number of an additive such as :

• Antioxidants to prevent gumming, usually based on alkylated phenols.
• Artistic agents to dissipate static electricity and prevent sparking e.g. dinonylnaphthylsulfonic acid.
• Corrosion inhibitors e.g. DCL-4A used for civilian and military fuels.
• Fuel system icing inhibitor (FSII ) agents e.g. diethylene glycol monomethyl ether.
• point – of – sale so that users with heated fuel lines do not have to pay the extra expense.
• Biocide is used if bacterial colonies exist inside the fuel system.