Interesting Article from MIT Review. UOP, a division of Honeywell, has successfully designed and mass produced biofuel based jet fuel made out of Jatropha Curcas seeds. Their fuel can be used in regular jet engines without need for modifications.
According to UOP their Jatropa Jet fuel packs more energy than regular jet fuel which could lead to better mileage for commercial jets. It also has a lower freezing point than conventional jet fuel allowing it to perform well in the colder temperatures of higher altitude. Could this make it capable for use in sub space applications?
According to UOP this is because of the process they have invented to refine the Jatropha Curcas. Compared to the normal process, theirs required them to develop a different catalyst and added additional steps.
The company plans to license this technology to other biofuel refiners. The currently have a refinery in place that can produce enough fuel to power a commercial airline. This they’re planning to do in December, when an Air New Zealand plane powered by 50% of their jatropha jet fuel will take off in Auckland.
This technology of theirs is not limited only to Jatropha Curcas, as they are planning to start experimenting with algae as a feedstock for their jet biofuel next year. The main drawback right now with this technology is the availability of Jatropha Curcas feedstock, but like they say, its a nice problem to have compared to the benefits that they are touting.
Welcome news to environment considering that airplanes have a large impact on global warming. Not much in terms of volume compared to other polluters, but more on delivery impact. Since they travel in the atmosphere their delivery of the harmful carbon is more upclose and personal.
Is that Richard Branson I hear knocking on UOP’s door?
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Category: Jatropha, Airline, Jet Fuel
