LYNNTECH INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF191-028

Description

Trace level metals such as copper in aviation turbine fuel can significantly accelerate thermal instability of the fuel, leading to oxidation and production of detrimental insoluble deposits in the engine. The primary method of correcting the issue is through the addition of a metal deactivator additive (MDA) into the fuel. Because of its surface activity and adsorptive properties, MDA may be reduced in concentration as the fuel is handled. Consequently, reduced concentrations of MDA may be insufficient to prevent accelerated autoxidation reactions. However, MDA concentrations above 5.7 mg/L can be detrimental. Therefore, ability to accurately measure MDA concentration in aviation fuel is very important. Current process for testing MDA requires fuel samples to be collected and shipped to a regional laboratory, which can take 2-10 days for results. During this time, fuel inventories and fuel servicing equipment are placed in a quality hold status, preventing the ability to support mission requirements. To address the critical need Lynntech proposes to develop a convenient field deployable colorimetric MDA analyzer based on a handheld battery powered colorimeter. This technology allows for rapid and accurate measurement of MDA in fuel samples onsite, eliminating the wait period and the need for highly skilled personnel.