ASTM D1655-22 Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels

The “ASTM D1655-22 Standard specification for aviation turbine fuels” standard developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) covers the use of purchasing organizations in formulating specifications for aviation turbine fuel purchases under contract.

This standard defines minimum specification requirements for Jet A and Jet A-1 aviation turbine fuel and lists acceptable additives for use in civilian and military operated engines and aircraft. Jet A fuel is used in the United States, while most of the rest of the world uses Jet A-1 fuel. The important difference between the two fuels is that Jet A-1 fuel has a lower maximum freezing point than Jet A fuel (Jet A fuel freezes at minus 40 degrees, Jet A-1 fuel freezes at minus 47 degrees). By the way, there are important differences between Jet-A fuel and diesel. For example, Jet-A fuel is a relatively high sulfur fuel, while diesel is low sulfur. Essentially, we are now in the era of very low sulfur diesel. Additionally, jet fuel is dry. Diesel is produced or additives are added to lubricate the injector system of the diesel engine.

This standard was originally developed for civilian applications, but has also been adopted for military aircraft. Guidance information regarding the use of Jet A and Jet A-1 fuels in special applications is included in the standard annex.

This standard is used as a standard for defining the quality of aviation turbine fuel from production to aircraft. However, this standard does not include the quality assurance tests and procedures necessary to ensure that the fuel in the distribution system continues to comply with this specification after batch certification. Such procedures are, for example, ICAO 9977, EI/JIG  1530, J.I.G. 1, J.I.G. 2, API 1543, API It is defined in the 1595 and ATA-103 standards.

This standard does not cover all fuels sufficient for aviation turbine engines. Certain equipment or usage conditions may allow a wider range of specifications or require a narrower range of specifications than shown in this specification.

The aviation turbine fuels described herein may be used in turbine engines other than those specifically designed and certified for this fuel.

This standard no longer includes large-cut aviation turbine fuel (Jet B). For such fuels, it is recommended to use the “ASTM D6615-15a Jet B standard specification for large-cut aviation turbine fuel” standard.

In short, the ASTM D1655-22 standard covers contractual aviation turbine fuel purchases and is designed primarily for use by purchasing organizations. This standard does not cover all fuels suitable for reciprocating aviation turbine engines, but instead defines specific aviation fuel types Jet A and Jet A-1 for civil use. Fuels are appropriately sampled and tested to examine their compliance with detailed requirements regarding composition, volatility, fluidity, combustion, corrosion, thermal stability, contaminants and additives.

The ASTM D1655-22 standard forms the global basis for all jet fuel quality specifications for each batch produced and plays an important role in ensuring operational safety and reliability. ASTM standards are based on the consensus of all ASTM members represented by industry stakeholders. For the jet fuel industry, these include original equipment manufacturers, federal agencies, fuel suppliers, academia, fuel manufacturers, technology providers, trade associations and similar organizations.

Every batch of jet fuel must be documented before use. Conventional jet fuels and their derivatives are certified in accordance with the ASTM D1655-22 standard.

Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services defined in the "ASTM D1655-22 Standard specification for aviation turbine fuels" standard, with a trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.