In recently published research, a synthetic paraffinic kerosene (FT-SPK), produced via the Fischer–Tropsch process, was tested on an Allison 250-C20B helicopter engine. Three fuel types were compared: conventional Jet A-1, a 50% FT-SPK blend, and 100% neat FT-SPK.
The study focused on measuring soot particles (non-volatile particulate matter, nvPM) as well as key gaseous emissions such as CO₂, NOx, CO, and unburned hydrocarbons. In addition, a high-resolution mass spectrometer was used to provide detailed analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the exhaust gas.
The results show the following: at low power settings, particle number emissions were reduced by up to 88%. Aromatic hydrocarbon structures in the exhaust also decreased significantly. Compared to another alternative aviation fuel, HEFA-SPK, FT-SPK further demonstrated advantages in gaseous emissions – particularly in reducing CO and unburned hydrocarbons. – DOI: 10.1115/GT2025-152708