CITE Fuels - Some Pump, Some Don't

An engineering study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the system and fuel factors affecting low temperature pumping performance of CITE fuels. The system investigation illustrates that filter pore size, area, flow rate, and fuel charge were important variables and that properly designed and placed components can significantly influence the temperature to which fuels can be pumped. The study showed that very small amounts (2-5%) of frozen hydrocarbons can cause filter plugging and that the presence of insoluble fuel products at low temperatures also contribute to the problem. The program also pointed out that the aromatic portion of the fuel can be as much at fault as the saturates. The paper emphasizes the need for further research to better understand the relationship of the hydrocarbon group and subgroup composition in establishing low temperature fuel behavior.