Shell Removes Lead From Light Aircraft Fuel
Shell Removes Lead From Light Aircraft Fuel
PR55208
LONDON, Dec. 4, 2013 /PRN=KYODO JBN/ --
Shell today became the first major oil company to develop a lead-free
replacement for Aviation Gasoline (Avgas 100 and 100LL), which will now begin a
strict regulatory approvals process. Avgas is one of the last common
transportation fuels to contain lead and is used by light aircraft and
helicopters. Shell's new lead-free formulation comes after 10 years of
exhaustive R&D, as well as successful initial testing, carried out in the last
two months by two original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Xinsheng (Sheng) Zhang, Vice-President of Shell Aviation, said: "We are
proud of this first for Shell Aviation. This advanced product is the latest
milestone in our long history of innovation. We believe that with industry
support, a stringent approvals process can be completed for this new lead-free
product within a short time-frame. We look forward to working alongside our
technical partners and authorities to progress the necessary approvals needed
to make this product a reality for use in light aircraft engines of all types."
Avgas currently includes lead in its formulation to meet fuel
specifications and boost combustion performance (known as Motor Octane rating).
Shell has developed an unleaded Avgas that meets all key Avgas properties and
that has a Motor Octane rating of over 100, an industry standard. The
development of a technically and commercially-viable unleaded Avgas that meets
these criteria has been seen by the aviation industry as a significant
challenge, due to the tight specifications and strict flight safety standards
that it has to adhere to.
To get to this stage, Shell Aviation technologists carried out an intensive
internal laboratory programme, including in-house altitude rig and engine
testing. Working alliances were then formed with aviation engine manufacturer
Lycoming Engines (Lycoming) and the light aircraft manufacturer Piper Aircraft
Inc. (Piper). As a result, the formulation was successfully evaluated in
industry laboratory engine (bench) tests by Lycoming and in a flight test by
Piper.
"Lycoming Engines commends Shell on launching its unleaded Avgas
initiative," states Michael Kraft, Senior Vice-President and General Manager of
Lycoming Engines. "They engaged Lycoming to test their fuel on our highest
octane demand engine and we can confirm that it's remarkably close to Avgas
100LL from a performance perspective. This initiative is a major step in the
right direction for general aviation."
"Piper Aircraft is pleased to participate with Shell and Lycoming in this
feasibility flight test programme," said Piper Vice-President of Engineering
Jack Mill. "Recently, we successfully flew an experimental non-production Piper
Saratoga with Shell's new formulation for about an hour. We appreciate the
opportunity to work with Shell and Lycoming in this preliminary investigation
of the technologies, which could in several years lead to flying unleaded fuel
in our production airplanes."
Shell will now engage the aviation industry, regulators and authorities,
including the US Federal Aviation Administration, American Society for Testing
and Materials (ASTM) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to achieve
approvals for the unleaded Avgas. Shell expects to also work with other OEMs to
continue the testing and refinement program as the approvals process progresses.
NOTES TO EDITORS
For supporting images please click here
[http://shell-moodboard.qbank.se/?h=529cc3ad8f84f545205dbbd6ea0629a5 ].
- The two main types of aviation
[http://www.shell.com/home/content/aviation/products/fuels ] fuel are
aviation turbine fuel (jet fuel) and aviation gasoline (Avgas). Jet fuel
is used by larger, gas-turbine-engine powered aircraft, while Avgas is
used in smaller, piston-engine powered aircraft. Both are produced to
very
stringent specifications.
- There are two main Avgas grades, 100 and 100LL (low lead). 100 is a
measurement of octane rating.
- Avgas is gasoline type fuel. The global volume for Avgas is much lower
than jet fuel, as although Avgas-fuelled aircraft outnumber jet-fuelled
aircraft, they are generally much smaller.
About Shell Aviation
- Shell Aviation is a leading global supplier of aviation fuels and
lubricants with a heritage of over 100 years. We produce aviation fuels
and lubricants (across a range of grades); market, sell and distribute
them - as well as offer further related services to customers. We supply
fuel at around 800 airports in approximately 40 countries. We refuel a
plane every 12 seconds.
- Our customers are airports and airlines, big and small, plus private
customers such as corporate jet operators and flying clubs. We have one
of
the world's most extensive fuelling networks and have a strong supply
chain. Used worldwide, our AeroShell aviation lubricants range is one
of
the world's most comprehensive with proven performance.
- We have a portfolio of world-class brands and products and continue to
invest in technical innovation. We have strong working relationships with
OEMs, put the customer at the heart of what we do and respond to industry
opportunities and challenges.
Royal Dutch Shell plc
Royal Dutch Shell plc (NYSE:RDS.A)(NYSE:RDS.B) is incorporated in England
and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London,
Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more
than 70 countries and territories with businesses including oil and gas
exploration and production; production and marketing of liquefied natural gas
and gas to liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and
chemicals and renewable energy projects. For further information, visit
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SOURCE: Royal Dutch Shell plc
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