Work Item
ASTM WK90154
Revision of D7618-13(2021) Standard Specification for Ethyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (ETBE) for Blending with Aviation Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel
Rationale
Rationale for revision:
This ballot proposes the modification TABLE 1 of D7618 by changing the ethanol limit from 1.5 to 2.5 mass percent as measured by D7796.
The original specification was based on the fact that the only aviation gasolines utilizing ETBE as a blending component were produced and supplied in Europe. As such the specification was based on the ETBE being produced in Europe at the time.
Some of the emerging 100LL lead free replacement fuels in the U.S. are anticipated to contain ETBE. The composition of ETBE produced in the U.S. varies slightly from that produced in Europe. Specifically, the ethanol content in ETBE produced in the U.S. varies more than that produced in Europe.
This change serves to accommodate U.S. ETBE production, without compromising availability or flight safety.
Flight safety is not believed to be an issue, as ethanol is limited in the finished aviation gasoline by the OEMs and/or the appropriate governmental agencies (e.g. FAA) and subject to ASTM performance specifications for the finished fuel such as ASTM D6227.
The motion to ballot this item was approved by Subcommittee J02 at the December 2023 New Orleans ASTM meeting.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 04-01-2024
Technical Contact: Roger Gaughan