Aviation Fuel Sulfur Analysis
Quantitative effects of 10ppm versus 300ppm sulfur concerning non-carbon emissions
The Problem
ASTM D1655 mandates a minimum sulfur content of 300 ppm for Jet A-1 fuel to ensure adequate lubricity. However, when sulfur is combusted, it forms SOx, which contributes to acid rain and air pollution.
dLCAF: A Superior Alternative
dLCAF contains only 10 ppm sulfur but demonstrates superior lubricity at 380 μm WSD measured by HFRR, compared to Jet A-1's maximum of 460 μm as specified by NATO.
Environmental Impact
SOx emissions contribute primarily to air pollution and acid rain rather than climate change. Acid rain damages ecosystems, buildings, and human health.
Health Impact Assessment
SOx emissions contribute to particulate matter formation, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Transitioning to 10 ppm sulfur would save approximately 2,392 lives annually.
Economic Analysis
When health benefits are included, ultra-low sulfur fuel generates $16.02 billion in annual net benefits with a 2.9:1 benefit-cost ratio.
Industry Challenges
The oil sector faces several challenges in producing low-aromatic, low-sulfur aviation fuel, but these are surmountable based on historical precedents.
Removing sulfur also eliminates natural lubricity compounds
Synthetic alternatives introduce additional complexity
More expensive but technically feasible
EU diesel successfully transitioned to 10ppm despite industry resistance
Conclusion & Recommendations
Current ASTM D1655 minimum sulfur requirement (300 ppm) is preventing adoption of superior fuel technologies that could deliver massive environmental and health benefits.
Update ASTM D1655 to remove minimum sulfur requirement
Phased implementation of ultra-low sulfur standards
Scale dLCAF production to meet global demand
$16.02B annual net benefits with 2.9:1 return