What is the Difference Between Jet Fuel and Petrol

Jet fuel and petrol are two types of fuel derived from crude oil. Both are composed of hydrocarbons. They are flammable and release energy when burned. It is this property that makes them suitable for powering engines. However, there is a distinct difference between jet fuel and petrol.

What is the difference between jet fuel and petrol? Jet fuel is a heavier fuel, whereas petrol is a lighter fuel.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Jet Fuel  
      – Definition, Features, Uses
2. What is Petrol
      – Definition, Features, Uses
3. Similarities Between Jet Fuel and Petrol
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Jet Fuel and Petrol
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Jet Fuel and Petrol
      – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Jet Fuel, Petrol

What is Jet Fuel

Jet fuel consists of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons. It has longer chains of carbon atoms (12-15). These hydrocarbons come in various forms, such as paraffin, naphthene, aromatics, and olefins. The presence of specific types of hydrocarbons also influences the performance. Hence, it has a higher flash point. Jet fuel is less volatile and often ignites with a flame. The chemistry of jet fuels varies with the type of fuel. Common commercial varieties like Jet A and Jet A-1 are formulated according to strict international standards for optimal performance and safety. These fuels are refined well to remove impurities in order to prevent damage caused to jet engines.

Jet fuels are mainly used as fuels in commercial aviation. Military aircraft also rely on jet fuel for a range of operations, including transport, reconnaissance, and combat. Jet fuel powers search and rescue aircraft, enabling swift responses to disasters and emergencies. Its ability to function in extreme temperatures is very useful for these vital missions.

What is Petrol

Petrol is a mixture of hydrocarbons. It has shorter hydrocarbon chains (5-12) hydrocarbon atoms. Petrol is more volatile and easier to ignite with a spark plug, which is suitable for internal combustion engines in cars. The specific blend of hydrocarbons in petrol varies depending on factors like crude oil source and desired octane rating. Petrol includes alkanes, alkenes, and aromatics.

Petrol has an octane rating which depicts a fuel’s resistance to knocking, a phenomenon that can damage engines. Using a mixture of hydrocarbons and additives, petrol can achieve different octane ratings. Higher octane fuels contain more aromatics, allowing for higher compression ratios and more power in engines.

Petrol is mainly used as a fuel in vehicles. It also helps to power up specialized equipment like lawnmowers and generators. In addition, some variants are useful as solvents for cleaning and degreasing.

Similarities Between Jet Fuel and Petrol

1. Jet fuel and petrol are derived from crude oil.
2. Both are composed of hydrocarbons.
3. Both fuels are flammable and release energy when burned. This property makes them suitable for powering engines.
4. They both provide energy for transportation.

Difference Between Jet Fuel and Petrol

Definition

• Jet fuel is a heavy fuel used in aircraft engines designed to operate at high altitudes and temperatures, while petrol is a refined petroleum product used in internal combustion engines, mainly in cars.

Carbon Chains

• Jet fuel has longer chains (C9-C16), leading to higher boiling points, while petrol has shorter chains (C7-C11), resulting in lower boiling points.

Nature

• Jet fuel is a heavier fuel, whereas petrol is a lighter fuel.

Volatility

• Jet fuel is less volatile with a higher flash point while petrol is more volatile with a lower flash point.

Octane Rating

• Jet fuel has a lower octane rating (around 15), whereas petrol has a higher octane rating (typically 87-93).

Freezing Point

• Jet fuel has a lower freezing point, while petrol has a higher freezing point.

FAQ: Jet Fuel and Petrol

1. What burns hotter, jet fuel or petrol?

Jet fuel’s combustion temperature can reach around 149°C (300°F) to 260°C (500°F), depending on the type. Petrol typically burns around 450°C to 650°C (842°F to 1202°F). Thus, Jet fuel can actually burn hotter than petrol.

2. Why is jet fuel cheaper than petrol?

There are a few reasons why jet fuel is cheaper than petrol. Jet fuel often has lower taxes than petrol. Another reason is that jet fuel requires less processing in the refinery. In addition, the demand for jet fuel is more stable.

3. Can petrol be used in jet engines?

Here are some reasons why petrol could not be used in jet fuels.

• Petrol is more volatile than jet fuel, which means it evaporates more easily.
• Jet fuel contains lubricating properties.
• Jet engines are designed for the specific burning characteristics of jet fuel.
• When compared to petrol, jet fuel has a much lower freezing point.

4. Why is jet fuel not used in cars?

Here are some reasons why jet fuel is not used in cars.

• Jet fuel has a higher autoignition temperature than petrol.
• It isn’t optimized for the internal combustion engines used in cars.
• It can produce different emissions compared to petrol.
• Jet fuel is more volatile than petrol.

5. What are the problems with jet fuel?

Jet fuel is susceptible to contamination by water, dirt, and even microbial growth during storage and transportation. Moreover, inhalation or skin contact with jet fuel can cause irritation, dizziness, and even respiratory problems.

Reference:

1. “Jet Engine Fuels.” Science Direct.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Shell Refueller” By The original uploader was Lommer at English Wikipedia. – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons. (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Person Holding Gasoline Nozzle” (CC0) via Pexels