Gas turbine fuel properties and specification

In the earliest days of the gas turbine engine, kerosene was regarded as the most suitable fuel. It commended itself on the grounds of availability, cost, calorific value, burning characteristics and low fire hazard.

Other types of petroleum fuels are not suitable for use in gas turbines because of the wide range of temperature and pressure over which combustion must occur and the necessity of keeping the weight and volume to a minimum.

General Requirements

A gas turbine fuel should have the following qualities:
a) Ease of flow under all operating conditions.
b) Quick starting of the engine.
c) Complete combustion under all conditions.
d) A high calorific value.
e) Non-corrosive.
f) The by-products of combustion should have no harmful effect on the flame tubes, turbine blades, etc.
g) Minimum fire hazards.
h) Provide lubrication of the moving parts of the fuel system.
i) The by-products of combustion should have minimal harmful effect on the environment