100% SAF FLIGHT TRIAL ON A VOYAGER FROM RAF BRIZE NORTON TOOK PLACE ON THE 16TH NOVEMBER 2022.
SAF is a near drop in fuel, designed to reduce the carbon footprint of our aircraft which could prove to be critical to achieve our goal of net zero 2040.
The SAF used for this trial is made from waste cooking oil and has approximately an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions of F-34 despite the fact it was sourced from the far east.
Locally produced SAF could see an even larger reduction in CO2 emissions in the future.
The SAF’s technical name is Hydro processed Ester Fatty Acid Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (HEFA SPK)
It is produced by breaking down oils and fats into esters and glycerol in a process called transesterification. The esters are then hydro processed to remove oxygen and unsaturated bonds from them which makes them fit for use in aircraft and less susceptible to breaking down.
There are differences within the fuels which will have an effect on various things:
It has 0 sulphur which reduces engine lubrici
Warwickshire-based company Wastewater Fuels has developed a new technology to convert sewage into hydrogen energy.
The innovation, known as a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC), uses stainless steel mesh rods to break down organic matter in wastewater.
This process produces hydrogen gas, which can be stored and used as a fuel.
The MEC system involves placing rods in wastewater where microbes consume the organic matter.
The process converts this matter into hydrogen ions and then into hydrogen gas within the rod.
This approach is expected to reduce the energy needed for wastewater treatment and provide a valuable energy source.
The technology has been successfully tested in several trials and is now preparing for deployment at RAF Digby.
The technology has been supported by funding from the Defence and Security Accelerator and is set to be trialled in collaboration with Severn Trent Water and Coventry City Council.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
