UOP Ecofining supported first SAF flights using algal oil
In Illinois, Honeywell announced its UOP Ecofining™ technology supported the world’s first jet flights using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced from algal oil.
Two commercial flights, which were recently completed in Japan, used a blend containing renewable jet fuel created from microalgae feedstock using the Ecofining process. The commercial flights were the first use of the new ASTM D7566 Annex 7 standard for fuel used in commercial jet engines, and were carried out by Japan Airlines on an Airbus A350-900, and All Nippon Airways on a Boeing 787-8.
The microalgae oil feed was produced by the Japanese-based IHI Corporation, which approached UOP with the novel algal oil for production of renewable jet fuel through the use of UOP Ecofining, the first technology used for commercial production of SAF. Honeywell helped pioneer SAF production with its UOP Ecofining process, which has been used to produce SAF commercially since 2016.
Following a rigorous testing process , the SAF produced by the UOP’s Ecofining™ technology from the algal oil received regulatory approval from ASTM to meet jet fuel standard D7566 Annex 7.
Fuel that conforms to the ASTM D7566 Annex 7 standard has the same material properties as existing jet fuel (kerosene), and even if it is mixed with existing fuel, it does not require modification of existing infrastructure or aircraft materials such as engines or fuel supply facilities. As a drop in-fuel, it can be used in the operation of commercial aircraft around the world as well as in Japan.
Category: Fuels
