LUMINOMETER NUMBERS OF AVIATION TURBINE FUELS: ASTM D1740
EXPLANATION
This test method provides an indication of the relative radiation emitted by the combustion products of gas turbine fuels from a diffusion flame. The radiation level is expressed as luminometer number, which is related to the hydrocarbon type composition of such fuels. A high luminometer number indicates a fuel of low radiation characteristics. Because radiant heat transfer exerts a strong influence on the metal temperature of combustion liners and other hot section parts of gas turbines, the luminometer numbers provide a basis for the correlation of fuel characteristics with the life of these components. There is a good correlation between luminometer numbers by this test and smoke point (Test Method ASTM D1322).
TEST SUMMARY
The luminometer number of a fuel is determined by burning the fuel in the ASTM-CRC Luminometer lamp and obtaining a curve of flame radiation, as measured by the optical filter and photo cell unit against the temperature rise across the burner measured by a thermocouple placed just above the flame. This temperature rise is compared with that obtained on a pair of reference fuels at a constant radiation level. Luminometer number is calculated from the difference in temperature rise between the test fuel and for tetralin divided by the difference in temperature rise for isooctane and tetralin.
TEST PRECISION
Repeatability: 6.1 luminometer numbers
Reproducibility: 8.8 luminometer numbers
This test method has no bias.
