While in the United Kingdom, two different grades are found, in other parts of the world only one type is predominantly available. The two types found in the United Kingdom are BS2869 Class C1, the lightest grade, which is normally used for lanterns, wick heaters, and combustion engines; the other type BS2869 Class C2, a heavier distillate, is used as domestic heating oil. In many parts of the developing World especially of Africa, it is of two grades; the domestic kerosene, which is called the Household Kerosene (HHK), and the jet kerosene, which is called the Aviation Technical Kerosene (ATK). In Nigeria, kerosene is principally utilized domestically, mostly as fuel for lightening and cooking purposes. In most parts of the developed World, it is commonly used for industrial purposes in the area of transportation where it is a component of fuel for jet engines i.e. Jet A, Jet A-1, Jet B, etc. In both industrialized and developing countries, this hydrocarbon product is useful as an aircraft gas turbine and jet fuel by both commercial airlines and the military service, and as a spray oil to combat insects on citrus plants. Its use in other settings such as in entertainment and engineering has been confirmed by Lawal. For example, it is used as a solvent in engineering for the removal of hard-to-remove mucilage, candle wax on glass, degreaser and lubricant for cutting glass, and machining aluminum, and its alloys. In entertainment, it is used in fire breathing, fire juggling, and fire dancing due to its low flame temperature when burnt in free air.
Author(s) Details:
Ayobola Abolape Iyanda
Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Nigeria.
John I. Anetor
Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Recent Global Research Developments in the Utilization and Applications of Kerosene: A Comparative Analysis
“AIR COMPANY’s Carbon-Negative Rocket Fuel” [1]:
- Overview: AIR COMPANY, in collaboration with NASA, is advancing its carbon conversion technology to create paraffins (molecular building blocks for rocket fuel) using only carbon dioxide and hydrogen from water electrolysis. This process produces kerosene-based fuels in a carbon-negative manner.
- Applications:
- Space Exploration: The technology aims to address the challenges of space travel by enabling interplanetary fueling stations. Astronauts can refuel in space, and Martian habitats can use this fuel as a chemical feedstock for survival away from Earth.
- Mars: On Mars, it allows production of stable and storable RP-1 (Rocket Propellant-1) using Martian atmosphere (95% CO2), water, and solar electricity.
- Innovation: AIR COMPANY’s approach combines carbon capture, renewable energy, and sustainable fuel production.
“Clean Energy for a Healthier World” [2]:
- Context: While renewable energy accounts for 19.1% of global energy consumption, burning resources like wood remains common.
- Importance: Transitioning to cleaner energy sources is crucial for environmental and human health.
“Power-to-Liquid Kerosene via Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis” [3]:
- Objective: Assessing the environmental impacts of kerosene produced from electricity and CO2 via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.
- Potential: This alternative liquid jet fuel could reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
References
- AIR COMPANY Awarded Additional NASA Funding to Continue its Research & Development of Kerosene-Based Rocket Fuel
https://spacenews.com/air-company-awarded-additional-nasa-funding-to-continue-its-research-development-of-kerosene-based-rocket-fuel/ - Clean energy can fuel the future — and make the world healthier
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02510-y - Micheli M, Moore D, Bach V, Finkbeiner M. Life-Cycle Assessment of Power-to-Liquid Kerosene Produced from Renewable Electricity and CO2 from Direct Air Capture in Germany. Sustainability. 2022; 14(17):10658. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710658
