Fri, Jul 27, 2012
Planning On Having Operating Proof Of Concept Refinery By End Of 2013
By Bruce Brandon
Jon Ziulkowski, Chief Operating Office at Swift fuel gave a presentation on Swift Fuels progress on their unleaded fuel alternative to 100LL. They have created Swift Fuels, LLC and appointed veteran oil and gas consultant Chris D’Acosta as CEO to bring 100SF to market. D’Acosta and Rob Broin, Chairman of the Board, are leading Swift Fuel’s 100SF to meet ATSM standards no later than the end of 2013.
Ziulkowski explained that fuel is not certified by the FAA but must meet ASTM 27719 standards or a STC must be issued. Swift has decided to meet the ATSM standard. To accomplish this, Swift has others do the testing on its products so there is no conflict of interest. They have had tests conducted on a Lycoming 540 engine by the FAA, a P&W R2800 tested by an Alaskan overhaul facility and used by airshow performer Rick Volker in his M-14 Radial engine. Swift is obtaining an STC for the Cessna 150R & S with a Continental O-200s to use in tests. The STC will be one of a kind and not be commercially available.
Tests include much more than just power (BTUs) in the fuel. Shelf life (tank life), parts compatibility (Purdue University is conducting test on the effects that 100SF has on any metal contacted), temperature test, etc. So far the shelf life is good.
100SF contains no alcohols, including ethanol, rather it is contains two hydrocarbons, mesitylene and isopentane. It has 7% to 15% more BTU/gal. than 100LL that compensates for the slightly higher weight of 100SF.
The price of the fuel has not been determined, but Swift says it will be "competitive."
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