JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Members of the 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron recently implemented a jet fuel conversion here March 25.
The conversion from the military-grade fuel JP-8 to the commercial-grade fuel JET A began here by re-labeling the fuel tanks, trucks and equipment, Michael Melendrez, 11th LRS/Akima senior project manager, said.
JET A is more readily available and is, on average, two cents per gallon cheaper than JP-8. The savings sound miniscule, but for JBA who purchases millions of gallons of fuel per year, the savings add up.
"Andrews is projected to save an estimated $700,000 this year," said Robert Thompson, 11th LRS/Akima fuels accountant and operator.
The Defense Logistics Agency's Energy Office and the Air Force Petroleum Agency began the conversion at four Air Force locations in November 2009: Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, McChord Air Force Base, Washington, and Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station, Minnesota.
DLA's Energy Office adds the same three additives found in JP-8, to JET A.
The first additive is a fuel system icing inhibitor, which prevents ice from forming in the fuel lines. Next, a static dissipator is added to help reduce the build up of a static charge. Finally, a corrosion inhibitor/lubricity improver is used to reduce engine wear and corrosion.
"The only major difference between JP-8(-47 degrees Celsius) and JET A(-40 degrees Celsius) are the freezing points," Melendrez said. "The fuels can be mixed together without taking additional measures."