The Chemistry of Modern Flight

Facts

• At one point in time kerosene was used in lamps.

• In Japan kerosene is widely used as a home heating fuel.

• Kerosene is used as an organic solvent.

• Kerosene has carbon chain lengths ranging from 12 to 16.

• Kerosene has a boiling point ranging from 200 to 250°C.

• Crude oil contains approximately 10-15% kerosene.

• In 2005 19.9 billion gallons of jet fuel was consumed by the U.S. passenger and cargo airlines.

• U.S. refineries produce 1.55 million barrels of jet fuel daily.