Information About

Jp-4




JP-4 is a mixture of Aliphatic and Aromatic Hydrocarbon s. It is a flammable transparent liquid with clear or straw color, with a kerosene-like smell. It evaporates easily. Its freeze point is at -77 °F (-60 °C) and its flash point temperature is 0 °F (-18 °C).

Commercial aviation uses a similar mixture under the name Jet-B . JP-4 in addition contains Corrosion Inhibitor s and Icing Inhibitors . Since the mid 1980s, Antistatic Agent was added to the fuel to decrease the risk of fires caused by static electricity discharges.

JP-4 is a nonconductive liquid, prone to build up Static Electricity charge when being moved through pipes and tanks. As it is volatile and with low flash point, the static discharge may cause a fire. An Antistatic Agent is used since as a fuel additive to lower the charge buildup, the flow rates have to be controlled, and all the equipment used has to be electrically interconnected and well grounded.

JP-4 was phased out by the U.S. Air Force, and was replaced with JP-8 . The transition was finished by the fall of 1996, and was motivated by the desire to use less flammable, less hazardous fuel.

JP-4 floats on water.


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