Introduction
The AeroShell Book by Shell Aviation provides detailed information on AeroShell products, including fuels, oils, and greases used in aviation. It covers historical context, product specifications, and guidelines for handling and storage.
Definitions & Cautionary Note
This section clarifies terminology such as 'Shell', 'Shell Group', and 'Royal Dutch Shell', and includes a cautionary note on forward-looking statements, highlighting potential risks and uncertainties.
Shell Aviation Fuels
Details aviation fuels, including specifications, additives, and properties. Discusses Shell AeroJet, AeroShell Performance Additive 101, and the Shell Water Detector.
AeroShell Piston Engine Oils
Outlines specifications and functions of piston engine oils, including applications, multigrades, and additives. Covers oil servicing, low oil temperature, lead fouling, and water ingestion.
AeroShell Turbine Engine Oils
Covers turbine engine oils, including applications, approvals, and properties. Discusses oil change intervals, compatibility, and non-aviation uses.
AeroShell Greases
Provides information on greases, including compatibility, intermixing, servicing, and applications.
Conclusion
The AeroShell Book is a vital resource for understanding the specifications, applications, and handling of Shell's aviation products.
Quality Control, Storage, Handling, and Retesting of AeroShell Products
Quality Control: AeroShell products undergo rigorous testing to ensure quality, with a Certificate of Analysis reflecting testing and release dates.
Product Quality: AeroShell products often exceed military specifications, ensuring high performance standards.
Storage and Handling: Proper storage and handling are crucial to maintaining product quality, with recommendations for indoor storage and first-in, first-out inventory procedures.
Common Problems: Product quality can deteriorate due to contamination by water, dirt, or temperature extremes.
Storage Temperatures: Aviation lubricants should be stored in shaded locations with ambient temperatures between 0°C to 40°C.
Shelf Life and Retesting: Products have specific retest periods, with AeroShell greases having a maximum shelf life of 6 years without retesting.
Recommended Storage: Warehouses should maintain constant temperatures, have good ventilation and lighting, and be secure.
Shell Aviation Service: Shell Aviation is committed to exceeding industry standards, ensuring the safety and quality of fuels and refueling methods.
Introduction
Shell prioritizes the careful design of fuelling facilities, good operating procedures, and thorough personnel training to meet the demands of modern aircraft and the aviation industry.
Types and Identification of Aviation Fuels
Aviation fuels are categorized into aviation gasoline (Avgas) and turbine fuel (jet fuel), with specific color codes for identification.
Quality Assurance
Shell's Aviation Service ensures that fuels are delivered on specification and in a clean, dry condition, adhering to the Shell Aviation Quality System.
Safety in Fuelling Operations
Ensuring the correct grade of fuel is delivered is crucial, with safety measures to prevent fuel spillage and static electricity hazards.
Facilities and Equipment
Shell maintains high standards for fuel handling facilities, emphasizing simplicity and sophistication.
Experience and Training
With over 110 years in the aviation fuel business, Shell provides comprehensive training and resources to ensure safety in fuel storage, handling, and dispensing.
Fire Safety
Handling aviation gasolines and Jet B requires caution due to their hazardous nature, with fire fighting training and regular drills conducted.
Static Electricity
Static electricity poses a significant hazard during fuel handling, with bonding techniques employed to prevent sparks.
Shell Aviation Fuels
Shell classifies aviation fuels into aviation gasoline for spark ignition engines and aviation turbine fuels for various jet engines.
Major Jet Fuel Grades
Jet A-1 and Jet A are the primary kerosene grades, with Jet A-1 having a lower freeze point.
Alternative and Sustainable Aviation Fuels
Alternative blend components for jet fuels are approved under ASTM D7566, allowing for blending with conventional fuels.
Regional Jet Fuel Specifications
Different regions have specific jet fuel specifications, such as DEF STAN 91-091 in the UK and ASTM D1655 in the USA.
Overview of Aviation Fuels:
RP-1 and RP-2 are kerosenes similar to Russian TS-1, with low flash points and specific freeze points.
International Specifications - AFQRJOS Check List:
The AFQRJOS Check List consolidates stringent requirements from DEF STAN 91-091 and ASTM D1655 for JET A-1.
Military Jet Fuel Grades:
Includes JP-4, JP-5, JP-8, and JP-8 +100, each with specific applications and specifications.
Aviation Gasoline (Avgas):
Used in small piston engine aircraft, with two main leaded grades: Avgas 100 and 100LL.
Avgas Grades:
Includes Avgas 100, 100LL, 100VLL, UL82, UL87, UL91, and UL94, each with specific properties and applications.
History of Avgas Grades:
Avgas grades have been rationalized over time due to decreasing demand.
Access to Aviation Fuel Specifications:
Specifications are available from DEF STAN, ASTM, US Military, and IATA.
Aviation Fuel Additives:
Additives include anti-knock, anti-oxidants, static dissipators, corrosion inhibitors, and more.
Fuel Properties Not in Specifications:
Not all fuel properties are listed in specifications due to practicality.
Introduction
This document provides detailed information on various aviation fuel properties, additives, and detection devices.
Fuel Properties
Certain characteristics are crucial for aircraft engine and airframe designers, such as surface tension and flammability limits.
Shell AeroJet
Shell AeroJet is a premium aviation fuel service offering benefits such as anti-icing through a Fuel System Icing Inhibitor (FSII).
AeroShell Performance Additive 101
Developed for the USAF JP-8 +100 program, this additive improves jet fuel thermal stability and reduces carbon deposits.
Shell Water Detector
This device detects undissolved water in jet fuels, indicating contamination levels as low as 10 ppm.
AeroShell Piston Engine Oils
AeroShell oils have evolved to include additives for reducing sludge and corrosion.
Specifications
U.S. Military Specifications have transitioned to SAE Standards for piston engine oils.
Introduction
The document discusses the adoption of new SAE standards for aircraft piston engine lubricating oils.
Function of Piston Engine Oil
Piston engine oils reduce friction, provide cooling, cushion moving parts, and protect against rust and corrosion.
Application
AeroShell Oils are designed for four-stroke aircraft engines and are not recommended for automotive engines converted for aircraft use.
Selection of Oil Grade
Choosing the correct oil grade is crucial for engine performance and longevity.
Understanding Multigrades
Multigrade oils maintain viscosity across temperature ranges, using viscosity index improvers.
Compatibility and Additives
AeroShell oils are compatible across grades, allowing for safe mixing and switching.
Conclusion
The document emphasizes the importance of using the correct type and grade of oil for aircraft piston engines.
Load Carrying/Anti-Wear Additives: Additives are applied only where needed, crucial for limiting wear during marginal lubrication.
Metal Passivators: Metal passivators form a protective layer on copper components, preventing oil degradation.
Corrosion Inhibitors: AeroShell Plus Oil includes corrosion inhibitors to prevent rust.
Oil Servicing: Proper oil servicing involves reviewing manuals, inspecting filters, and checking the oil pan's suction screen.
Oil Draining and Change Interval: Oil should be drained when hot to remove contaminants effectively.
Oil Change Extension: Extending oil change intervals is generally not recommended.
Break-in Procedure: New or overhauled engines should use straight
mineral oil for break-in.
Break-in Indicators: Successful break-in is indicated by stabilized oil consumption and changes in exhaust stack appearance.
Engine Break-In Process
The document discusses the importance of monitoring oil levels during the engine break-in process.
Chrome Bores vs. Steel Bores
Engines with nitrided steel cylinder liners and chrome-faced piston rings break-in more easily compared to Channel Chrome bores.
Long Term Operation on Straight Mineral Oils
While engines can run on straight mineral oils, these oils lack additives, leading to deposit formation.
Oil Analysis
Routine oil analysis is crucial for maintenance, helping detect problems before they escalate.
Understanding Oil Filters
Oil filters contain valuable information about engine condition.
Changing Oil Filters
Oil filters should be changed with every oil change to prevent contamination.
Oil Colour and Consumption
The document explains that oil colour is not a reliable indicator of oil condition.
Oil Consumption and Engine Maintenance
Oil consumption in aircraft engines is primarily influenced by the rings, cylinder type, and break-in process.
Low Oil Temperature
Low oil temperatures can lead to rust and corrosion due to moisture condensation.
Lead Fouling
Avgas 100LL contains Tetra Ethyl Lead (TEL) for octane boosting, which can lead to lead oxide deposits.
Water Ingestion in Engine Oil
Water in engine oil can activate acids, causing corrosion.
Preparation for Aircraft Storage
Proper preparation for storage includes changing oil, chocking wheels, blanking inlets and exhausts, and applying covers and grease.
Aircraft Storage Preparation
To prepare an aircraft for winter storage, ensure all electrical systems are off and consider removing the battery to prevent drainage.
Post-Winter Storage Preparation
Before the first flight after storage, ensure the battery is fully charged using a slow "trickle" charger.
Radial Engines
Radial engines require specific oils due to their unique design and stress levels.
Vintage Aircraft
For vintage aircraft, consult with engine rebuilders or oil suppliers for appropriate oil recommendations.
Non-Aviation Use of AeroShell Oils
When using AeroShell oils for non-aviation purposes, performance tests are necessary to ensure suitability.
Stability in Storage
AeroShell W Oils are stable in storage if handled correctly.
AeroShell Oils Specifications
AeroShell Oils are available in various viscosity grades and are approved for use in four-stroke aircraft engines.
AeroShell W Oils
AeroShell W Oils are non-ash dispersant oils providing stability and anti-foaming performance.
Engine Oil Recommendations and Specifications
Break-in Oil Recommendations: For engines like the Lycoming O-320H and O/LO360E, both ashless dispersant and straight mineral oil can be used for break-in.
AeroShell W Oils: These oils promote engine cleanliness, reduce sludge, lower oil consumption, help engines reach Time Between Overhaul (TBO), and protect engine parts against wear.
Specifications: The U.S. specification SAE J1899 replaces MIL-L-22851D.
Typical Properties: The document provides detailed properties for W80, W100, and W120 oils.
AeroShell Oil W 15W-50: This semi-synthetic blend offers high performance, better cold temperature protection, and superior high temperature performance.
Applications: AeroShell Oil W 15W-50 is suitable for use in various aircraft piston engines.
Specifications and Approvals: Developed with Textron Lycoming and Continental Aerospace Technologies, it conforms to their specifications.
AeroShell Oils W80 Plus and W100 Plus: These single grade oils combine ashless dispersant performance with anti-wear and anti-corrosion additives.
AeroShell Oil Sport Plus 4: Specifically developed for light sport aviation piston engines like the ROTAX 912 & 914 series.
Features and Benefits: AeroShell Oil Sport Plus 4 promotes engine cleanliness, reduces oil consumption, and provides excellent protection against wear and rust.
AeroShell Oil Diesel Ultra
Specifications and Applications:
AeroShell Oil Diesel Ultra is a fully synthetic, multigrade engine oil designed for modern diesel aviation piston engines.
Engine Manufacturers’ Approvals:
The oil is approved to Mercedes Benz Specification 229.5 and is recognized by leading diesel aero engine manufacturers.
Specifications:
No aviation specifications are defined yet.
Typical Properties:
Density at 15°C is 850 kg/m3, kinematic viscosity at 100°C is 12.0 mm²/s.
AeroShell Turbine Engine Oils
Development and Specifications:
Early gas turbine engines used straight mineral oils, but the need for low-temperature starting led to the development of oils with lower viscosities.
Modern Developments:
With increased engine performance demands, newer oils like AeroShell Turbine Oil 560 have been developed for better thermal stability.
Oil Analysis and Maintenance:
Routine oil analysis is crucial for maintenance, involving spectrometric wear metal checks and tests for viscosity and acidity.
Applications and Approvals:
Engine oils must be specified in the Type Certificate for certified aircraft.
Compressor Washing:
Some manufacturers recommend regular compressor washing to maintain performance.
Compressor Maintenance: Operators must adhere to engine manufacturers' guidelines for compressor washing.
Oil Change Interval: No fixed interval for many gas turbines; oil changes depend on engine model and conditions.
Oil Changeover: Synthetic oils are generally compatible within viscosity groups.
Material Compatibility: Synthetic oils allow for higher temperature extremes but require compatibility checks with elastomers, metals, and other materials.
Elastomer Compatibility: Compatibility with synthetic oils varies; manufacturers often provide compatibility tables.
Paints and Plastics: Epoxy resin paints are compatible with synthetic oils.
Varnishes: Modified alkyd varnishes offer good oil resistance but poor water resistance.
Metal Compatibility: Copper accelerates oil breakdown; avoid pure copper.
Non-Aviation Use: AeroShell turbine oils are used in industrial and marine gas turbines.
AeroShell Turbine Oil 2: A mineral oil used for fuel system inhibition, compatible with Russian MK-8 engines.
AeroShell Turbine Oil 3: A mineral oil for early jet engines and storage inhibition.
AeroShell Turbine Oil 308: A synthetic ester oil for specific turbo-prop and turbo-jet engines.
Elastomer Compatibility Tests:
Various elastomer compatibility tests were conducted under different conditions.
Foam and Corrosion Tests:
Static and dynamic foam tests were performed, with results showing acceptable foam volume and collapse time.
Viscosity and Temperature Characteristics:
A viscosity/temperature chart is provided, illustrating the oil's performance across a range of temperatures.
AeroShell Turbine Oil 390:
This synthetic diester oil is designed for British turbo-jet engines.
Specifications and Approvals:
AeroShell Turbine Oil 390 meets several international standards.
AeroShell Turbine Oil 500:
This oil meets Pratt & Whitney and MIL-L-23699 specifications.
AeroShell Turbine Oil 555:
Developed for high-temperature and load-carrying requirements.
General Properties:
All oils discussed are synthetic esters with specific kinematic viscosities, flashpoints, and pour points.
AeroShell Turbine Oil 560
Overview: AeroShell Turbine Oil 560 is a high-performance, low-coking synthetic ester oil.
Applications: Developed to withstand the severe conditions of modern engines.
Specifications: Approved for use in numerous engine models from manufacturers like Honeywell, General Electric, Pratt & Whitney, and Rolls-Royce.
Properties: Features include a kinematic viscosity of 5.21 mm²/s at 100°C.
AeroShell Turbine Oil 750
Overview: A synthetic mixed ester oil with a thickener.
Applications: Suitable for British civil gas turbines and Russian turbo-prop applications.
Specifications: Approved for use in various engine models.
Properties: Features a kinematic viscosity of 7.47 mm²/s at 100°C.
AeroShell Ascender
Overview: A fourth-generation turbine engine oil offering low coking and superior elastomer compatibility.
Features & Benefits: Provides excellent seal compatibility, low coking performance, and improved oxidation stability.
Applications: Designed for the latest gas turbine engines.
Specifications: Approved under SAE AS5780D and MIL-PRF-23699G.
Properties: Features a kinematic viscosity of 5.02 mm²/s at 100°C.
Conclusion: AeroShell turbine oils are designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern engines.
Engine Oil Approvals
The document lists various engine models from manufacturers like Mitsubishi Power, Siemens, and Solar Turbine.
AeroShell Greases Overview
Greases are defined as solid or semi-solid lubricants made from a thickening agent in a liquid lubricant with additives.
Microgel® Technology
Microgel® greases use an inorganic thickening agent based on hectorite clay.
Base Oils and Thickening Agents
The choice of base oil depends on the application.
Compatibility and Intermixing
Grease compatibility is crucial, as mixing different types can lead to inferior performance.
Grease Servicing
Oil separation is normal in greases, and excessive separation should be addressed by stirring before use.
Purging Procedures: Purging is essential for expelling contaminants like wear debris, dust, dirt, and water from grease during service.
Grease Change Recommendations: After switching grease types or brands, it is advisable to shorten the re-greasing interval by 50% initially.
Operational Advice for Re-Greasing: Use a grease gun for re-greasing bearings until fresh grease is visible.
Applications and Specifications: Greases are specified for each application point on an aircraft's type certificate.
Grease Selection Considerations: Consider lubrication requirements, engineering components, environmental factors, and endurance/application needs when selecting grease.
AeroShell Greases: - AeroShell Grease 5: High-temperature grease for wheel bearings and high-speed accessories.
- AeroShell Grease 6: General-purpose grease for airframe use.
- AeroShell Grease 7: Multi-purpose grease for turbine and piston engine aircraft.
- AeroShell Grease 14: Helicopter multi-purpose grease with anti-fret properties.
AeroShell Grease 22
Specifications: Approved under various military and international standards.
Applications: Suitable for high bearing loads, high speeds, and wide temperature ranges.
Properties: Operates between –54°C to +177°C.
AeroShell Grease 33
Specifications: Approved under BMS 3-33C and other international standards.
Applications: Designed for general-purpose use in aircraft.
Properties: Operates between –73°C to +121°C.
AeroShell Grease 58
Specifications: Meets SAE AMS3058 standards.
Applications: Ideal for severe conditions like high bearing loads and speeds.
Properties: Operates between –54°C to +175°C.
AeroShell Grease 64
Specifications: Approved under MIL-G-21164D.
Applications: Used in highly loaded, sliding applications on airframes.
Properties: Operates between –73°C to +121°C.
AeroShell Hydraulic Fluids
Types: Includes AeroShell Fluid 4, 41, 31, 61, and Landing Gear Fluid (LGF).
Background: Used in aircraft hydraulic systems for reliable power transfer.
Introduction
The document discusses the evolution and specifications of hydraulic fluids used in aircraft systems.
Fire Hazards and Fluid Development
Initially, MIL-H-5606 fluids were widely used but posed significant fire hazards.
Military Fluid Alternatives
The military developed MIL-H-83282, a synthetic hydrocarbon-based fluid compatible with MIL-H-5606 systems.
Applications and Certification
Hydraulic fluids are specified in aircraft Type Certificates.
Main Requirements for Hydraulic Fluids
Key requirements include low freezing point, minimal viscosity change with temperature, and corrosion and oxidation stability.
Compatibility and Changeover
Mineral and synthetic hydrocarbon fluids are compatible, allowing easy system conversion.
Material Compatibility
Compatibility with sealing materials, plastics, or paints must be examined.
Hydraulic Fluid Cleanliness
Superclean properties are crucial to prevent system failures due to particulates.
AeroShell Hydraulic Fluids
AeroShell fluids are used in both aviation and non-aviation applications.
Conclusion
The document emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate hydraulic fluids based on system requirements and compatibility.
Specifications and Properties of Hydraulic Fluids
MIL-PRF-83282D: This synthetic hydrocarbon fluid is characterized by its kinematic viscosity at various temperatures.
AeroShell Fluid 41: A mineral hydraulic oil with additives for improved fluid properties.
Specifications: Approved under various military and international standards.
AeroShell Fluid 61: A synthetic hydrocarbon fluid designed for fire-resistant applications.
AeroShell LGF: A mineral hydraulic fluid with additives for extreme pressure characteristics.
Preservatives: AeroShell preservatives protect aircraft engines and components from corrosion during storage.
Applications and Approvals: AeroShell fluids are used in various aircraft systems and have approvals from major manufacturers.
Introduction
The document discusses various AeroShell fluids, their applications, specifications, and properties.
Corrosion Inhibited Grades
The specification MIL-PRF-23699G has been revised to include a corrosion inhibited (C/I) grade.
AeroShell Fluid 2XN
AeroShell Fluid 2XN is a corrosion preventative concentrate used to blend AeroShell Fluid 2F.
Specifications and Properties
The document lists specifications for various AeroShell fluids.
Other AeroShell Fluids
The document describes other AeroShell fluids used for special applications.
AeroShell Fluid 3
AeroShell Fluid 3 is a general-purpose mineral lubricating oil.
AeroShell Fluid 5M-A
AeroShell Fluid 5M-A is a medium viscosity mineral oil with extreme pressure additives.
AeroShell Fluid 12
AeroShell Fluid 12 is a low volatility synthetic ester oil.
AeroShell Fluid 602
AeroShell Fluid 602 is a synthetic base fluid used as a cooling fluid for aircraft avionic systems.
AeroShell Fluid S.8350
AeroShell Fluid S.8350 is an SAE 90 extreme pressure gearbox oil.
Conclusion
The document provides comprehensive information on AeroShell fluids, emphasizing their applications, specifications, and properties.
AeroShell Calibrating Fluid 2- Composition: Specially Run Stoddard Solvent.
- Applications: Used for calibrating aircraft fuel system components.
- Specifications: U.S. Approved MIL-PRF-7024F Type II.
- Properties: Mineral oil type, relative density of 0.766.
AeroShell Compound 07- Composition: Ethylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, and distilled water.
- Applications: Used for in-flight de-icing of aircraft components.
- Specifications: Meets British DTD.406B (Obsolete).
- Properties: Flashpoint of 54.4°C.
AeroShell Smoke Oil- Composition: Hydrocarbon fluid based on Shell Gas-to-Liquid Technology.
- Applications: Used in aviation aerobatic flight displays.
- Properties: Density of 806 kg/m3.
Conversion Tables- Temperature Conversion: Provides a chart for converting between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
- Miscellaneous Conversion: Includes conversion factors for calorific value, concentration, energy, force, length, mass, power, pressure, and volume.
Aviation Specifications- Guide: Lists British, U.S., French, and Russian Military Specifications for aviation products.
- U.S. Specifications: Includes AAF, AN, JAN, MIL, DOD, PRF, DTL, and various federal specifications.
- British Specifications: Includes DTD, DEF, and other Ministry of Defence standards.
- NATO Symbols: Classification for fuels, oils, greases, and other products.
Overview: This document provides a comprehensive list of military specifications related to purging fluids, lubricants, and other materials used in aviation.
Specifications and Supersessions: The document lists numerous military specifications (MIL-SPECs) that have been superseded or declared obsolete.
Key Products and Applications: The specifications cover a wide range of products, including lubricants, hydraulic fluids, corrosion inhibitors, and cleaning compounds.
British Aviation Specifications: The document also details the transition of British aviation specifications from DTD and DERD series to DEF STAN standards.
Interpretation and Usage: The document provides guidance on interpreting the list.
Conclusion: This document serves as a reference for understanding the current and historical specifications for aviation-related materials.
Overview: This document provides a comprehensive list of aviation lubricants and fluids, detailing their specifications, applications, and current status (active or obsolete).
Key Sections:
- Obsolete Specifications: Many of the listed products are marked as obsolete.
- Current Specifications: Some specifications remain active.
- French Aviation Specifications: The document also covers French aviation specifications.
- Interpretation Notes: The document includes notes on the interpretation of the list.
Critical Information:
- Product Applications: Each product is associated with specific applications.
- Replacement and Supersession: The document frequently notes which obsolete products have been replaced by newer specifications.
- International Adoption: Several specifications have been adopted internationally.
Overview: This document provides a comprehensive list of aviation lubricants, greases, and related products.
Specifications and Products:- Obsolete Specifications: Several AIR and DCSEA specifications are marked as obsolete.
- AeroShell Grades: Various AeroShell products are listed.
- Russian Aviation Specifications: The document includes a list of Russian specifications.
Key Points:- Product Replacement: Many obsolete specifications have been replaced by newer standards.
- Compatibility and Testing: AeroShell products are suggested as equivalents.
- Responsibility Disclaimer: Shell Companies do not guarantee the fitness of AeroShell products for all applications.
Critical Information:- Temperature Ranges: Some products have specified temperature ranges.
- Corrosion Prevention: Several products are designed for corrosion prevention.
- Fuel Types: Aviation fuels like Shell Avgas 100LL and Shell Jet A-1 are listed with their specifications.
Overview: The document provides a comprehensive list of AeroShell products, including aviation oils, fluids, greases, and other specialized products used in aircraft.
Product Specifications: The document lists various AeroShell grades along with their corresponding U.S. and U.K. specifications.
Aviation Fuels: Includes specifications for Shell Avgas 100, Shell Avgas 100LL, Shell JP-8, Shell Jet A-1, and others.
Piston Engine Oils: Lists various AeroShell oils such as AeroShell Oil 65, 80, 100, and others.
Turbine Engine Oils: Details AeroShell Turbine Oils like 2, 3, 308, 390, 500, and others.
Greases: Covers AeroShell Greases such as 5, 6, 7, 14, 22, 33, and others.
Hydraulic Fluids: Lists AeroShell hydraulic fluids like Fluid 4, 31, 41, 61, and LGF.
Other Fluids: Includes AeroShell Fluid 3, 5M-A, 12, 602, and others.
Preservatives: Mentions AeroShell Fluid 2XN, a concentrate for AeroShell Fluid 2F.
Notes: The document includes notes on the interpretation of the list.