For the analysis of “Sustainable Aviation Fuels”, or “SAF” for short, ASTM D7566 is the underlying standard for regenerative kerosene. Unlike classic fuel standards, this specification consists of a main specification for final blends of SAF and fossil kerosene (for use in aircraft turbines), as well as the specifications for the individual SAF blending components themselves.
ASTM D7566 Annex 1:
Fischer-Tropsch (FT-SPK)
ASTM D7566 Annex 2:
Ester / Fatty Acids (HEFA-SPK)
ASTM D7566 Annex 3:
Fermented Sugars (HFS-SIP)
ASTM D7566 Annex 4:
Fischer-Tropsch with Aromatics
(FT-SKA)
ASTM D7566 Annex 5:
Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ-SPK)
ASTM D7566 Annex 6:
Catalytic Hydrothermolysis (CHJ)
ASTM D7566 Annex 7:
Hydrocarbon-Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HC-HEFA-SPK)
ASTM D7566 Annex 8:
Alcohol-to-Jet with Aromatics
(AtJ-SKA)
SBC
Jet A / Jet A1
Final Blend:
ASTM D7566 Table 1 (SAF)
For the different production routes of the SAF blending components (SBC), specific analyses are carried out according to the respective annexes. Please make sure to select the correct order form for your analyses!
Not sure which annex is right for your product? Our team of experts will be happy to advise you.
ASTM D7566 Table 1
| Parameter | Method |
| Acid number | ASTM D3242 |
| Aromatics | ASTM D8267
ASTM D6379 |
| Sulfur, Mercaptane | ASTM D3227 |
| Sulfur, total | ASTM D2622
ASTM D5453 |
| Density at 15 °C | ASTM D4052 |
| Flash point | ASTM D3828 |
| Freezing point | ASTM D5972 |
| Viscosity at -20 °C | ASTM D7042 |
| Net heat of combustion | ASTM D4809 |
| Smoke point | ASTM D1322 |
| Naphthalenes | ASTM D1840 |
| Corrosion, copper strip (2h at 100 °C) | ASTM D130 |
| Thermal Stability | ASTM D3241 |
| Existent gum | IP 540 |
| Electrical conductivity | ASTM D2624 |
| MSEP | ASTM D7224 |
| Distillation | ASTM D2887 ASTM D86 |
| Lubricity | ASTM D5001 |
What exactly is SAF or SATF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel/ Sustainable Aviation Turbine Fuel) and why is it important for aviation?
Sustainable Aviation (Turbine) Fuel, or SATF for short, are non-fossil, sustainable aviation fuels that have been developed as a regenerative alternative to conventional kerosene in order to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in aviation. SAF or SATF is currently used as a blending component. To ensure flight safety, the chemical and physical properties must comply with the specifications (including ASTM D7566). In addition to the analytical investigation of these sustainable fuels, we also offer the analysis of conventional jet fuel according to ASTM D1655 as well as the analysis of SAF/Jet A1 blends according to ASTM D7566 Table1 and DefStan 91-091.
How and from which raw materials is SAF produced?
SAF is synthesized from circular or biogenic raw materials such as residual fats, vegetable oils, alcohols and syngas (CO2, CO, H2). The synthesis routes of the previously approved manufacturing routes are defined in ASTM D7566 in specific annexes. Established processes include Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (Annex 1 & 4), hydrogenated fats and esters (HEFA according to Annex 2 & 7), fermented sugars (Annex 3), the alcohol-to-jet process (Annex 5 & 8) and catalytic hydrothermolysis (Annex 6). You can find a detailed overview on our subpage on SAF analysis according to ASTM D7566. For manufacturing routes and new raw materials that are not yet listed in ASTM D7566, ASTM D4054 can be applied. ASTM D4054 covers the standardized testing and approval procedure for new jet fuels, especially alternative and synthetic kerosene. This is a multi-stage process to ensure the fulfilment of safety and performance requirements for aviation.
How can new synthesis routes for SAF production be successfully scaled up to production scale?
The transition from successful synthesis in the laboratory to an industrial pilot or production plant is challenging. This often entails process engineering challenges in terms of yield, catalyst life cycles or product purity and upgrading/ downstreaming. In our in-house Miniplant LAB, which acts as an ideal link between lab scale and pilot scale, we support research and development projects on these issues, especially considering downstream processes.
How is SAF tested for quality and which standards are relevant?
The analysis is divided into two steps: First, the pure, synthetic blending component (SBC component) is characterized according to the applicable annex of ASTM D7566. This is followed by testing the final blend – i.e. the mixture of SAF component and fossil kerosene – in accordance with ASTM D7566 Table 1 or DefStan 91-091. As an accredited laboratory, we serve all the necessary standard methods for this matrix. In order to ensure a smooth testing process for your samples, we ask you to observe our detailed instructions on sample shipping.
What specific test parameters must be taken into account in the development of SAF compared to other fuels (diesel, gasoline)?
In general, all test parameters mentioned in the respective specifications must be covered. Due to the extreme operating conditions in aviation, test parameters such as the freezing point, the aromatic content, the kinematic viscosity at -20 °C and the thermal stability at high temperatures (JFTOT) are essential and are subject to special requirements compared to other fuels.
How does ASG help with specific analytical challenges that go beyond the standard?
How does the approval process for a completely new SAF component process route proceed and how can ASG accompany this path?
If your route does not yet comply with an established annex of ASTM D7566, the manufacturing process must go through the more complex testing and approval process of ASTM D4054. This multi-stage approval process requires further chemical and physical characterization as part of a so-called “fit-for-purpose” testing (Tier 1 and 2) to prove its suitability as an aviation fuel/blending component. We accompany you in this demanding process with profound advice and specialized analytics. For more information, see ASTM D4054. For more information on the services of ASG Cert (RFNBO certification) and the consulting company AFPC, please feel free to ask for our flyer.
Need assistance with the qualification of a new process pathway according to ASTM D4054? Then feel free to take a look here.
Download your analysis order form. After filling it out, please send it to us along with your product sample. Please see our Sample Shipping Guidelines.
We have been accredited for the
analysis of fuels since 1998.
The flexible accreditation allows the application of accredited test procedures with different dates of publication. Therefore, it may happen that an (outdated) version listed in the official annex to the accreditation certificate D-PL-11334-01-00 is no longer used in the ASG laboratory. A list that reflects the current status of the flexible accreditation is available by pressing the button “method list”.
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