IQT® - Your Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Advantage
The aviation industry is entering a defining decade.
With global mandates accelerating and production pathways expanding, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has become central to decarbonizing flight. From HEFA and Fischer-Tropsch to Alcohol-to-Jet and emerging Power-to-Liquid technologies, innovation is moving fast—but certification, performance, and safety remain non-negotiable.
At the heart of this transition is one critical need: accurate and reliable fuel evaluation.
The IQT® (Ignition Quality Tester) is powering this next era of SAF by giving researchers, fuel producers, and standards organizations the ability to confidently measure ignition quality—one of the most important indicators of combustion performance. From early-stage research to ASTM qualification, IQT enables faster development, better data, and more confident decisions.
Why IQT for SAF Testing?
As SAF pathways evolve, so do the challenges associated with evaluating them. Unlike conventional fuels, SAF candidates often vary widely in composition, ignition behavior, and availability.
The IQT platform addresses these challenges in ways no other system can:
1. Proven Role in SAF Qualification
IQT supports ASTM D6890, the recognized method for Derived Cetane Number (DCN), which is used within ASTM D4054—the global standard for evaluating new aviation fuels. DCN plays a key role in screening for combustion behavior and lean blowout risk, a critical safety parameter in aviation.
2. Designed for Limited Sample Volumes
Early-stage SAF development often produces only small quantities of fuel. IQT enables:
• Full DCN analysis with as little as 10 mL
• Partial analysis with just 5 mL
This makes it ideal for pilot plants, universities, and emerging fuel programs.
3. Flexible Across SAF Pathways
IQT has demonstrated performance across a wide range of fuels, including:
• HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids)
• Fischer-Tropsch fuels
• Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ)
• Power-to-Liquid (PtL)
• Synthetic and blended aviation fuels
4. Globally Trusted Platform
From leading research institutions to commercial labs, IQT is used worldwide as the benchmark for ignition quality testing, supporting both aviation and broader renewable fuel development.
The IQT-XLM represents the next generation of standardized ignition quality testing—built to meet the demands of modern SAF development.
Purpose-Built for SAF Qualification
IQT-XLM is designed to deliver highly repeatable, standards-compliant DCN measurements, making it an essential tool for:
• ASTM D4054 fuel qualification programs
• SAF screening and benchmarking
• Certification and regulatory testing
Optimized for Modern Fuel Research
Key advantages include:
• Ultra-low sample volume capability (down to 5–10 mL)
• Advanced digital controls and data acquisition
• Improved automation and ease of use
• High throughput with consistent repeatability
These features make IQT-XLM especially valuable for early-stage SAF projects, where both precision and efficiency are critical.
Trusted by Leading SAF Programs
Global research organizations, universities, and fuel developers rely on IQT-XLM to generate the ignition quality data needed to move SAF from concept to certification.
As SAF innovation accelerates, many fuels fall outside the boundaries of traditional test conditions. That’s where IQT-FLEX comes in.
Purpose: Expanding SAF Research Capability
IQT-FLEX is a research-mode extension of the IQT-XLM, designed for laboratories that need to go beyond standardized testing and explore ignition behavior under real-world and experimental conditions.
It enables:
• Advanced combustion research
• Exploration of novel SAF pathways
• Development of new testing methodologies
Key Capabilities for SAF Development
IQT-FLEX empowers researchers with:
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Expanded operating conditions
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Up to 375 psi pressure and 750°C temperature
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Variable test parameters
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Customize temperature, pressure, and injection strategies
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Low-reactivity fuel analysis
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Measure ignition delays up to 600 ms
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Custom test design
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Adjust pre-injections, main injections, and test duration
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Full combustion data capture
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Detailed pressure traces for modeling and analysis
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Dual-Mode Advantage
With IQT-FLEX, laboratories can:
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Run ASTM-compliant testing
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Seamlessly switch to advanced research mode
All on a single platform.
Accelerating SAF Innovation
This flexibility is critical for understanding:
• Temperature-pressure-ignition relationships
• Combustion kinetics of new SAF blends
• Performance of low-reactivity synthetic fuels
IQT-FLEX transforms the IQT platform from a compliance tool into a discovery engine for next-generation fuels.
Eager to learn more about the IQT?
The CFR IQT Training Academy offers a variety of hands-on courses to enhance your skills.
Contact CFR IQT to learn more on how the IQT is your solution for SAF Testing
Call +1 262.501.5998 or complete this form and we'll get back to you quickly!
