Operation of a T63 Turbine Engine Using F24 Contaminated Skydrol 5 Hydraulic Fluid

Abstract : The objective of the investigation was to determine the potential effects on engine operability and the likelihood for accelerated turbine blade and nozzle wear while operating on fuel contaminated with Skydrol 5 hydraulic fluid. An Allison A 250 T63 turboshaft engine located in the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Aerospace Systems Directorate, Turbine Engine Division, Mechanical Systems Branch (RQTM) Engine Environment Research Facility (EERF) at WPAFB was used to conduct the research. Two situations were evaluated using fuel adulterated with the Skydrol 5 hydraulic fluid consisting of 1 and 5% concentration for each investigation. The 5% concentration of Skydrol 5 and F-24 aviation kerosene was evaluated while operating the T63 engine for 5 continuous hours at normal rated power. The one percent concentration was operated for a total of 25 hours at normal rated power over the course of three days. The results of this effort are detailed with operability information and borescope photos that documented the conditions of the turbine section components before and after the 5- and 25-hour assessments.