BIOSYNTHESIS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FUELS IN AN OVERSEAS THEATER

Abstract

The feasibility of biosynthesis for the production of fuels for Army use in a theater of operations (TO) was investigated. Production of fuels in a TO has the potential for alleviating the logistic burden of both intra- and inter theater movements. The technical feasibility of biosynthesis for the production of hydrocarrbon and alcohol fuels has long been established. Hydrocarbons and alcohol are produced indirectly by anaerobic breakdown of organic matter. Liquid methane and ethyl alcohol are fuels of high heating value compared with gasoline and may be attractive for Army use in a TO. This paper considers two schemes for methane production; fermentation of organic matter and bioelectrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide. The fermentation schemes discussed require relatively simple and inexpensive apparatus that can be constructed in a short time and requires little maintenance effort.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1963
Accession Number
AD0408191

Entities

People

  • John M. Barnes

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Chemical Reaction Properties
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Combustion
  • Electric Power
  • Heat Energy
  • Heat Of Combustion
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Methanols
  • Military Operations
  • Oxygen

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Systems Analysis and Design