Feasibility and Environmental Implications of Using Waste Motor Oil as Alternative Supplemental Fuel in Contingency Prime Power Generation
Abstract
In an era of strict hazardous material-handling restrictions and intense energy savings projects, the Department of Defense has an opportunity to take advantage of a waste-to-energy initiative by looking to vintage diesel engine technology for inspiration. The idea comes in the form of recycled waste motor oil which can be used as a fuel in compression-ignition engines. When mixed at a low blend ratio, waste motor oil can supplement diesel fuels to extend the range of fuel stores for electrical power generating equipment at contingency military bases while simultaneously decreasing the burden on fuel supply chain management and the hazardous waste disposal stream. This research looked at the feasibility of filtering, and then burning waste motor oil blends. It also explored potential drawbacks which can threaten the lifespan of modern diesel engine components. Analytical methods included spectrometry, chromatography, viscometry, electron microscopy, and Gaussian dispersion modeling to study filtering method effectiveness, engine component wear, and air pollution effects. The waste motor oil was diluted with diesel fuel to a point where metal concentrations were reduced to trace amounts. This dilution allowed engine exhaust emission levels to remain below permissible exposure levels without the assistance of engine emissions mitigation hardware. The Department of Defense can use these results for decisions-making when balancing energy security and environmental implications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1051577
Entities
People
- Zachary S. Bierhaus
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology