Alternate Petroleum Based Fuels for Naval Fleet Usage: Potential Availability, Cost, and System Impact.
Abstract
In recent years, particularly since the Oil Embargo of 1973, all major fuel consuming sectors in the United States Navy have become increasingly aware of the limited supply and high cost of petroleum fuels. Fuel is currently consumed by the Navy at the rate of 230,000 barrels per day. Energy conservation is one method to reduce this demand on petroleum resources and the resulting high annual expenditures for fuel. In addition, conservation is in the long-term interests of the country, since it assists nationwide efforts to 'stretch' our remaining oil reserves. Alternatives to petroleum-based fuels are another option. One of these, shale oil, is being evaluated by the Navy in their 100,000 barrel oil shale experiment. Yet another option could be the use of fuels which do not meet all the requirements of military specifications (MILSPECS) for fuels, but which could be burned without significantly impairing naval operations. This approach could increase fuel availability and reduce costs to the Navy. To assess the feasibility of using non-MILSPEC fuels in Navy combustion equipment, the David W. Taylor Naval Ship Research and Development Center engaged the Aerotherm Division of Acurex Corporation to perform a study with the following objectives: 1) determine whether there exists a large supply of fuel beyond that currently being procured for the Navy, which meets, or nearly meets, military specifications; 2) determine whether any such comparable 'nonspec' fuel is less expensive than the currently approved product, and 3) assess, using all available information, the viability of storing, handling, and burning comparable 'nonspec' fuels in naval systems, even if only on a limited basis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA041980
Entities
People
- G. R. Offen
- L. M. Cohen
- L. M. Schalit