Final Review of U.S. Army Fire-Resistant Fuel Program
Abstract
Extensive research has been conducted by the U.S. Army on means for making hydrocarbon fuels resistant to unwanted fire. An approach to developing a fire-resistant fuel (FRF) for use with diesel- and gas turbine-powered armored combat vehicles has been identified. This approach comprises the addition of water and emulsifier to diesel fuel with simple mixing. The resulting FRF is a clear-to-hazy microemulsion. The fuel enhances fuel fire safety by decreasing ignition susceptibility, by retarding flame spread rates, and by self- extinguishing if ignited when spilled. However, it burns readily when atomized, and diesel engines and turbine combustors start, idle, and run satisfactorily on FRF. The thrust of this program was to address the problems associated with utilization of the current formula in the field. The main problem areas addressed included the production and storage of FRF at reduced temperatures; the vehicular fuel systems effects, e.g., fuel filter plugging, resulting from the use of the water-containing emulsions; and the effects of transportability and possible fuel-handling system contamination by the FRF constituents. As a result of this program, additional work was not recommended because of several requirements that could not easily be solved in field applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA194304
Entities
People
- Dernard R. Wright
- George E. Fodor
- Lee G. Dodge
- Mike D. Kanakia
Organizations
- Southwest Research Institute