Applications of New Chemical Heat Sources Phase 1
Abstract
Report developed under Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract. This project has examined the application of new chemical heat sources, with emphasis on portable heaters for military field rations. We conducted a comprehensive literature survey, aided by a computerized search, and also generated a large number of candidate reactions from fundamental chemical principles. We also evaluated the reaction currently used in the Flameless Ration Heater (FRH) for purposes of comparison. A disadvantage of the FRH is that it produces flammable hydrogen gas. By a process of elimination, using data on materials costs, reaction rate studies, and calorimetry to measure heat output, we selected the best reactions for ration heaters. The best material: identified are the combination of aluminum chloride with calcium oxide (AICI3/CaO) and diphosphorous pentoxide with calcium oxide (P2O5/CaO). Either can provide the same heat as the FRH with a small increase in weight, and does not produce any hydrogen. Our overall conclusion is that the new materials here identified for ration heaters have the potential to produce a heater which is more convenient and less hazardous (by avoiding the production of hydrogen), while significantly lowering the cost.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA387370
Entities
People
- Amy L. Shultz
- Robert J. Copeland
- William L. Bell