Investigation of AFB Ground Vapor Extraction & Combustion Using a Diesel Engine

Abstract

This project aims to remediate fuel spills by extracting hydrocarbon vapors from contaminated earth, and burning them in a diesel engine. The diesel engine destroys hydrocarbons more effectively than spark-ignited units currently in use, uses less fuel, uses fuel commonly available on Air Force installations, and produces usable electrical power as a by-product. A surplus diesel-powered electrical generator was fitted with measurement and control mechanisms for the project. Limitations were identified in terms of the concentration of gaseous fuel, hydrocarbon destruction efficiency and the fuel required. The unit's operation was tested during six days of operation connected to extraction wells at Kirtland AFB, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA483093

Entities

People

  • Matthew E. Schulman

Organizations

  • Southwest Research Institute

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Combustion
  • Compression Ignition
  • Compression Ignition Engines
  • Diesel Engines
  • Efficiency
  • Electric Generators
  • Engines
  • Extraction
  • Field Tests
  • Fuels
  • Gaseous Fuels
  • Generators
  • Ignition
  • Measurement
  • Military Organizations
  • Research Facilities

Readers

  • Environmental Remediation and Restoration.
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Systems Analysis and Design