Showing papers on "Emulsified fuel published in 1968"

Emulsified Fuel for Military Aircraft

Abstract: An analysis of statistics of aircraft crashes shows that approximately 70 percent of the fatalities are due to fire. The fire hazards in a crash situation are largely associated with liquid fuel. These problems may be either minimized or eliminated by thickening the fuel. This paper summarizes work carried out under an Army contract (DA 44-177-AMC-387(T)) aimed at the formulation of JP-4 fuel emulsions which reduce the fire hazards associated with liquid JP-4. Two JP-4 emulsions (designated WSX-7063 and WSX-7165) which appear to meet the study contractual requirements possess 99 percent of the fuel value associated with JP-4; they reduce the rate at which combustible vapors are released; they have yield stresses which will retard flow through a tank puncture; they are stable over the temperature range of −20 F to 130 F (WSX-7165 is stable over the range of −65 F to 160 F); and they are compatible with aircraft materials of construction. WSX-7165 is being made in 1000-gal batches and it is under evaluation by various engine manufacturers. The fuel has also been tested in several simulated crash situations and the results were quite favorable.Copyright © 1968 by ASME

Optimization of jp-4 fuel emulsions and development of design concepts for their demulsification

Abstract: : Optimization of a emulsified fuel (MEF) was accomplished following evaluation of a 168 formulation matrix. Thermal and storage stability was best when a 1% to 2% excess of acid was used to neutralize the tallow amine emulsifier. Emulsion droplet size was shown to be more a function of preparation than of thermal effect or aging. Attempts at improvement of an MEF- 1 formulation from the investigation by using coupling agents or corrosion inhibitors were unsuccessful. However, change in emulsifier from tallow amine to oleyl amine markedly improved thermal stability and minimized yield stress value variation at extremes of temperature. Substitution of glycolic acid for acetic acid (the MEF-2 formula) reduced mild steel corrosion to near zero proportions and reduced cuprous metal corrosion to one-third that of the MEF formula. Evaluation of the MEF-2 formula showed that the initial viscosity decreased on storage due to loss of emulsified air and concurrently increased in density. Microbial resistance equalled that of JP-4, vapor loss was the same as that of the original MEF, and heat transfer properties were poorer than those of JP-4. Recovery of JP-4 by breaking the emulsion by mechanical shear was possible by two general techniques: pressure drop through a small orifice or passage through orifices of micron dimensions. Maximum JP-4 recovery was 90% at laboratory rates of 10 gpm using a pressure drop orifice-vibrating reed system. Another potential system comprised passage through membranes with micron-sized perforations. Both systems require a coalescer to assure maximum removal of suspended external phase.