Alternative Fuels: Assessment of Fischer-Tropsch Fuel for Military Use in 6.5L Diesel Engine

• Main Authors: Frame, E. A, Alvarez, R. A, Blanks, Matthew G, Freerks, Robert L, Stavinoha, Leo L, Muzzell, Patsy A, Villahermosa, Luis
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0148-7191; 2688-3627
• DOI: 10.4271/2004-01-2961

As the U.S. Military considers fuel sources around the world and into the future, fuels produced via non-conventional means are anticipated to become increasingly available and of growing importance. One such type of fuel, a synthetic fuel, can be produced from conversion processes employing Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis and starting with natural gas, coal or biomass feed stocks. The Single Fuel Forward (SFF or single fuel in the battlefield) policy requires the use of JP-8, JP-5 or Jet A-1. Evaluations of F-T fuels, such as synthetic JP-8, in military ground vehicles, aircraft, associated equipment, and fuel storage and distribution systems is needed to assess ability to meet desired and/or required operational performance and to identify potential issues, as well as potential benefits, with the introduction and use of these fuels. Testing of a synthetic JP-5 aviation turbine fuel, produced by Syntroleum Corporation under DOD contract, in a 6.5L diesel engine used to power the High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), demonstrated reduced exhaust emissions when compared to a reference low sulfur D-2 fuel. Reductions of regulated pollutants were found to be 62-72% for unburned hydrocarbons (HC), 46-60% for carbon monoxide (CO), 13-15% for oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and 52-55% for particulate matter (PM). Pump stand wear tests, conducted using the Stanadyne Artic Rotary Injection Pumps from the HMMWV, indicated poor performance without the addition of corrosion inhibitor/lubricity improver additive per MIL-PRF-25017. However, acceptable rotary pump performance was observed with the addition of MIL-PFR-25017 lubricity improver additive.