I'd say no on the diesel entirely. The stuff is difficult to ignite unless
under pretty high pressure.
On Thu, May 26, 2016 at 12:31 PM, Brian Feeney <alaiadesign@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Is Bio-diesel and or 100% Bio Jet Fuel an alternative to RP-1 in terms of
realizing the benefits of RP-1's density and higher Isp compared to say
Ethanol or cryogenic LNG (higher Isp) ... LOX is assumed to be the oxidizer
in all cases.
This is mainly in reference to RP-1 not plugging up cooling channels,
leaving deposits (minimum) and also relatively safe, ease of handling
qualities.
Bio-diesel has very low sulfur levels - 15 ppm or less depending on the
feed stock source and process.
It also has solvent qualities which may provide some similar benefit.
Would adding 5% to 15% ethanol to the Bio-diesel yield or enhance it to
achieve similar results as RP-1.
A further alternative - at engine shut down, flush at low pressure for 1
to 2 seconds using straight ethanol from a small tank employing say helium
as the pressure gas (so inert helium gas is the last element through and
left in the fuel side of the engine feed system).
Using straight commercial Propane as the primary fuel should also be
considered however its not as attractive in terms of handling / storage
qualities (temperature effects on density / pressure) as well as variations
in composition as has been previously discussed - (Bio-diesel variations
also noted).
Propane would seem to also fit in to the same problem zone as Methane /
LNG in terms of LOX Kaboom as is being discussed currently.
I appreciate all comments and experience in this area. Thank you.
Cheers
Brian Feeney