Survey of Alternative Fuels for Corps of Engineers Diesel Engine Powered Dredges.

Abstract : The program described in this report was a brief survey of existing information on alternative fuels for the medium-speed class of diesel engines that is used on Corps of Engineer dredges. The alternative fuels of main interest were alcohols, vegetable oils, and liquid coal fuels. Available literature were reviewed and, where information was lacking, predictions were made of the effects of the candidate fuels on engine performance, wear and durability. The fuels were then ranked according to potential for diesel fuel replacement, extent of required dredge retrofit, impact on engine wear and durability, and fuel cost and availability. The highest ranking nonpetroleum fuels, which were shale oil, vegetable oils and methanol, were recommended for a dredge field demonstration.