Research and Development of an On-Line Cavitating Emulsifier for the Reduction of Specific Fuel Consumption and Emission Products in U. S. Navy Vessels.

Abstract : The objective of this program was to perform the research necessary to design, develop, test and evaluate an on-line cavitating emulsification system to determine the fuel saving and emission control potential for U.S. Navy vessels. The advantages of a cavitating emulsifier were the reduction of the energy required to produce the emulsion, the reduction of the size and weight of the equipment, and on-line production capability. In addition, cavitating emulsification technology could be applied to more than one type of combustion system. All of the test combustion systems were fueled by an on-line emulsification system which produces only the amount of emulsion required by the combustion device. The on-line cavitating emulsifier has shown potential for significant reductions in fuel consumption while being able to produce emulsions efficiently at existing system fuel line pressures. This document addresses all of the development and testing completed to date.