N23A-T015   TITLE: Scalable Net-Zero JP-10 Production from Non-Fossil Fuel Resources

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Autonomy

OBJECTIVE: Develop a scalable prototype system to produce JP-10 from non-fossil sustainable energy resources.

DESCRIPTION: The objective is to develop a scalable synthetic approach to producing JP-10 that meets military specification, MIL-DTL-87107E from non-fossil sustainable energy resources such as carbon dioxide (CO2), biomass, and waste products. JP-10 is primarily composed of exo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene, C10H15, and synthesized by the hydrogenation, isomerization, and separation and purification of dicyclopentadiene, a petroleum-based resource. The proposed synthetic process may be chemical or bio-manufacturing in nature, and must be low in temperature (not to exceed 500 �C) with pressures not to exceed 600 psi. Initial prototype demonstrations of the technology will be up to 1 gal/day. For future design and scaling purposes the objective will be to synthesize 1,000 gal/day of finished JP-10 from a process that can be placed in a Conex shipping container.

PHASE I: Define, develop, and perform initial laboratory assessment of the proposed synthetic process to validate the technical feasibility of the synthetic approach to producing JP-10 that meets MIL-DTL-87107E. Perform analysis of the fuel and determine initial process selectivity. Based on the laboratory approach, define and develop a concept for a modular, scalable JP-10 synthetic process, that can meet the performance and design specifications listed in the Description. Develop a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype process based on the work achieved in Phase I. The prototype will be designed to produce 1 gal/day of finished JP-10 that meets MIL-DTL-87107E. The prototype will establish performance parameters and proof of concept for development of full-scale process in Phase III.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The integrated 1 gal/day prototype process will provide equipment, process, design criteria, energy and material balance, and establish operational performance parameters. This data will be used to provide the design criteria for transitioning the technology to larger capacities. A 100-1,000 gal/day process will be developed and tested in Phase III. The design criteria and performance parameters will enable the system to be designed into a Conex container for transport.

REFERENCES:

1.       1. Department of Defense, MIL-DTL-87107E PROPELLANT, HIGH DENSITY SYNTHETIC HYDROCARBON TYPE, GRADE JP-10 12-January-2012.

2.       2. Department of the Navy Climate Action 2030, 24 May 2022. https://www.navy.mil/Portals/1/Documents/Department%20of%20the%20Navy%20Climate%20Action%202030.pdf

 

KEYWORDS: JP-10; Fossil Fuel; Prototype; Sustainable; Energy; Synthesis

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