Feasibility and Environmental Implications of Using Waste Motor Oil as Alternative Supplemental Fuel in Contingency Prime Power Generation

In an era of strict hazardous material restrictions and intense energy savings projects, DoD has an opportunity for a waste-to-energy initiative by looking to vintage diesel engine technology for inspiration. The idea comes in the form of recycled Waste Motor Oil (WMO) which can be used as a fuel in compression-ignition engines. When mixed at a low blend ratio, WMO can supplement diesel fuels to extend the range of fuel stores for electrical power generating equipment at contingency military bases while simultaneously decreasing the burden on fuel supply chain management and the hazardous waste disposal stream. This research looked at the feasibility of filtering, and then burning WMO blends. It also explored potential drawbacks which can threaten the lifespan of modern diesel engine components. Analytical methods included spectrometry, chromatography, viscometry, electron microscopy, and Gaussian dispersion modeling to study filtering method effectiveness, engine component wear, and air pollution effects. The WMO was diluted with diesel fuel to a point where metal concentrations were reduced to trace amounts which allowed engine exhaust emission levels to remain below permissible exposure levels without the assistance of engine emissions mitigation hardware. DoD can use these results for decisions-making when balancing energy security and environmental implications