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Photolysis of Hydrocarbons

Photolysis of Hydrocarbons. FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. Group 13: Josh Mardis, John Lubatti, Greg Smith, Travis Watson Sponsor: Ken Edwards of Eglin Air Force Base. Background. The United States produces approximately 6 billion metric tons of CO 2 emissions a year.

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Photolysis of Hydrocarbons

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  1. Photolysis of Hydrocarbons FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Group 13: Josh Mardis, John Lubatti, Greg Smith, Travis Watson Sponsor: Ken Edwards of Eglin Air Force Base

  2. Background • The United States produces approximately 6 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions a year. Fig. 1: From Dr. Krothapalli’s Lecture 4 Slides for EML4450

  3. Background • Carbon dioxide absorbs the long wave radiation that is emitted by the earth’s surface and reemits radiation back to the surface. • An overabundance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can cause an increase in Earth’s natural average temperature.

  4. Project Scope • Design a device to dissociate jet fuel into carbon and molecular hydrogen to provide on demand hydrogen production to power a small propulsion system (10hp). The desired process for dissociation of the fuel was photolysis, as requested by the sponsor. • The design should separate and collect the particulate so it can be recovered and sold.

  5. Project Scope

  6. Photolysis • Photolysis (also known as photodissociation) is a method of separating a molecule into smaller parts using light.

  7. Photolysis of Hydrocarbons • Photolysis of hydrocarbons can render varying products depending on the conditions of the environment and other reactants involved. • Other hydrocarbons • Polymers

  8. Photolysis of Hydrocarbons • Once a molecule has been excited by a photon, it can either emit of photon, dissociate, or lead to other chemical processes.

  9. Complexities • If the subject can be dissociated, the products in the mixture can react with each other, creating unwanted byproducts. • Environment must be suitable that encourages molecular hydrogen production. • Energy needed to dissociate the subject. • High temperatures

  10. Other Methods of Hydrocarbon Dissociation • Steam Reformation • A large amount of hydrogen production comes from steam reformation of methane. Process produces CO2. • Thermal Decomposition • Requires a lot of energy.

  11. Specifics of Dissociation • C-H bond has energy of approximately 413 kJ/mol • Our objective is to break and separate • The idea is to use a polymer that is accepting of the by-products leaving only molecular hydrogen

  12. Calculations • 413kJ/mol divided by Avogadro’s number gives 6.858E-22 kJ per molecular bond • Convert to wavelength • λ = hc/E = 290 nm • Intensity (photons/time) • Lux (intensity/area) • What intensity and lux do we need?

  13. Logistics • Lasers • Frequencies needed • Purchasing and cost • Beam size • Multiple angles

  14. Questions • Would multiple beams at different angles be necessary? • η = Po/Pi. Is this method efficient? • What size of incident laser area is necessary? • Could we keep the dissociated molecules separate?

  15. Chemical Composition of JP-8 • Isooctane ------------------------------------------3.66% • Methylcyclohexane ------------------------------3.51% • M – Xylene ---------------------------------------3.95% • Cyclooctane ------------------------------------- 4.54% • Decane ------------------------------------------ 16.08% • Butylbenzene -------------------------------------4.72% • 1,2,4,5 – Tetramethylbenzene ----------------- 4.28% • Tetralin ------------------------------------------- 4.14% • Dodecane --------------------------------------- 22.54% • 1 – Methylnaphthalene ------------------------- 3.49% • Tetradecane ------------------------------------ 16.87% • Hexadecane ------------------------------------ 12.22%

  16. Other Addictives in JP-8 • Stabilizers • Corrosion • Ice inhibitors • Anti – static • Biocides • Gum cleaner • Varnish cleaner

  17. Using Hydrogen gas in an Remote Piloted Aircraft Engine New Project Focus • Looking at other Alternative fuels for use in I.C.E.’s

  18. Things To Focus On • Feasibility of converting a traditional R.P.A. Engine for Hydrogen use. • Determine the Processes involved in the Conversion LA Series OS RC Aircraft Engine

  19. Look at similar processes for use with other alternative fuels, such as Natural Gas, Propane, Biodiesel, etc. Flammability Ranges For Different Fuels

  20. Look at the safety issues involved with using these fuels in an I.C.E. • Do a Benefits analysis for these fuels vs. Gasoline Emphasis On Safety!!

  21. Design Goal for Next Semester: • Convert a small R.P.V. (remotely piloted vehicle) engine for use with one of the studied fuels. • Evaluate it’s efficiency vs. gasoline • Determine it’s cost effectiveness • Determine if the emissions are cleaner vs. gasoline

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