Innovative Predictive Tools for Successful Processing of Propylene Glycol Dinitrate for Production of Otto Fuel II

During Phase I of this project, NALAS endeavored to conceive a remotely operated trial nitration system that would remove the operator from harm"s way and facilitate the trial nitration process by enhancing data acquisition and enabling the creation of a data library providing guidance on starting material acceptance criteria. After developing a mixing model based on the existing Indian Head laboratory trial nitration apparatus, NALAS performed model validation experiments to investigate whether the mixing parameters calculated for the Indian Head trial nitration equipment could be matched using an automated lab reactor. The results indicated that the degree of mixing required to match those of the existing laboratory setup will require a high shear mixer on the proposed automated system. The proposed automated system was evaluated in terms of functionality and several flow diagrams were generated to document the proposed Phase II effort. A conceptual design for remote operation and proof-of-concept were completed, including vacuum transfers of a biphasic system. The main factors involved in creating an effective system were identified and a cost estimate for assembly was completed. Phase II includes delivery of a prototype remote system.