A pollution cutting Water-in-Diesel (WiDE) fuel emulsion has been selected to power Team Britannia’s multi-million powerboat on its 24, 000 mile world record attempt later this year.
The company behind the revolutionary fuel, Clean Fuel Ltd, produces a range of emulsions, (water, diesel and an emulsifier) which when burnt, they say reduce emissions of harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) when compared to traditional fuels.
The record attempt, headed by international sailing legend Alan Priddy, hopes to cut up to seven days off the current round the world powerboat record of 60 days 23 hours 49 minutes, held by New Zealander Pete Bethune.
Team Britannia will be using a specially designed boat that utilises a new design that will improve fuel consumption and stability.
The emulsified fuel will power the two race-tuned Fiat Power Train C13 500, 6 cylinder engines, which are each capable of generating 500HP at 2, 000 RPM. Completing the engine system are two water jets built by top marine company Castoldi.
Clean Fuel’s Technical Director, Steve Mason, will also join the boat’s crew as its Chief Engineer.
Mr Mason commented: “I have known Alan for many years and he always hoped to revisit the one power boating record that alluded him throughout his illustrious career, but he also wanted to do it in an environmentally friendly way. That is why the boat is being constructed out of recycled marine grade aluminium, has been designed to cut fuel consumption and will use emulsified fuel.
“Clean Fuel is proud to be powering Team Britannia’s world record bid with Alan joining our team in developing the perfect mix for the record attempt. Simply put, by using our fuel emulsion the boat will increase its range, reduce pollution and maintain performance.”
The Company says they have cracked the problem of stratification, where the emulsion separates and by completely wrapping the water with fuel can control the micro explosion, creating a more efficient burn.
Early testing indicates that this process slashes PM and NOx without any reduction in engine power.
Mr Priddy commented: “We are pushing current technologies hard to ensure that we have fastest and most fuel efficient boat possible, but I wanted more. The marine industry is a major contributor to pollution even with the massive strides made over recent years such as the reduction in sulphur levels – so more need to done.
“The International Maritime Organisation announced last year further restrictions, which came into effect at the beginning of this year. The lack of lead-time has caused problems, but one which is challenging the industry and driving innovation. What Clean Fuel has done is to perfect a solution. It does not require expensive changes to existing engines and has the potential to actually deliver a net saving to the user.
“Having seen the technology in use, I am so confident of its potential that we will be using it to power our world record attempt.”
Clean Fuel Ltd
Clean Fuel seeks to revolutionise the marine and power generation sectors by providing low cost stable emulsified diesel fuel.
Emulsified fuel, also known as “Water-in-diesel” (WiDE), is an alternative fuel for combustion engines. WiDE can be used in almost any existing engine setup with little or no costly additional modification or retrofitting.
It works by improving atomisation and initial testing indicates that emulsified fuel will deliver significant environmental benefits when compared to traditional diesel.
Clean Fuel have identified both the marine and power generation sectors as important markets for emulsified fuel.
For further information please visit: http://www.clean-fuel-ltd.com
Team Britannia
Team Britannia is a £multi-million British bid to design and build the fastest and most fuel efficient semi-wave slicing powerboat to circumnavigate the globe for the much coveted UIM world record currently held by the New Zealander Pete Bethune at 60 days 23 hours 49 minutes.
The World Record Authorities (UIM) dictate that for recognised circumnavigation the craft has to pass through the Suez and Panama Canals, sail close to the Equator and that the journey must start and finish in the same place.
The boat is a completely new design, from Professor Bob Cripps, former Technical Director of VT Halmatic. It has been designed in the UK and will be constructed in the Portsmouth area out of marine grade aluminium. It encompasses “an exceptionally efficient hull”, which will cut fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent.
In addition to the design the vessel will be powered by a revolutionary fuel emulsion, a mixture of diesel, water and emulsifying agent from Clean Fuel Ltd. This will reduce harmful emissions such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide.
The effects of the emulsified fuel on the engines and the emissions will be monitored for the duration of the voyage and the results published online.
The boat is being built by Hampshire based ABC Marine, out of marine grade aluminium. The metal was produced by Blackburn metals and laser cut by specialist firm Aalco in Southampton.
The whole construction process is expected to take around three months before it starts a programme of sea trials around the UK.
The boat will also showcase nearly a dozen leading marine companies, which are supporting the project with their expertise and equipment.
Team Britannia aim to launch their record bid in October 2016.
For further information please visit: http://teambritannia.co.uk
