Chinese scientists adopt processes to utilize bio-waste by converting it into fuel. This fuel is then used by missiles and hypersonic planes. Scientists believe that the technology developed for the conversion of agricultural or bio-waste to fuel can help save up fuel costs by at least 60 percent. This cheap but highly powerful alternative to imported fuel is highly welcomed by the Chinese Government.
Even though the super-fuel currently used in military aircrafts has a variety of benefits, it costs about US$7000 per tonne. This is considered to be almost 10 times more costly than normal jet fuel for commercial jets. The super-fuel, JP-10, is utilized by jets, missiles, ramjets or scramjets that travel at hypersonic speed. Chinese scientists have estimated that the new technology which will be adopted for the conversion of bio-waste to fuel will decrease the fuel cost down to US$2,545 per tonne.
A group of Chinese scientists including Zhang Tao used agricultural remains like bran and chaff for experimental processes to transform the bio-waste into JP-10 fuel which turned out to be a success. The jet fuel is currently obtained from extremely hazardous sources such as coal tar which results in a lot of pollution and damage to the environment. In the most recent issue of a German Journal, it was mentioned that the secret behind the super low costs lies in obtaining cheap agricultural waste.
Developing JP-10 fuel from bio-waste is considered to be similar to “processing diamonds out of dirt.” However, the fuel can be produced only through a couple of steps. There are two procedures for the production of the bio-waste fuel. Either one of the two procedures may be adopted, along with the latest technology in order to produce JP-10 fuel on a large scale and at a reasonable cost. The Chinese Government also provides subsidies for the conservation of the environment which can be taken into account as an addition benefit.
China has already developed and introduced hypersonic missiles and aims at the development of hypersonic speed jets meant for both military and commercial use. The aircrafts are meant to cover previously long flying distances in a matter of a few hours. High jet-fuel costs can be highly detrimental in addition to jet-fuel being a major contributor towards pollution. Therefore, the conversion of bio-waste to jet-fuel is noted as a very promising and efficient move as it will not only help reduce costs but also protect the environment.
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