Otto fuel II

Otto fuel II is a monopropellant mixture of chiefly propylene glycol dinitrate (an ester of nitric acid and propylene glycol, and structurally similar to nitroglycerin) that is used to drive torpedoes and other weapon systems. It was invented by Otto Reitlinger in 1963 (although tests with the substance had taken place before, for example in 1960[1]). Otto fuel II, sometimes known simply as Otto fuel, is not related to the Otto cycle; it is named after Reitlinger and for being the second iteration of the fuel. It was developed by the US Navy and the first torpedo to use it was the Mark 48 torpedo in the 1960s.[2][3]

MK-46 torpedo, which uses Otto fuel II

Properties

Otto fuel II is a distinct-smelling (described by submariners as being similar in smell to wintergreen oil; i.e. sweet, fruity and minty), reddish-orange, oily liquid that is a mixture of three synthetic substances: propylene glycol dinitrate (the major component), 2-nitrodiphenylamine, and dibutyl sebacate.[4] It does not need exposure to any oxidant to ignite and release energy, as its three components will react among themselves whenever vaporised and heated. Needing no oxidants and being a stable substance makes Otto fuel II ideal for use in the constrained environment of a submarine. Although the fuel can be made to explode, this requires such extreme conditions that it can be regarded as practically stable. The vapour pressure of the fuel is low (i.e., it is not volatile), minimizing toxic hazards. Finally, the fuel's energy density far surpasses the capacity of the electric battery used in other torpedoes, maximizing range.

Major ingredients

Named after its inventor, Otto Reitlinger,[5] Otto fuel II consists of the nitrated ester explosive propellant propylene glycol dinitrate (PGDN), to which a desensitizer (dibutyl sebacate) and a stabilizer (2-nitrodiphenylamine) have been added. The chief component, propylene glycol dinitrate, accounts for approximately 76% of the mixture, while dibutyl sebacate and 2-nitrodiphenylamine account for approximately 22.5% and 1.5% (by weight), respectively.[6]

The principal current use of propylene glycol dinitrate is as a propellant in Otto fuel II. Nitrates of polyhydric alcohols such as this have been used in medicine for the treatment of angina pectoris, and as explosives since the mid-nineteenth century.

In addition to its use by the United States Navy as a stabilizer in the manufacture of Otto fuel II, 2-nitrodiphenylamine is employed for similar purposes by the United States Army in the manufacture of double base solid propellants. It also has civilian applications as a solvent dye.

Dibutyl sebacate is a desensitizer in Otto fuel II. However, its major use is as a plasticizer in production of plastics, namely cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate propionate, polyvinyl butyral, polystyrene, and many synthetic rubbers. It can be used for plastics in use in the food packaging industry. It is also used as a lubricating ingredient in shaving lotions, and a flavoring additive in non-alcoholic beverages, ice cream, ices, candy, and baked goods.

Toxicity

Otto fuel II is a toxic substance found in EPA National Priorities List. Ingestion of contaminated food or direct exposure at worksites can cause headaches, poor eye–hand coordination, eye irritation, congested noses, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.[4] An MSA Demand Mask is mandatory for cleanup/mitigation efforts.

Used in

References
  1. U.S. Naval Propellant Plant (c. 1964). Otto Fuel II (Technical Film Report). Indian Head, Maryland: Bureau of Naval Weapons. Retrieved 2022-12-10.
  2. "OTTOFUELII CAS#: 106602-80-6".
  3. "Otto fuel II - Everything2.com".
  4. "ToxFAQs for Otto fuel II and Its Components". Toxic Substances Portal. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  5. "Otto Reitlinger Inventions, Patents and Patent Applications - Justia Patents Search".
  6. Powell, S.; Franzmann, P. D.; Cord-Ruwisch, R.; Toze, S. (1998). "Degradation of 2-nitrodiphenylamine, a component of Otto fuel II, by Clostridium spp". Anaerobe. 4 (2): 95–102. doi:10.1006/anae.1997.0141. PMID 16887628.
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