Perdalene
Perdalene is a highly versatile biofuel used throughout the Quadriarma. It has a high energy density, and can even self-combust under special conditions. Its special properties make it quite popular for use in jet propelled aircraft, shuttles, and spacecraft. It is produced from abundant methane gas, and is only slightly more expensive. However, it is a dangerous resource to handle. Perdalene is quick to react, and can be incredibly explosive.
Perdalene has to be synthetically manufactured through a combination of standard biofuel refining and more advanced manufacturing. It is commonly produced from algae. However, the fuel can be produced from any organic matter such as farm or food wastes. Plant-based perdalene is cheap. Growing algae specifically for the fuel is can be done by anyone, and factory farms produce massive quantities of quality algae. The most common algae for fuel production, River Vine Algae, is a purple colored plant that grows well in lower light environments. There are multiple strains of this species, each one genetically altered to grow in different conditions. Cultivation can be done every 15-20 days. Production of the gas begins with turning the algae, or other matter, into a biogas. This is accomplished by mixing the matter in a chemical solution that breaks down the cells into gases like methane. The methane is isolated and then mixed with an evaporated liquid compound at very high temperatures. Methane and the other gas slowly react. The product is perdalene, and a toxic solid waste compound.
Perdalene is a liquid under normal conditions. It is mildly corrosive, and is highly explosive. Bulk-storage containers must be thermally and electrically insulative, fireproof, and double-paneled if above ground. Storage containers that are expected to store perdalene for many years must be made from a material that is resistant to acid corrosion. Storing the fuel is typically done in subterranean tanks. Underground storage is much safer, and tanks don't have to be multi-layered. Fuel tanks designed for aircraft and spacecraft are actually required to be made of a metal or flexible plastics with a self-sealing coating. Any vehicle capable of spaceflight may also need to have armored tanks. At temperatures in excess of 700 degrees centigrade, perdalene has the potential to self-combust. Although less powerful, it can still explode which would fatally damage a spaceship.
Perdaline is an energy dense fuel typically used in turbine, diesel, and rocket motors. The fuel is most favored for atmospheric space shuttles due to the ability to react not only with oxygen, but with itself in a closed cycle or rocket mode.
Production
Perdalene has to be synthetically manufactured through a combination of standard biofuel refining and more advanced manufacturing. It is commonly produced from algae. However, the fuel can be produced from any organic matter such as farm or food wastes. Plant-based perdalene is cheap. Growing algae specifically for the fuel is can be done by anyone, and factory farms produce massive quantities of quality algae. The most common algae for fuel production, River Vine Algae, is a purple colored plant that grows well in lower light environments. There are multiple strains of this species, each one genetically altered to grow in different conditions. Cultivation can be done every 15-20 days. Production of the gas begins with turning the algae, or other matter, into a biogas. This is accomplished by mixing the matter in a chemical solution that breaks down the cells into gases like methane. The methane is isolated and then mixed with an evaporated liquid compound at very high temperatures. Methane and the other gas slowly react. The product is perdalene, and a toxic solid waste compound.
Storage
Perdalene is a liquid under normal conditions. It is mildly corrosive, and is highly explosive. Bulk-storage containers must be thermally and electrically insulative, fireproof, and double-paneled if above ground. Storage containers that are expected to store perdalene for many years must be made from a material that is resistant to acid corrosion. Storing the fuel is typically done in subterranean tanks. Underground storage is much safer, and tanks don't have to be multi-layered. Fuel tanks designed for aircraft and spacecraft are actually required to be made of a metal or flexible plastics with a self-sealing coating. Any vehicle capable of spaceflight may also need to have armored tanks. At temperatures in excess of 700 degrees centigrade, perdalene has the potential to self-combust. Although less powerful, it can still explode which would fatally damage a spaceship.
Usage
Perdaline is an energy dense fuel typically used in turbine, diesel, and rocket motors. The fuel is most favored for atmospheric space shuttles due to the ability to react not only with oxygen, but with itself in a closed cycle or rocket mode.
Propulsion
Perdalene makes a great fuel for propulsion in jet engines and rockets. It has a higher energy density than petroleum based jet fuel, meaning less volume is needed to produce the same amount of energy. Perdalene can be used in diesel engines, but not spark ignition engines. However, only high-performance diesel engines can take advantage of the self-combusting properties of the fuel that jets and rockets can take advantage of.Power Generation
Perdalene is used extensively in power generation. It is mainly used in rapid spin-up turbine power plants that service cities, or smaller power stations that serve smaller regions. Backup and portable generators that use the fuel also exist, but methane powered generators are more common.Other Uses
The fuel is mostly used just for propulsion and power generation, but there are other uses. Perdalene can be used as source of heat or light. When methane or other fuels are not available for whatever reason, perdalene has been known as a substitute. It isn't a great for that use, mainly because of its reactivity. Improper burning of perdalene often results in major injuries.
Material Type: Synthetic Biofuel
Material State (At 25℃): Liquid
Melting Point: -143.3℃
Boiling Point: 84.7℃
Appearance: Clear Liquid Odor: Odorless Flame: Blue-green
Health Notices:
Safety Notices:
Appearance: Clear Liquid Odor: Odorless Flame: Blue-green
Health Notices:
Skin and eye irritant
Respiratory irritant
May cause kidney damage if ingested
Carcinogenic
Safety Notices:
Fire hazard
Explosion hazard
Vapor risk
Corrosive material
Nice tailoring, very nice worldbuilding. I personally like mouseovers and links to help provide context and some art would have helped - but I know that can get expensive...
Thank you! I would love to have artwork to inject into my articles but unfortunately I can't afford commissions and don't have the time to learn to draw myself.