Fueling Up With Water

Fueling Up With Water ENERGY Alternative Fuels 20-5-5 You could be filling up your tractors, combines, pickups and cars with water in as little as a year if development of a new water-based fuel continues on track. "A-21" is a milky white blend of naphtha and 30% tap water. Water and oil are kept blended by a special catalyst that is the key to success of the new fuel, which will burn in diesel and gas-powered engines. Already approved by the EPA, it's being tested by truck and bus fleets all over the country. Caterpillar Inc. is testing it in some of its machinery. The new fuel burns 60% cleaner than regular diesel or gasoline and it has additives to increase lubrication and to prevent corrosion and freezing. "It's at the brink of commercialization and should be on the market nationwide in another year or two," says Dick Cooper, a spokesman for A-21's inventor, Rudolf Gunnerman, Reno, Nev. Caterpillar's tests conclude later this year, after which it'll be available for fleets nationwide, Cooper says. Cooper expects price to be one of A-21's benefits for big fleet operators. The price benefit for individuals will likely be somewhat less. Once production facilities and a delivery system are established, price should be about $1 per gal., compared with No. 2 diesel that's currently 20 to 30 cents higher in some parts of the country. Some of the savings will be offset by higher consumption, however. Fuel consumption with A-21 is about 15% more per mile than with standard diesel. Consumption in gas engines is about equivalent, he says. Most diesel engines will require a simple two-hour retrofit to handle A-21. Gasoline engines will require a timing change and special spark plugs. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, A-21LP, 210 Gen-try Way, Reno, Nev. 89502 (ph 702 826-8300).

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