Alternative Metal Hot Cutting Operations for Opacity

: Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS & IMF) is searching for technologies that would allow the shipyard to decommission ships and submarines without violating 20% opacity. An alternative hot cutting gas has been identified that may assist PSNS & IMF in meeting production quota while maintaining environmental compliance. To evaluate the claim, a demonstration was performed comparing the performance of the alternative gas with the current gas. From the demonstration, it was determined that the alternative fuel did not significantly produce less opacity compared to propane. Propane was also superior in cutting speed and fuel efficiency. Edison Welding Institute also evaluated the performance of the gas and determined that it cut much faster than propane. However, the test conditions were different from the conditions at the demonstration. Under certain conditions, the alternative fuel will cut faster. However, based on the Navy's results, the alternative fuel will not be included in the toolbox of different approaches to recycle ships to comply with the opacity limits.