Fuel Blending.

TM 5-3835-222-BD

ordinarily be burned (or pumped) to be used by diluting them. Because of the dangers of varying

combustability of fuels, increased by vaporization during filling, the blending process is very important.

The most direct and expedient procedure to mix fuels is to add the two fuels at the same time from

two separate fuel lines. If added directly to the vehicle fuel tanks as separate fuels there is no

sufficient turbulence in filling or shaking by normal driving to provide a properly mixed fuel. In

vehicles with more than one tank, you could end up with a distinct fuel type in each tank

Fuel Blending.

D-2.

a. In following, the blending procedure, it must be remembered that the basic fuel is the better of

the two fuels and the extender is the poorer. The blending fuel is the extender. While you can use up

to 50 percent (half and half) of the extender you should not use more than is needed to obtain the

supply needed. Also, ensure a fuel tank or container is available to hold the quantity of fuel needed to

perform the mixing operation.

b. Blending Procedure. The preferred location to accomplish blending is at a fuel dispensing site

or in fuel dispensing vehicles that utilize their own pumps. The least desirable is using vehicles

fuel tanks. Blending in vehicles fuel tanks should only be done as a last resort because it is imprecise

and time consuming.

(1) Blending in Fuel Dispensing Vehicles. Add the blending fuel to the fuel tank and mix by

reconnecting the pump inlet hose to the vehicle and recirculating the fuel for a minimum of 15 minutes.

(2) B/ending in 55 Gallon Drums. Add the blending fuel directly into a drum and mix by rolling

the drum.

(3) Blending in Gravity Feed Tanks (Stationary) Not Equipped With Fuel Transfer Pumps. Blending

fuel can be added manually or by using the pump and meter of a fuel dispensing vehicle. Add the

blending fuel and mix by recirculating from the tank outlet to the tank truck pump inlet.

NOTE

Blending in the fuel tanks of using equipment and

vehicles should be undertaken only as a last resort.

Add both fuels to the fuel tank at the same time with

dual nozzles, or from fuel cans.

c. If expedient fuels are not used completely during the operation, they should be drained or

pumped out. Fill the vehicle fuel tanks with 10-15 gallons of an approved primary fuel and run

the engine for at least hour. Operate the engine under a load or drive the vehicle a sufficient

distance to bring the engine up to operating temperature.

Lubricants and Hydraulic Fluids.

D-3.

a. This section lists a few elementary characteristics of importance although there are no

expedient means of measuring or predicting them. A list of basic fluids which can be ued is provided

in order or priority. Cautions on incompatible fluids are mentioned and a means suggested to flush

the system.

b. Table D-1 provides a list of basic fluids which can be used as substitutes (alternate and

expedient). It is structured around the vehicle lubrication order. Alternate products shown are NATO

equivalents to the US specifications and can really be considered primary fluids. There are no

corresponding ASTM designators. The expedients are emergency only substitutions. They may cause

one of three problems either individually or in combination,

They may not allow proper or efficient operations because of improper viscosity.

(1)

D-2