From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Analysis and octane value requirements for Estonian Shale petrol for use in a Kestrel engine.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 27a\4\ Scan017 | |
| Date | 20th October 1932 | |
| 81282 To EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lov.{Mr Lovesey} c. to F.{Mr Friese} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lov.{Mr Lovesey}2/MA.20.10.32. ESTONIAN FUEL. The sample of Estonian Shale petrol you sent us for analysis is not of sufficient quantity for the octane value to be obtained. The octane value - or knock rating - is one of the most important characteristics of the fuel, because the boost pressure we are permitted to use for the "take off" with the fully supercharged Kestrel has been determined by the degree of detonation present with the standard service fuel D.T.D.134. The octane value of D.T.D.134 is between 73 & 77 and we should not like to employ a fuel of lower value than this. For the purpose of obtaining the octane value we have to send a sample of the fuel to either Kidbrooke or Mr.H.Moore and at least one gallon is required. If possible we should like you to obtain at least one gallon of the pure Estonian Shale Spirit, also a gallon of their 70/30 Estonian Shale & Benzol mixture. The sample we already have we will get analysed for distillation range and aromatic contents. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lov.{Mr Lovesey} | ||