The Project is now nearing the end of its ninth year. The present paper is in the nature of a Progress Report.
API Research Project 45 operated for six years as an independent project known as American Petroleum Institute Hydrocarbon Research Project, (APIHRP). The original project included the synthesis, purification, superpurification, physical constants measurement and engine testing of pure hydrocarbons. With the advent of the World War II emphasis was laid upon products suitable for use as aircraft fuels.
Interest in the work was high from the beginning. Co-operation by all parties was full and whole-hearted. The war effort placed a new emphasis upon the value of dependable physical constants and the necessity for high purity analytical standards. With this shift in emphasis, and the attendant expansion, the superpurification was transferred to APIRP-6 at the National Bureau of Standards.
Older methods of synthesis have been adapted and new methods have been invented for the preparation of all types of hydrocarbons. It seems possible to synthetically produce any or all of the individual hydrocarbons known to be in gasolines.
The engine characteristics of these individual motor fuels have been carefully measured and compiled and the data distributed to the contributors of the API research program. A survey of these engine data will be reported in the paper which immediately follows.
The Project during the nine year period of its operation has covered more than twice the number of products on its initial list. The work has required more than twice the time originally allocated for the purpose. The results have justified the effort. A recent survey indicates a desire for more data on high purity products, and more high purity standard samples. The call is for more hydrocarbons of every type. It can be done. The synthetic procedures are known. Some of the work will be tedious and difficult; some of it will be expensive. But the same whole-hearted co-operation which has brought us to our present position will carry us to the end. And again the results will justify the expenditures of money and effort required.