WARP PROPULSION SYSTEM FUEL SUPPLY

	The fuel supply for the warp propulsion system (WPS) is contained 
within the primary deuterium tank (PDT) in the Battle Section. The PDT, 
which also feeds the IPS (impulse propulsion system), is normally loaded 
with slush deuterium at a temperature of -259¡C, or 13.8K. The PDT is 
constructed of forced-matrix 2378 cortanium and stainless steel, with 
foamed vac-whisker silicon-copper-duranite insulation laid down in 
alternating parallel/biased layers and gamma-welded.
	Penetrations for supply vessels, vent lines, and sensors are made by 
standard precision phaser cutters. There are a total of four main fuel feed 
manifolds from the PDT to the matter reactant injector, eight cross-feed 
conduits to the Saucer Module auxiliary tanks, and four feeds to the main 
impulse engine.
	The total internal volume, which is compartmentalized against losses 
due to structural damage, is 63,200 mì, though the normal total deuterium 
load is 62,500 mì. As with the volume of antimatter loaded for a typical 
multimission segment, a full load of deuterium is rated to last approximately 
three years.
	As with any constructed tank, a certain percentage of deuterium 
molecules is expected to migrate through the tank walls over time. The PDT 
leak rate has been measured at <.00002 kg/day. Proportionate values hold for 
all auxiliary tanks as well.
	Slush deuterium is created by standard electro-centrifugal 
fractioning of a variety of materials, including seawater, outer planet satellite 
snows and ices, and cometary nuclei, and chilling down the fractionated 
liquid. Each will result in different proportions of deuterium and tailings, but 
can be handled by the same Starfleet hardware. Deuterium tanker craft are 
far more numerous than their antimatter counterparts, and can provide 
emergency reactants on a few daysÕ notice. Two deuterium loading ports are 
located along the structural spine of the Battle Section, aft of the ÒtailÓ of the 
tank. The loading port interface contains structural connections for firm 
docking within a starbase or free-floating maintenance dock, as well as 
pressure relief, purge inlet and outlet fittings, and optical data network 
hardlines to the starbase computers.  Æ