Adamson University

San Marcelino Street, Manila

A Research About the Presence of Deuterium in the Philippines and its Effect
in the Countrys Economy
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in English

Jessa Camille C. Egipto

Crystel Jade M. Legaspi

Presented to:
Prof. Mariedith B. Garcia

March 18, 2014

Chapter 1
Introduction
Each person uses a good deal of energy in the form of fossil fuels each day. Most
of the fuels used in our daily life come from non-renewable sources. Estimates show
that there are only 1,000 billion barrels of reserve petroleum left in the world today. The
entire worlds reserve oil will be fully used up 35 years from now. As early as 1870,
scientist Jules Verne predicted I think water will be used one day as a fuel. Hydrogen
and oxygen will be an infinite source for heat and light. In 1931. a chemist named
Harold Urey discovered deuterium, a stable isotope of hydrogen.

It is a colorless,

odorless, non-toxic, diatomic, and flammable gas. With more hydrogen molecules than
ordinary water, it is much heavier than water and even saltwater, causing it to naturally
sink farther into deep ocean trenches. The Philippine Trench, the largest in the world,
contains a large amount of deuterium. It can be obtained from this depth of more than
7 kilometers below sea level. Deuterium can be used as a tracer in nuclear fusion
reactors. It can also be processed into helium and hydrogen fuels for cars, trucks and jet
planes. As an infinite energy source, it can replace gasoline, LPG, LNG, Avagas, etc., in
powering all types of internal combustion engines. This gas is environment-friendly;
since it belongs to the water family, it does not cause any harmful carbon monoxide
and emits only water vapor or steam.
Deuterium mining could propel the Philippines as the biggest hydrogen fuel (LiHy) producer in the world, and become the only fuel producer 40 to 50 years from now
in an oil-depleted world economy. The deuterium project is estimated to employ
350,000 personnel. Deuterium can be the key to wipe out all existing foreign debts of
the Philippine government. According to Dr. Anthony B. Halog, once deuterium
exploration and extraction succeed, public works, private construction, economic and

financial booms are expected to happen in the Philippines, with everybody earning their
respective comfortable livelihood, while pricing basic necessities at reasonable and
affordable levels.
Statement of the Problem
This study aims to identify, define, and discuss the significance of deuterium
present in the Philippine Deep and its effect in the economy. Thus, there are five
important questions to be answered:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

What is deuterium?
What are the uses of deuterium?
What are the factors to be considered in deuterium extraction?
How can deuterium be extracted from the Philippine Deep?
Why does until now, the vast deposits of deuterium in the Philippines is still

untapped?
6. How will deuterium benefit the country?
Objectives of the Study
This paper aims to accomplish the following:

present deuterium as an efficient fuel that can replace petroleum, oil, gas and

coal
explain the uses and applications of deuterium
discuss the availability of deuterium in the Philippine deep
describe the benefits of deuterium extraction in the economic growth of the

Philippines
present methods for the extraction of deuterium
be able to produce a reference for future use

Significance of the Study

The study is beneficial to the following:

Mining students and engineers will find this study helpful; it will serve as the basis

for future plans of action of deuterium extraction in the Philippine deep.

Future researchers will benefit from this study, and it will provide them the facts

needed to compare their study during their respective time and usability.
Adamson Mining and Geology students will be more inspired to pursue their

courses.
Adamsonians will be aware of the abundant deuterium deposits in the Philippines

Definition of Terms
1. Deuterium- a rare, non-radioactive, nature, heavy stable isotope of hydrogen with
a mass approximately twice that of the usual isotope.
2. Li-Hy fuel- a salt-like ionic hydride, used as a fuel for cars, trucks, and jet planes
now being used in Canada, America, Germany, and other parts of Sweden
3. Optical fiber- is a flexible, transparent fiber made of high quality extruded glass
silica or plastic, slightly thicker than a human hair. It can function as a waveguide,
or light pipe, to transmit light between the two ends of the fiber.
4. Optical recording- is a method of recording data, audio content or video content
in a form which is played back using light.
5. Hydrosphere- is the liquid water component of the Earth. It includes the oceans,
seas, lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. The hydrosphere covers about 70% of the
surface of the Earth and is the home for many plants and animals.
6. Nuclear fusion- is an atomic reaction in which multiple atoms combine to create a
single, more massive atom.
7. Isotopomers- Molecules that have the same constituent atoms with the same
isotopes where the only difference between the compounds is the position of the
atoms.

Chapter 2
Review of Related Literature

I.

DEUTERIUM

A.

Properties and Characteristics

According to the book Philippine Oceans and Trenches: Source of Deuterium by Engr.
Ferrie S. Sagun Olivia, Deuterium is a heavier and a stable isotope of ordinary
hydrogen. It is composed of two isotopes of hydrogen and an oxygen atom. The
deuterium isotope's name is formed from the Greek deuteros meaning "second", to
denote the two particles composing the nucleus. Deuterium is also referred to as
heavy hydrogen. With more hydrogen molecules than ordinary water, it is heavier
than water and even salt water, causing it to naturally sink farther into deep ocean
trenches. It is colorless, odorless, non-toxic, diatomic and flammable gas. Deuterium
can be distilled from all forms of water. It is a widely available, harmless, and virtually
inexhaustible resource.
B.

Discovery

A review on the discovery of deuterium was published in 2008 by Engr. Sagun-Oliva. As

early as year 1870, a scientist named Jules Verne stated I think water will be used one
day as a fuel. Hydrogen and oxygen will be an infinite source for heat and light.
Deuterium was discovered and named in 1931 by Harold Urey, together with his
associates, F.G. Brickwedde and G.M. Murphy. With this discovery, he earned a Nobel
Prize in 1934. This followed the discovery of the neutron in 1932, which made the
nuclear structure of deuterium obvious. According to Dr. Anthony B. Halog, a Filipino
scientist, Deuterium is replenished by nature 24 hours a day; it traveled more than
12,000 kilometers from Central America to the Philippines through the span of the
Pacific Ocean when planet earth turns its axis from west to East in unending perpetual
motion.

C.

Uses and Applications

As early as 1870, During World War II, Germany used rocket bombs propelled by
hydrogen. According to scientists, 35 years from now, there will be a depletion of fuel
gas and oil which will be a big problem to the world. Deuterium can be the solution to
this problem. It can replace gasoline, LPG, Avagas, etc. in powering all types of internal
combustion engines. At present, deuterium is used in the production of hydrogen fuel
now used in Canada, America, Germany and some part of Sweden to provide fuel for
cars, trucks, and jet planes.

Deuterium as hydrogen fuel can be used for cooking,

lighting, heating and as Heavy Water fuel for Reactors in electric power generation.
Deuterium, either deuterium oxide or lithium deuteride, are essential components of
nuclear fusion weapons, or hydrogen bombs. It can also be used in biological and
medical applications. Moreover, a deuterium labeled drug can be used in determination
of drugs bioavailability, distribution, biotransformation, absorption and excretion. In
addition, deuterated drugs are able to enhance therapeutic effects and minimize the
side effects. The pharmalogical research shows the potential of deuterated drugs to
give more efficient therapeutic actions.
II.

Location and Availability

Deuterium is actually available through a tedious and expensive laboratory process.

Only the necessity of having the fuel makes countries like the United States, Canada,
Germany, and Sweden produce it. According to Dennis Whyte, deuterium is readily
available in seawater. Through intensive research and development on oceanographic
data and processes with foreign associates, scientists discovered that concentrated
Hydrogen exists only about one centimeter thick in every 3,000 meters deep of water
mass at the ocean floor.

By the virtue of the characteristics of the isotope, great

deposit of the deuterium isotope can be found in the deepest part of the ocean. The

phrase, deepest part of the ocean, should ring a bell to every Filipino. It is a fact that
the deepest part of the ocean is found in the Philippines in the so-called Philippine
Trench. The Philippine Trench is the largest in the world; it is 868 miles long, 52 miles
at the widest point and 2 miles at the deepest point which is 10.057 kilometers below
sea level. Deuterium can be obtained from this depth of more than 7 kilometers below
and under 10,000 psi of ocean pressure. Deuterium, also known as the White Gold in
the Philippines, is most prevalent in an area more widely known in the world as The
Philippine Deep which is located in mainland Surigao. Having located the best possible
deposit of this very precious fuel potential, pumping them up is the next goal.
III.

Deuterium Pumping and Exploration

The very arduous challenge of extracting Deuterium involves a lot of demanding

conditions like depth, pressure, equipments, suitable material, expertise, technology,
and funding. The tidal conditions along the Philippine Trench have to be included in the
research and studied all year round.
Deuterium extraction is not mining; it is practically just pumping water from the ocean
bottom.

The present technology in offshore oil production is up to depths of 6.4

kilometers from the sea level. Deuterium, the target element, is located just between 7
to 10 kilometers from the sea surface. The geologists and engineers still have to drill
through the ocean bottom to get the oil, hundreds of meters below the sea floor. Since
deuterium naturally electrolyzes when the 10,000 psi ocean pressure is gradually
removed through the pumping process and replaced by lower atmospheric pressure,
two upper pipes will then collect segregated by-products of deuterium which are pure
liquid water and gaseous hydrogen. The dispelled hydrogen gas can then be collected,
compressed and stored as liquid hydrogen.

The pipeline itself shall serve as the

refinery of deuterium to produce hydrogen. Deuterium mining has never been done

before, even in highly developed first world countries. The possible costs might be
staggering; research on this opportunity is still worth investing in, considering the high
stakes involved.
IV.

Benefits of Deuterium

Deuterium, unlike other fuels, does not cause any harmful carbon monoxide. Emissions
of deuterium are nothing but water vapor or steam. This fuel is environmentally
friendly, causing no harmful pollutants. Deuterium mining could propel the Philippines
as the biggest hydrogen fuel (Li-Hy) producer in the world, and become the only fuel
producer 40 to 50 years from now in an oil-depleted world economy. According to Rofles
Clueman, research showed that there are only 1,000 billion barrels of reserve petroleum
left in the world today. With the world's annual consumption of 28.6 billion barrels, all
reserve oil will be fully used up 35 years from now.

World energy requirements will

have to be shifted then to natural gas, which still has 5,457 trillion cubic feet in reserve.
But this particular source is still subject to depletion. Hydrogen, which has an abundant
and unlimited source in deuterium, will be the future energy reserve. If the Philippines
can tap this energy source, it can have a better future and economic position than the
rest of the world including the United States of America.
Oil rig platform manufacturers in Singapore can fabricate specially designed platforms
for US$100-150M or approximately P5-7.5 Billion. For a total cost of Php 10 Billion for
research and construction of a single floating deuterium rig with an average production
capacity of 50,000 barrels a day, the government can expect a conservative daily
income of US$4M or US$1.2B per year, which is equivalent to P54.0 Billion annually. If
the government constructs one deuterium rig every year generating an annual income
of US$1.2B, the Philippines World Bank loan can be totally wiped out in less than 15
years. The budget for this venture is well within the means of the government. If the

government can afford the President's P40 Billion pork barrel in 2006 for assorted
poverty alleviation programs, they can also afford one deuterium rig every year which
has a hundred fold cost benefit ratio.
Deuteriums economic potential in this breathe is about 12 million barrels per day
capacity priced at US$7.00 per barrel, this is US$84 million per day or US$30.66 billion
per year, enough to wipe out all existing foreign debts of the Philippine Government in
one year, revenue-wise in foreign exchange.

With the two top U.S. oil companies

interested in a 6 million barrels capacity, Japanese investors in a 4 million barrels

capacity, and the Saudi Group in a 2 million barrels daily production capacity, the total
prospective investors inquiries so far received is 12 million barrels daily production. This
is US$84 million per day or US$30.66 billion per year, enough to wipe out all existing
foreign debts of the Philippine Government in one year, revenue-wise in foreign
exchange. The Philippines can supply all the fuel requirements of the world in
Deuterium as Hydrogen Fuel and as Hydrogen for food, chemical, and metal industries
worldwide.
Dr. Halog said that Deuterium Projects combined production capacities will employ no
less than 350,000 personnel of international pay rates and allowances for unskilled,
semi-skilled, technical, and professional levels from the Philippines. Less than 2,000
foreign nationals will also be employed on the transfer of technology. The type of
operation is the same as those in the Middle East petroleum production and mining
facilities, with the same pay rates so as not to disturb international energy pricing and
economy of costs. Once Deuterium exploration and extraction succeed, public works,
private construction, economic and financial booms are expected to happen in the
Philippines in the same manner as those which happened in the Middle East and
financial centers of the world from 1974 to 1984, with everybody earning their

respective comfortable livelihood, while pricing basic prime necessities at reasonable

and affordable levels.

Conclusion
The thorough analysis of the primary and secondary sources in the previous chapter
has enabled the researchers to arrive at a valid and logical conclusion to the research
while answering the research problems. Thus, it can be said that through the analysis of
secondary and primary sources, the deuterium can be accepted as an efficient fuel that
can replace non-renewable resources such as coal, gas, and petroleum in powering
different kinds of combustion engines. It is a heavier and a stable isotope of ordinary
hydrogen that naturally sinks about 7 to 10 kilometers in the deep ocean trench,
particularly in the Philippine Trench.
Deuterium extraction is just pumping water from the ocean bottom. Due to pressure
and depth conditions along the Philippine Trench, there is still no available equipments
that can last at about 10,000 psi ocean pressure. Ocean pressure is gradually removed
through the pumping process and replaced by lower atmospheric pressure. Two upper
pipes will then collect segregated by-products of deuterium which are pure liquid water
and gaseous hydrogen. The dispelled hydrogen gas can then be collected, compressed
and stored as liquid hydrogen.
deuterium to produce hydrogen.

The pipeline itself shall serve as the refinery of

However, this untapped resource could be the solution for the Philippines economic
problems. It has great benefits not only to the country but also to the Filipino citizens.
The Philippine Government can finally pay its existing foreign debts and its loans in the
World Bank. Moreover, deuterium extraction can employ hundreds and thousands of
Filipinos. Economic and financial booms are expected to happen in the country; the
same as those which happened in the Middle East and financial centers of the world.
Filipinos could gain respective comfortable livelihood, and the price of basic necessities
will be at a reasonable and affordable levels. Deuterium can be the future energy
source, and the Philippines can be the number one supplier of Deuterium fuel in an oil
depleted world.
Recommendations
Based on the findings and conclusions presented, recommendations that are associated
with this research are listed below:
1. The researchers recommend conducting further research about the tidal
conditions affecting the Philippine Trench. Researching the ocean conditions, it
would be of great contribution for the successful and safe extraction of
deuterium.
2. The researchers also advice scientists to research and discover ocean equipment
that can tolerate the crushing pressure of the deep ocean. The means of
advanced technology and knowledgeable ocean experts could be a great help in
establishing this kind of equipment.
3. The government agencies, such as the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC)
should give more attention to the deuterium issue. They should fight for the
approval of deuterium extraction in the Philippine Deep. Through the expertise of
the Filipino Geologists and Engineers, they should do their best in making
deuterium extraction a success.

Bibliography
A. Books
Bosson, R.A. (2008). Mining Industry and the Developing Countries, pp 31-32.
Sagun-Oliva, F.S. (2009). Philippine Oceans and Trenches: Source of Deuterium, pp 317.
West, T.R. (2008). Engineering Geology, pp 106-108.
Garrison, T.L. (2006). Essentials of Oceanography, pp 521-530.
B.Newspaper
Jacinto, G.S. (1988, March 15). Deuterium Miracle Debunked in the House. Manila
Standard, p. 2
Robles, A.C. (1988, March 19). Deuterium Delirium. Manila Standard, p. 3

Jacinto, G.S. (1988, March 15). Deuterium Miracle Debunked in the House. Manila
Standard, p. 2
Mcgill, R.G. (1955, October 7). Research on Deuterium. The Miami News, p 3
B. Internet
http://www.manilaspeak.com/benny-tuazon/deuterium-our-countrys-best-shottowards-prosperity/
http://deuteriumproject.blogspot.com/
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511181356.htm

Jessa Camille C. Egipto

Resigurado St. Camachile
DRT, Bulacan
09364352334
camille_jessa@yahoo.com

I. Educational Background
Tertiary:

Adamson University
900 San Marcelino St. Ermita, Manila
Bachelor of Science in Geology
2013-2018

Secondary: Doa Remedios Trinidad

High School
DRT, Bulacan
2009-2013
Elementary: Camachile Elementary
School
DRT, Bulacan
2003-2009

II. Awards and Achievements

Highschool: 2nd place in Students
Investigatory Project
DRT, Bulacan
March 15, 2013
10th place in Division Search for the
Best School Paper (English)
Doa Remedios Trinidad Bulacan
March 15, 2013

EDDIS III Secondary

Schools Press Conference
Vedasto R. Santiago HS
September 05, 2012
Division Science Fair (Quiz Bee)
Meycauayan National High School
March 29, 2012
9th place in English News Writing
Diosdado R. Macapagal MHS
November 11, 2011

III. Seminars and Trainings Background

Distinguished Lecture and
Tribute to Mentors
Adamson Theater
January 6, 2014
Geochemistry in
Mineral Explorations
BA Multimedia
November 29, 2013

IV. Affiliations
Adamson University Mining Engineering and Geology Association
Participant
Adamson University
2013-Present
Philippine Association of Geology Students
Member
Adamson University
2013-Present

V. Relevant Skills

Has good cooking skills

Has talent in singing
Has excellent memorization skills

VI. Hobbies and Interests

Watching movies
Reading books

Crystel Jade M. Legaspi

B3 L4 Cherry Homes Subd
Ph2 Mambog, Cavite
09264822361
crysteljadelegaspi@yahoo.com

I. Educational Background
Tertiary:

Adamson University
900 San Marcelino St. Ermita, Manila
Bachelor of Science in Geology
2013-2018

Secondary: Jesus Good Shepherd School

Palico 2, Imus, Cavite
2009-2013
Elementary: Jesus Good Shepherd School
Palico 2, Imus, Cavite
2003-2009

II. Awards and Achievements

Highschool: Loyalty Award
Imus Cathedral
April 1, 2013
Best in Deportment
JGSS Covered Court
March 31, 2013
3rd Honors, Best in CLE,
Best in Computer
JGSS Covered Court
March 31, 2012

1st Place- Essay Writing Contest

JGSS Covered Court
October 15, 2012
Elementary: Fifth Honorable Mention
Jesus Good Shepherd School
March 2009

III. Seminars and Trainings Background

Distinguished Lecture and
Tribute to Mentors
Adamson Theater
January 6, 2014
Geochemistry in
Mineral Explorations
BA Multimedia
November 29, 2013

IV. Affiliations
Adamson University Mining Engineering and Geology Association
Participant
Adamson University
2013-Present

Philippine Association of Geology Students

Member
Adamson University
2013-Present
CFC- Youth for Christ
Household Head
Cavite

2012-Present

V. Relevant Skills

Has an adept knowledge in using computer programs

such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Powerpoint

Has excellent memorization skills

Has the ability to manage time wisely

Has an excellent ability to adapt to difficult situations

VI. Hobbies and Interests

Watching movies
Reading novels
Stargazing
Surfing the internet
Mountain Hiking
Travelling