Showing papers on "Alcohol fuel published in 1980"

Evaporative and exhaust emissions from cars fueled with gasoline containing ethanol or methyl tert-butyl ether

Abstract: Vehicle tests showed that evaporative emissions were increased significantly by adding 10% ethanol to gasoline, but were increased less by adding 15% methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a gasoline blending component. The quantity of ethanol or MTBE in evaporative emissions was investigated in laboratory tests. Exhaust hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions from a car without closed-loop fuel control were significantly lower with the ethanol and MTBE fuel blends than with gasoline. For cars equipped with closed-loop carburetors, there were small absolute differences in exhaust emissions among the fuels. Fuel economy and driveability were worse with ethanol and MTBE fuel blends than with gasoline.

Synthetic liquid fuel and fuel mixtures for oil-burning devices

Abstract: A synthetic fuel of fatty acid esters provides a novel source of energy when burned alone or in combination with other known fuels such as diesel oil, heating oil, etc., in oil-burning devices.

Ethanol Production by Fermentation: An Alternative Liquid Fuel

Abstract: Publisher Summary Alcohol fuels offer various useful features as petroleum substitutes. They are readily available liquids that can be produced and utilized within existing technologies; alcohol fuels burn cleaner than petroleum that is environmentally more acceptable. Also, alcohols produced from waste and inedible agricultural products can be efficiently used as substrates for controlled fermentations to produce food chemicals, drugs, and enzymes. There are four major sources of feedback for ethanol production from biomass. These sources are (1) sugars from cane, beet, and sorghum, (2) grain starch from corn, wheat, barley, and other cereals, (3) cellulosic materials from wood and wastes, and (4) by-product carbohydrates from processing, such as waste sulfite liquor, whey, or food industry wastes. In tropical countries, such as Brazil, the conversion of sugars to ethanol is carried out by batch fermentation and subsequently the product is separated in a bubble-capped distillation column. The economy of such type of a fermentation process can be improved by using yeasts tolerant to high sugar concentration.

Improvement of alcohol engine performance by flash boiling injection

Abstract: A fuel supply method called "flash boiling injection" has been developed to overcome the problems associated with alcohol fuel use. In flash boiling, a fluid boils when the pressure around it falls below the saturation pressure. By applying this principle, the spray droplet size can be made small, the spray angle large, and the spray travel short to improve thermal efficiency and to reduce exhaust emission of unburnt alcohol. Flash boiling injection can be applied to both spark ignited and diesel engines. The technique has been successfully applied to the unthrottled operation of an open-chamber, spark ignited engine to improve thermal efficiency at partial load.

Hydrocarbon fuel additive

Abstract: A solution of a halogenated hydrocarbon when added in amounts of from about 1 to 2 parts per thousand by volume to hydrocarbon fuels improves combustion and increases fuel efficiency. The presence of a small amount of a hydroperoxide in combination with the halogenated hydrocarbon improves the starting characteristics of diesel fuel and further improves combustion efficiency.

Cold start characteristics of ethanol as an automobile fuel

Abstract: An alcohol fuel burner and decomposer in which one stream of fuel is preheated by passing it through an electrically heated conduit to vaporize the fuel, the fuel vapor is mixed with air, the air-fuel mixture is ignited and combusted, and the combustion gases are passed in heat exchange relationship with a conduit carrying a stream of fuel to decompose the fuel forming a fuel stream containing hydrogen gas for starting internal combustion engines, the mass flow of the combustion gas being increased as it flows in heat exchange relationship with the fuel carrying conduit, is disclosed.

Survey of alcohol as a motor fuel

Abstract: Alcohol has been promoted and used as a motor fuel for more than 50 years. However, United States ethyl alcohol production is small compared with gasoline production. High latent heat of vaporization of alcohol makes possible some increase of power over gasoline. The heating value of alcohol is low and energy content of alcohol blends is less than that of gasoline; fuel consumption of blends is therefore increased. The ability of ethanol to improve the octane number of gasoline has diminished as the octane number of gasoline has improved. There is no published evidence that alcohols can appreciably reduce air pollution problems.

Driving Cycle Economy, Emissions and Photochemical Reactivity Using Alcohol Fuels and Gasoline

Abstract: An oxidation catalyst equipped vehicle and several three-way-catalyst (TWC) equipped vehicles were modified to operate on the Federal Test Procedure using gasoline or alcohol fuels. Unburned (hydro)carbon emissions were generally lowest when methanol fuel was used. Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) were reduced an average of more than 50% by using alcohol fuels in contrast to gasoline. Photochemical reactivity comparisons of unburned fuel emissions were made by calculation and also with a 100 cu. ft. smog chamber. Synthetic reproductions (surrogates) of stoichiometric methanol exhaust were less photochemically reactive than gasoline exhaust surrogates for the 8.5:1 compression ratio engine conditions. This effect was observed even though methanol exhaust surrogates were tested at higher hydrocarbon-to-NOx ratios (20:1 vs 13.8:1) than were the gasoline exhaust surrogates. The exhaust from the stoichiometric TWC-equipped vehicles was extremely low in calculated and experimental reactivities for both methanol and gasoline fuels. This was due to their very low mass emissions and low exhaust hydrocarbon-to-NOx ratios.

Fuel alcohol from whey

Abstract: According to the 'Report on alcohol fuels policy review', published in 1979 by the US Department of Energy, cheese whey had a very low net feedstock cost/gal of ethanol produced ($0.22) and the production potential in the USA is 90 million gal ethanol/yr. Three processes are described, i.e. the Milbrew whey fermentation process using Kluyveromyces fragilis with whey of 10-15% TS under sterile or non-sterile conditions and in batch, semi-continuous or continuous operation (primarily, designed for the production of single-cell protein), the continuous Carbery process in commercial operation in Ireland (DSA 42, 7856) and the Danish process (Dansk Gaerings-industri, Copenhagen) producing edible alcohol from whey permeate, and methane from distillation wastes for use as fuel for heating the distillation units.

The Use of Hybrid Fuel in a Single-Cylinder Diesel Engine

Abstract: The underlying objective of this program is to reduce the use of petroleum-derived fuels and/or to minimize the processing requirements of the finished hybrid fuels. Several hybrid fuel formulations have been developed and tested in a direct injection single-cylinder diesel engine. The formulations included solutions of ethanol and vegetable oils in diesel fuel, emulsions of methanol and of ethanol in diesel fuel; and slurries of starch, cellulose, and "carbon" in diesel fuel.

Method and apparatus for utilizing alcohol as fuel for internal combustion engine

Abstract: This invention broadly relates to a fuel system for an internal combustion engine. More particularly the invention concerns a method and apparatus for utilizing alcohol as fuel for gasoline fed internal combustion engine, wherein the alcohol to gasoline ratio is controlled by a double acting metering device and the alcohol fuel is vaporized using heated positive crankcase ventilation gas.

Synthetic fuel containing methanol and butanol

Abstract: A long chain macro-molecule synthetic fuel derived by distillation-linking methanol, butanol and a kerosene type oil with a colloid stabilizer. The synthetic fuel, when mixed with conventional fuels, substantially reduces the generation of carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides as combustion products.

Liquid fuel for use in internal combustion engines

Abstract: A fuel is provided including dimethyl ketone and gasoline. Gaseous fuel such as methane and acetylene may be dissolved in the ketone-gasoline combination.

Fuel saver system for internal combustion engines

Abstract: An arrangement and method is disclosed for improving the fuel economy of an internal combustion engine of the type having a carburetor for mixing a fuel with air, in which the air is saturated with a mixture of ether, alcohol and water.

Low energy distillation systems

Abstract: Much work, aimed at improvements in the manufacture and recovery of ethyl alcohol, is currently being conducted in connection with the production of substitute liquid fuels; eg, gasohol A primary consideration all schemes for producing substitute liquid fuels lies in the energy consumed to produce the fuels By energy re-use, pressure cascading and waste heat recovery, the expenditure of energy in distillation (alcohol recovery) can be greatly reduced Such energy savings have been industrially demonstrated in three systems described in this paper For high grade industrial ethanol production, a steam consumption of 30 to 42 Kg/liter (25 to 35 lb/US gallon) of 100/sup 0/ GL alcohol is realized For motor fuel grade anhydrous alcohol, the steam consumption is 18 to 25 Kg/liter (15 to 20 lb/US gallon) of 995/sup 0/ GL alcohol, and for hydrous motor fuel grade alcohol, the steam consumption is 12 to 14 Kg/liter (10 to 12 lb/US gallon) of 96/sup 0/ GL alcohol

Method for producing gasoline-alcohol fuels

Abstract: A process for producing gasoline-ethanol blends comprises purifying dilute ethanol by extractive distillation and concentrating the ethanol by distillation followed by one or both of the following steps: (a) liquid extraction of ethanol into heated gasoline or (b) azeotropic distillation of ethanol with an entrainer followed by blending with gasoline.

Effects of Alcohol Fuels on Engine Wear

Abstract: : Research into the effects of alcohol on engine lubrication and wear has investigated four alcohol-containing fuels; pure methanol, pure ethanol, methanol in unleaded gasoline, and ethanol, in unleaded gasoline. This research work has indicated that during low-temperature engine operations such as winter commuter service and warmup, use of pure methanol may result in increased engine wear. This increased wear appears to be primarily a low-temperature problem. With the engine warmed to normal operating temperatures, this increased wear has not been observed. To this point, the research with ethanol-containing fuels has not detected any wear increases. This may be due to the short duration engine tests being conducted, but nevertheless indicates that increased wear should be of less concern with this fuel. Wear mechanism studies have indicated that corrosive attack within the piston ring and cylinder area by alcohol combustion byproducts is partially responsible for the increased wear. Investigation of alcohol and lubricant compatibility and physical removal of the lubricant films by liquid alcohol have provided additional insights into these wear phenomena. (Author)

Corrosion-inhibited alcohol motor fuel composition

Abstract: A corrosion-inhibited alcohol motor fuel composition comprising a major proportion of a lower aliphatic alcohol and a corrosion-inhibiting amount of a trimeric acid is provided

Steel plate for fuel container

Abstract: PURPOSE: To enhance the corrosion resistance to fuel by using a steel plate having an Ni or Ni-Co plated layer or further subjected to chromate treatment as a material for a tank for fuel such as gasoline contg. CONSTITUTION: An Ni coated layer or an Ni-Co alloy coated layer having 0.3W 6μm thickness is formed by electroplating on the surface of a steel plate used as a material for a container for alcohol added gasoline or alcohol fuel, or the plate is further subjected to chromate treatment with an aqueous soln. of chromic acid such as a CrO 3 bath. Thus, the resistance to corrosion due to water contained in alcohol, oxide of alcohol such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde or formic acid, and impurities such as acetic acid is increased remarkably, and superior characteristics as a container for alcohol fuel are provided. COPYRIGHT: (C)1982,JPO&Japio

Air-fuel ratio control device

Abstract: PURPOSE: To prevent incomplete combustion in a car engine using mixed fuel of gasoline and alcohol by increasing the ratio of alcohol in the fuel in accordance with the lowering of atmospheric pressure for restraining the enrichment of air-fuel ratio at the time of highland running or the like CONSTITUTION: During the running on a usual flatland, a bellows 11a of an atmospheric pressure detecting device 11 is almost balanced in inner and outer pressures, and an opening part 7a of a valve 9 is closed to supply gasoline only to a suction pipe when the altitude of a running land is increased to lower the atmospheric pressure, the bellows 11a is extended by the difference between inner and outer pressures to open the opening 7a, and mixed fuel of gasoline and alcohol is supplied to the suction pipe When the altitude is further increased, the extension of the bellows 11a is increased to close an opening part 3a, and only alcohol fuel is supplied to the suction pipe COPYRIGHT: (C)1982,JPO&Japio

Thoughts on an ideal diesel fuel from coal

Abstract: The paper is an attempt to analyze the various fuel properties that influence the performance of a CI engine and to formulate specifications for the ideal diesel fuel. The result postulates that the ideal diesel fuel can only be a synthetic fuel obtained from coal by the Fischer-Tropsch process with fixed bed, since this process preferably furnishes straight-chained hydrocarbon or those with few branches. This is a feature of the process which is undesirable for the production of synthetic petrol, but highly desirable for the production of an energy-saving and anti-pollution ideal diesel fuel.

Combustible fuel composition

Abstract: COMBUSTIBLE FUEL COMPOSITION ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A fuel composition comprising carbon black and a combustible liquid such as lower alkyl alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or liquid hydrocarbons is provided. The composition is formed by adding a sufficient amount of carbon black to the combustible liquid without thereby causing an increase in the volume of the mixture by no more than about five percent (5%).

Alcohol fuel from sugarbeets.

Abstract: Sugarbeets are a prime candidate for alcohol fuel production because they store their energy and much of their biomass as sucrose, a fermentable sugar. At the present time, it is uneconomical to produce alcohol from sugarbeets and the balance is marginal. A number of approaches could improve both the economic and the energy situation: 1) increasing production per acre; 2) reducing conversion costs; 3) integrating sugarbeet - sweet sorghum crops; and 4) utilizing low priority sources such as geothermal, coal, bagasse and solar for the energy of conversion.

Liquid fuel production from agriculture and forestry in Australia: resume of a survey of the national potential

Abstract: Fuels from crops and forests are one of the alternative options for future energy supplies. A survey of the national potential to produce ethanol and methanol from arable crops, forestry and their residues shows that more than half of present liquid fuels used in transport could be met from such sources without reducing national food and fibre production from crops. The estimated retail prices of such fuels, assuming taxes and distribution costs as for motor spirit, are more than twice the retail price of motor spirit. The cost of methanol from coal is so much lower than the cost of alcohols from biomass that there are no economic reasons for initiating production of alcohols from biomass at present, but there are several reasons why research and development on alcohols from biomass should be continued (A). (TRRL)

Converting a diesel engine to alcohol

Abstract: At the University of Illinois a farm tractor has been converted to use 180 proof alcohol instead of the normal diesel fuel. Details of the conversion are given and the performance of the engine summarized.

Hydroprocessing of Light Pyrolysis Fuel Oil for Kerosine Type Jet Fuel.

Abstract: : The feasibility of converting light pyrolysis fuel oil (a steam cracking by-product) into jet fuel was assessed. The raw aromatic fuel oil was hydrostabilized and converted into naphthenic products by hydrogenation in pilot plant operation. The fully hydrogenated fuel showed excellent cold properties, high heat of combustion values on volume basis and met nearly all specifications on kerosine-type fuels. Conceptual process design and related economics indicated the product cost was competitive with other petroleum products. This fuel is a new potential source for JP5 or JP8 kerosine type jet fuel. (Author)

Methanol/ethanol/gasoline blend fuels demonstration with stratified charge engine vehicles. Final report

Abstract: Four 1978 Honda CVCC vehicles have been in regular use by California Energy Commission staff in Sacramento for 12 months. Three of the unmodified vehicles were fueled with alcohol/gasoline blends (5% methanol, 10% methanol, and 10% ethanol) with the fourth remaining on gasoline as a control. The operators did not know which fuels were in the vehicles. At 90-day intervals the cars were returned to the University of Santa Clara for servicing and for emissions and fuel economy testing in accordance with the Federal Test Procedures. The demonstration and testing have established the following: (1) the tested blends cause no significant degradation in exhaust emissions, fuel economy, and driveability; (2) the tested blends cause significant increases in evaporative emissions; (3) analysis of periodic oil samples shows no evidence of accelerated metal wear; and (4) higher than 10% alcohols will require substantial modification to most existing California motor vehicles for acceptable emissions, performance, and fuel economy. In addition, many aspects of using methanol and ethanol fuels, both straight and in blends, in various engine technologies are discussed. Recommendations include: (1) a study of the feasibility of storing large quantities of methanol and ethanol for blending with gasoline to mitigate any futuremore » short-term gasoline shortage emergency; (2) straight alcohol fuel development for captive fleet operation with new vehicles selected to represent future vehicle technology and modified to optimize emissions, performance, and fuel economy; and (3) comprehensive photochemical reaction chamber testing to characterize the contribution of both straight alcohol and blend fuel exhaust and evaporative emissions to photochemical smog and particulate aerosol production.« less

Characterization and Combustion of SRC II Fuel Oil

Abstract: This paper deals with an experimental evaluation of the combustion properties of solvent refined coal II fuel oil. The purpose was to identify problems, if any, associated with handling, storing, pumping, and burning SRC fuel oil. Detailed fuels characterizations were performed and compared to petroleum distillate products. Laboratory fuel analyses and combustion tests were performed with SRC fuel oil, No. 2 fuel oil, and No. 5 fuel oil. Four B&W atomizers were tested and two B&W oil burners were utilized. The laboratory fuel analyses indicated that in most respects this SRC fuel oil sample behaved similarly to No. 2 fuel oil. The combustion tests confirmed that expectation. The one identified problem was relatively high concentrations of fuel-bound nitrogen and, consequently NOx emissions were relatively high. It was concluded that SRC fuel oil may require the application of NOx combustion control techniques.

Fuel alcohol extraction technology commercialization conference

Abstract: The fualex, or fuel alcohol extraction process, uses a combination of hydrocarbon and surfactant to remove neutral solvents, such as butanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone, from aqueous solution. The hydrocarbon extractants use may be fuels, such as gasoline, furnace oil, and diesel fuel. Surfactant concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 g/liter and hydrocarbon raning from 0.01 to 1 liter per liter aqueous alcohols solution have been investigated. The fualex process was tested on solutions which contain 5% w/v total neutral solvents, since this is near maximum for the fermentation product stream. The neutral solvents are removed in the form of an emulsion which is white to light bluish in the visible range. The emulsion has potential for direct use in fuels or as an intermediate for obtaining purified solvents.