Showing papers on "Alcohol fuel published in 2001"

Electrocatalytic oxidation of aliphatic alcohols: Application to the direct alcohol fuel cell (DAFC)

Abstract: The electrooxidation of some low molecular weight alcohols, such as ethanol, ethylene glycol and n-propanol, is discussed in terms of reaction mechanisms and catalytic activity of the anode material Some examples of a single cell, using a proton exchange membrane (PEM) as electrolyte, are given to illustrate interesting results, particularly for the direct electrooxidation of ethanol This alcohol may replace methanol in a direct alcohol fuel cell

Internal combustion fuel reforming

Abstract: The present invention uses an internal combustion engine operated at an air/fuel ratio richer than stoichiometric as a partial oxidation reformer in fuel cell power generation systems. Commonly available liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon or alcohol fuels, including “logistic” fuel in military applications, are converted to a product gas mixture containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and traces of light hydrocarbons. The product gas may be used directly or with minimum processing by high temperature fuel cells, or processed further for use in low temperature fuel cells. Advantages include high efficiency, adaptability to a variety of fuels, and quick system startup with immediate shaft power availability.

Frequency of oral mucosa micronuclei in gas station operators after introducing methanol.

Abstract: Methanol has been proposed in different countries as an alternative automotive fuel to be used as an additive to, or replacement for, gasoline or ethanol. Utilization of methanol is increasing exposure to low levels of methanol vapors in the environment and more specifically in occupational settings such as gas stations. Pump operators are exposed to relatively high levels of fuel vapors, the consequences of which have not been fully examined. In this study, the micronucleus assay in squamous oral cells was performed on pump operators of 28 gas stations in three different periods in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The frequency of micronuclei (MN) was evaluated before and 1 year after a mixed fuel called MEG, which contains 33% methanol, 60% ethanol and 7% gasoline, was introduced. The third evaluation, 3 years later, represents a period where the number of cars using alcohol fuel had decreased drastically and the pump operator exposure to MEG became very low. The frequency of MN observed in 76 employees in 1992 (mean = 3.62 ± 0.39) was significantly increased (P < 0.001) as compared with 76 operators exposed in 1989 (mean = 1.41 ± 0.26) and 129 exposed in 1995 (mean = 1.20 ± 0.15). These differences were also significant when compared with control groups not exposed professionally to motor fuel. These findings could indicate a mutagenic hazard of the MEG occurring in those with occupational exposure.

Biodiesel Blend Detection Using a Fuel Composition Sensor

Abstract: Biodiesel is an alternative diesel fuel consisting of the alkyl monoesters of fatty acids from vegetable oils and animal fats. Biodiesel can be used in diesel engines as a pure fuel or in blends with petroleum-based diesel fuel. To maintain optimum performance and meet emission regulations, it may be necessary to measure the composition of blended fuels and adjust the fuel injection timing and other injection parameters during operation. The objective of this study was to investigate the suitability of using a commercial Flexible Fuel Composition Sensor for the detection of biodiesel composition in biodiesel/diesel fuel blends. Twelve different biodiesel fuel samples were tested including pure esters and esters from soybean oil, tallow, lard, canola oil, and yellow grease. The sensor produced a frequency output between 58.75 and 60.23 Hz for all of the biodiesel samples. Six different diesel fuel samples were also tested including commercial No.1 diesel fuel and EPA emission certification fuel. All of the diesel fuel samples gave frequencies between 51.84 and 52.62 Hz. The frequency output of the sensor was observed to be linearly proportional to the percentage of biodiesel in blend. The 7.14 Hz average difference from diesel fuel to biodiesel is sufficient to use this fuel composition sensor for blend detection of biodiesel blended fuels.

Alternative fuel to gasoline

Abstract: The development of a fuel that is an alternative fuel to gasoline for internal combustion engines, which does not discharge toxic gases such as sulfur oxide that causes pollution, is low-pollution, and yet is highly efficient with a high output of power. An alternative fuel to gasoline including alcohol as the principal component, said alcohol comprising a mixed alcohol of 51˜60 percentage by weight of ethanol and/or methanol and isopropyl alcohol and isobutanol (mixing ratio: 9˜6:1.5˜0.5:2˜1), 20 plus or minus 5 percentage by weight of paraffinic hydrocarbon of five to eight carbon atoms, and 30 plus or minus 5 percentage by weight of toluene, maintaining an output equal to that of gasoline, yet without the need to be used with gasoline or reformed gasoline, and in addition decreasing the generation of toxic gases such as sulfur oxide and the like.

Fuel oil for use both in internal combustion in engine and fuel cell

Abstract: A fuel oil for use both in an internal combustion engine and in a fuel cell containing 50% by volume or more of an alkylate gasoline, and, optionally, 1 to 50% by volume of isopentane, 1 to 12% by volume of a hydrocarbon having 4 carbon atoms, 7% by volume or less of an oxygen-containing compound, and 1 to 30% by volume of a desulfurized light naphtha; and a fuel oil for use both in an internal combustion engine and in a fuel cell containing 10 to 60% by volume of a desulfurized light naphtha, 40 to 90% by volume of a benzene-free reformed gasoline and 0 to 10% by volume of a hydrocarbon having 4 carbon atoms. Each of the above fuel oils is a fuel oil for a fuel cell which can produce hydrogen with good efficiency, has no adverse effect on reforming catalysts and electrodes for a fuel cell, and is reduced in deactivation of reforming catalysts and the like, and a fuel oil for an internal combustion engine which has a high octane number and can be used without causing knocking or the like.

Fuel oil additive and fuel oil composition

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new fuel oil additive for reducing a PM amount in exhaust gas from a gasoline engine or a diesel engine. SOLUTION: This fuel oil additive comprises one or more kinds of nitrogen- containing compounds represented by general formula (1) (a is an integer of 22-28; R is a 1-6C alkylene group). COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Emission characteristics of neat rapeseed oil fuel in diesel engine

Abstract: SYNOPSIS Studies show that the combustion of fossil fuel is the main cause of increasing global atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, which is the cause of the greenhouse effect. This has promoted increased research world-wide in a bid to source a greener alternative fuel substitute for conventional fossil fuel. Biofuel appears to be an alternative energy source for diesel engines. Although the combustion of biofuels produces CO2, the same quantity is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis, hence CO2 levels are kept in balance. The sulphur content of plant fuels is also low and less than 0.01% by weight compared to 0.05% by weight for diesel fuel. The effect of acid rain is therefore reduced or ameliorated. High viscosity is one of the major problems relating to the direct use of neat vegetable oils as fuels. One method of reducing viscosity is by blending with a low viscosity and volatile fuel. This paper investigates the emission characteristics of neat rapeseed oil and its blend with diesel fuel i...

Mixed gasoline, and system for storage and/or supply thereof

Abstract: A regular gasoline which comprises a mixture of A) a fuel for a fuel cell system with B) a high octane value gasoline and has a research method octane number of 89.0 or higher; a high octane value gasoline which comprises a mixture of A) a fuel for a fuel cell system with C) a regular gasoline and has a research method octane number of 96.0 or higher; and a system for storing and/or supplying these types of mixed gasoline. The combination of the above types of mixed gasoline and the system allows the supply of three types of gasoline (a high octane value gasoline, a regular gasoline and a fuel for a fuel cell system by the use of two storage apparatus (tanks) and thus can be used for avoiding the increase of the number of storage apparatus in the storage and supply of a fuel for a gasoline automobile and a fuel for a fuel cell system.

An addition of Gasoline Fuel.

Abstract: PURPOSE: Provided is an alcohol fuel for substituting gasoline or an additive of gasoline, which is low pollution fuel and has high octane value and can be used in a conventional gasoline internal combustion engine car without changing structure of the car. CONSTITUTION: The alcohol fuel comprises 54wt.% of alcohol, 12wt.% of isopentane, 10wt.% of C9+, 10wt.% of hydrotreated light naphtha, and 14wt.% of xylene, wherein the alcohol comprises 38wt.% of methanol, 8wt.% of isobutanol, 4wt.% of isopropyl alcohol, and 4wt.% of M.T.B.E. The alcohol fuel exhausts lower amount of HC, NO, and NOx than conventional gasoline.

To improve soot emission from diesel engine using dual fuel of methanol or ethanol

Abstract: An experimental study of partial premixed compound combustion based on the diesel engine, with alcohols as premixed fuel was performed The results showed that the exhaust smoke grade reduced greatly, the NO x emission deduced slightly, while the HC emission,specially at load condition increased Methanol has more potential with greater lowering the smoke grade effect, more NO x reduction and less deterioration of HC emission effect

Low Pollution fuel

Abstract: To provide a low pollution fuel capable of obviating imperfect combustion of fuel in a diesel engine, etc., and fundamentally solving the exhaust gas problems without depending on the conventional symptomatic method. The low pollution fuel is composed of kerosene, light oil or heavy oil which is blended with an oxygen-contained hydrocarbon composed of an olefin-based hydrocarbon as a starting material, such as ether, alcohol or glycol.

Production and Application of Bio Diesel Fuel

Abstract: The technology of production of bio diesel fuel that is new developed,in Europe and obtained from vegetable oil by transesterification is described in this paper.The bio diesel fuel that is obtained from this technology has a similar specification to diesel fuel.It can be used in all diesel motor without any change.The burn index of bio diesel fuel is also similar to diesel fuel and meets europe 2 standard.It is a green fuel that can't make the greenhouse effect less and is advantageous for the environmental protection.

Portable power supply device using alcohol fuel cell

Abstract: PURPOSE: Provided is a portable power supply device using an alcohol fuel cell, which gives a charge of electricity to a secondary battery by using electric energy generated from the fuel cell itself. CONSTITUTION: The portable power supply device comprises: a fuel cell stack(11) comprising liquid type unit cells, which is mounted in a housing; a compression type fuel reservoir(13) joined with the fuel cell stack(11), which stores fuel for a reaction of the cell; an exhaust port(14) to discharge carbon dioxide generated by the electrode reaction of the fuel cell; a control switch(16) to control the electrode reaction; power output terminals(22) to transmit the electricity generated from the cell to an outside.

Alcohol fuel vapor treatment device for vehicle

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To treat alcohol vapor generated in a fuel tank of a vehicle which utilizes the alcohol as fuel without discharging it to atmosphere nor enlarging a canister. SOLUTION: This alcohol fuel vapor treatment device has followings. A fuel tank 1 houses alcohol fuel. A water tank 13 houses water in which alcohol fuel is flowed and dissolved. A vapor transferring member L1 between the fuel tank and water tank makes alcohol vapor inside the fuel tank flow into the water tank 13 when the pressure of the alcohol vapor inside the fuel tank 1 is a specified value or more. A canister 15 houses an alcohol adsorption member which adsorbs the alcohol vapor flowed thereinto. A vapor transferring member L2 between the water tank and canister makes the alcohol vapor in the water tank 13 flow into the canister 15. A vapor transferring member L3 evaporates the alcohol adsorbed by the alcohol adsorption member in the canister 15 and transfers the alcohol vapor to a burner 7.

An Experimental Study on Characteristics of Rice Bran Oil as an Alternative Fuel in D.I. Diesel Engine

Abstract: Because exhaust emissions from automobiles have increased, our environment is faced with very serious problems related to air pollution these days. In particular, the exhaust emissions of diesel engines are recognized as a main cause which strongly influenced environment. Lots of researchers have attempted to develop various alternative fuels to reduce these harmful emissions. But most researchers have mainly studied and suggested solutions for reduction on the total exhaust emissions of diesel engines. In this study, the potential possibility of esterfied rice bran oil was investigated as an alternative fuel for diesel engine. And we called the esterfied rice bran oil biodiesel fuel. Because biodiesel fuel includes an oxygen content of approximately 10.5%, it is a kind of oxygenated fuel in which the smoke emission of biodiesel fuel is reduced remarkably in comparison with commercial diesel fuel, that is, it can supply an oxygen component sufficient at high load and speed in diesel engines. And, we tried to analyze not only the total hydrocarbon but hydrocarbon components from C₁ to C^6 in exhaust gas using gas chromatography to seek the reason for remarkable reduction of exhaust emission. Individual hydrocarbon(C₁-C^6) as well as total hydrocarbon of biodiesel fuel is reduced remarkably more than that of diesel fuel in this experiment.

Device for purifying waste gas in a direct-alcohol fuel cell or direct-alcohol fuel cell stack comprises a region containing a feed line and a removal line separated by a porous layer, and a catalyst on the surface of the porous layer

Abstract: Device for purifying waste gas comprises: a feed line (1) for introducing an oxidant into a cathode chamber of a fuel cell; a removal line (2) for removing waste gas from the fuel cell; a region containing the feed line and the removal line separated by a porous layer (3); and a catalyst (4) applied on the surface of the porous layer directed toward the removal line. An Independent claim is also included for a process for operating a direct-alcohol fuel cell or direct-alcohol fuel cell stack using the above device. Preferred Features: The porous layer is formed as a water-permeable membrane. The porous layer is oxygen-permeable. The catalyst is used in the conversion of methanol.

Motor fuel for diesel, gas-turbine and turbojet engines

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor fuel suitable for diesel, gas-turbine and jet engines and standard engines, comprising a mixture of organic compounds having oxygen-containing functional groups, and optionally a hydrocarbon fraction. The fuel is typically a stable homogeneous liquid at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature and achieves a reduction of harmful pollutants in the exhaust emissions of the engines. A total of at least four different oxygen-containing functional groups are present in at least two different oxygen-containing organic compounds. The total concentration of organic compounds containing bound oxygen in the fuel composition generally varies from 5% and to 100% of the total volume of the fuel composition, and the concentration of the hydrocarbon compounds varies, correspondingly, from 95% to 0% of the total volume of the fuel composition.