Showing papers on "Alcohol fuel published in 2004"

Emission characteristics of diesel engine running on vegetable oil with elevated fuel inlet temperature

Abstract: The world energy demand has, for the last two decades, witnessed uncertainties in two dimensions. Firstly, the price of conventional fossil fuel is too high and has added burden on the economy of the importing nations. Secondly, combustion of fossil fuels is the main culprit in increasing the global carbon dioxide (CO2) level, a consequence of global warming. The scarcity and depletion of conventional sources are also cases of concern and have prompted research world-wide into alternative energy sources for internal combustion engines. Biofuels appear to be a potential alternative “greener” energy substitute for fossil fuels. The problem of using neat vegetable oils in diesel engines relates to their high viscosity. Experiments were designed to study the effect of reducing viscosity by increasing the inlet temperature of vegetable oil fuel on combustion and emission characteristics of diesel engine. The test results showed that the CO production with heated fuel is a little higher than the diesel fuel at higher loading conditions. The CO concentrations in the exhaust were higher for unheated oil operation compared to other fuels. The heated oil showed marginal increase in CO2 emissions compared to diesel fuel. The hydrocarbon emissions were significantly reduced when running on plant oils. The fuel consumption was a little worse when running on plant fuel. The ignition delay was longer for unheated plant fuel operation.

Multi-Fuel Capability of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Abstract: One of the most attractive features of solid oxide fuel cells is their flexibility for fuels so that internal reforming and/or simple external reforming may be possible. In this study, equilibria in various possible fuel gases are considered, and C–H–O diagrams are constructed. Power generation characteristics for these fuels are measured and compared with those for simulated reformed gas in equilibrium compositions. We have succeeded to demonstrate direct-alcohol SOFCs for e.g. methanol, ethanol, and propanol. Mixtures of CH4 and CO2 are used as simulated biogas, and iso-octane (C8H18) and n-dodecane (C12H26) are highlighted as simulated gasoline and kerosene, respectively. Influence of fuel impurities on power generation characteristics is also discussed.

Evaluation of Ozone Treated Fish Waste Oil as a Fuel for Transportation

Abstract: In recent years, with increasing global warming and fossil fuel resource depletion, biodiesel has become a possible alternative to diesel fuel from the viewpoint of emission control. Biodiesel fuel is produced from renewable natural bio-sources and is easily combustible, and therefore various processes involved in biodiesel fuel production have been recently developed. In the present study, we produced biodiesel transportation fuel from fish waste oil using ozone treatments and evaluated its properties as an alternative to diesel fuel. Ozone treatment lowered the flash point of the produced fuel, resulting in easy combustibility. Quantitative changes in the amounts of fatty acids that form triglycerides and hydrocarbons in three oil samples (untreated and ozone treated) were also shown. Total ion chromatograms produced from gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) revealed that the fatty acid compositions of fish waste oil decompose giving rise to hydrocarbons. The ozone treated fish waste oil was considered to be a suitable alternative to diesel fuel from the viewpoint of fuel quality and exhaust gases.

Fuel Property Effects on Injection Timing, Ignition Timing and Oxides of Nitrogen Emissions from Biodiesel-Fueled Engines

Abstract: Biodiesel is an environmentally friendly alternative diesel fuel consisting of the alkyl monoesters of fatty acids. It is obtained from triglycerides through the transesterfication process. Biodiesel has been observed to reduce most engine exhaust pollutants with the exception of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), which generally increase by 5 to 15%. The objective of this research was to determine the reason for the higher levels of NOx emissions. A concept map was developed to show the interrelationships between the fuel and engine variables that affect NOx production. It was determined that a change in combustion timing caused by changes in the fuel properties between diesel fuel and biodiesel is an important source of the NOx increase. The properties investigated in this research included the lower heating value, volatility, density, speed of sound, bulk modulus, and cetane number of biodiesel. It was found that half of the start of combustion advance associated with biodiesel originated from a start of injection advance that was split approximately evenly between the automatic timing advance of the pump as it injects more fuel to compensate for the lower heating value of biodiesel and the effect of the bulk modulus, viscosity, and density of the fuel. At the same temperature, the fuel delivery of biodiesel was higher than for petroleum-based diesel fuel because of the higher viscosity of biodiesel. At the same viscosity level, it was found that the fuel delivery of petroleum-based diesel fuel was higher than for biodiesel. This was attributed to the metering orifices in the fuel injection pumps restricting the amount of fuel flow for more dense fuels. The other half of the start of combustion timing advance was due to the higher cetane number of the biodiesel.

Combustion characteristics of an agricultural diesel engine using biodiesel fuel

Abstract: Biodiesel has great potential as an alternative fuel for diesel engines that would reduce air pollution. It is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that can be manufactured from fresh or used vegetable oils, or from animal fats. In this study, a biodiesel fuel derived from rice bran oil was tested as an alternative fuel for agricultural diesel engines. The emissions were characterized for both neat and blended biodiesel fuels, and for conventional diesel fuel. Since this biodiesel fuel contained 11% oxygen, it strongly influenced the combustion process. The use of biodiesel fuel resulted in lower carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and smoke emissions, without any increase in nitrous oxide emissions. The study demonstrated that biodiesel fuel could be effectively used as a renewable and environmentally innocuous fuel for agricultural diesel engines.

Fuel lubricated sliding mechanism

Abstract: There is provided a fuel lubricated sliding mechanism including a pair of sliding parts having respective sliding portions slidable relative to each other in the presence of fuel. At least one of the sliding portions of the sliding parts has a hard carbon coating formed with a hydrogen content of 30 atomic % or less. The fuel is selected from the group consisting of gasoline, light oil, alcohol fuel, biodiesel fuel and GTL fuel.

Gasoline and Other Motor Fuels

Abstract: Gasoline and Other Motor Fuels. Albert M. Hochhauser (Exxon Research and Engineering Co.). Gasoline and other motor fuels comprise the largest single use of energy in the U.S. The cost of this energy continues to be a primary factor in the national economy. The fraction of resources from which these fuels come that is provided by foreign sources is a matter of political concern. Rapid increases in the price of crude oil has led to programs for developing alternative sources of fuels such as coal, oil shale, and natural gas. Alternative fuels are more important for the potential to reduce emissions and improve air quality than for energy self-sufficiency. All motor fuels in the U.S. are manufactured by private companies. Many participate in other aspects such as refining or marketing. Gasoline demand is determined by the numbers of cars, paved roads, population, and economic growth. Predictions for future demand are somewhat divided. Gasoline must meet exacting specifications and vary according to location, temperature and altitudes at which the product is used. Octane is probably the single most recognized measure of gasoline quality. Petroleum refining begins with distillation of crude oil into many fractions. Most gasoline in the U.S. is obtained by catalytic cracking. Reforming increases octane. Gasoline additives (e.g., dyes, antioxidants, detergents, etc.) are used to improve performance. Stricter emission standards have resulted in changes in vehicle hardware. Diesel fuel, second to gasoline, is used in a wide variety of engines. The ability of diesel fuel to burn properly is described by its cetene number. Diesel manufacturers have found it difficult to meet emission standards Alternative fuels include those made from coal and shale, methanol, compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas. Use of alternative fuels has been promoted for two reasons: potential emissions benefits and reduced dependence on imported petroleum. Keywords: Gasoline; Requirements; Octane; Volatility; Cleanliness; Additives; Blending; Distribution; Fuel economy; Emissions; Diesel fuel; Environmental regulations; Natural gas; Liquefied petroleum gas; Methanol

A novel alternative fuel for diesel engines giving low emissions and high energy content

Abstract: A novel alternative fuel is described consisting of 10.0 to 50.0 % alkylated mono-cyclic alkanes, 50.0 to 90.0 % non-cyclic alkanes and common additives, e.g. lubricating additives. The aromatics content of the fuel is below 1.0 % and the content of di- and poly-naphthenics are also below 1.0 %. Fuel according to the invention is as energy rich as conventional diesel oil, counted both per litre and per kilogram. Engine effect and torque increase by most engine speeds and loads, and the fuel consumption decreases. The fuel gives decreased regulated and unregulated emissions compared with conventional diesel oil. Decreases in the exhausts by 70 to 95 % has been measured for some of the most toxic compounds in diesel exhausts, for example acrolein, 1,3-butadiene and benzene. Fuel according to the invention has been tested in field trials under both winter and summer conditions without any operational problems that could be connected to the fuel. Cold start of engines down to minus 35 degrees Celsius has been tested without any problems.

Production and characterization of synthetic jet fuel produced from Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbons

Abstract: : The U.S. Military has initiated a project to evaluate jet fuel, produced from natural gas by processes developed by Syntroleum Corporation, for use in all military equipment capable of using either diesel fuel or jet fuel. A synthetic Single Battlefield Fuel would need to meet a wide range of specifications and in-use requirements before it would be accepted as a fuel by the military. The Syntroleum process for fuel production includes unique Autothermal Reforming of methane, reaction of the produced synthesis gas over cobalt catalyst to produce linear hydrocarbons of various chain lengths, and conversion of this feedstock into isoparaffinic fuel to meet the physical and chemical requirements per MIL-DTL-5624T for JP-5 Aviation Turbine Fuel. Syntroleum synthetic jet fuel produced for evaluation by DOD has an average carbon number of 13.2 and contains relatively little normal paraffins with proportionally lower normal paraffins at higher carbon numbers.

Ethanol Fuels Incentives Applied in the U.S.: Reviewed from California's Perspective

Abstract: This report describes measures employed by state governments and by the federal government to advance the production and use of ethanol fuel in the United States. The future of ethanol as an alternative transportation fuel poses a number of increasingly-important issues and decisions for California government, as the state becomes a larger consumer, and potentially a larger producer, of ethanol.

Fuels for Fuel Cells : Requirements and Fuel Processing

Abstract: Polymer electrolyte and solid oxide are the two fuel cell types (PEFC, SOFC) under development in Switzerland. The very distinct operating temperatures of 80 °C (PEFC) and 800–950 °C (SOFC) impose fundamentally different requirements upon the nature of the fuel; normally purified H2 for the former (CO trace) and usually synthesis gas for the latter (H2, CO as main constituents). Apart from stored hydrogen, the most relevant fuels are primary hydrocarbons (natural gas, biogas, liquids,…), that then need processing (chemical conversion, cleaning) up to a level compatible with the fuel cell catalysts. These processes are briefly reviewed. Fuel compositions with an emphasis on impurities are given. Two application examples from Swiss RD are presented: gasoline conversion to high purity H2 for PEFC and contaminated biogas processing for SOFC. Keywords: Biogas · Fuel impurities · Fuel processing · Partial oxidation · Reforming

Fuel Processing for Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract: At its essence, a fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to form electricity, heat, and water. The source of this hydrogen may be from natural gas, coal, gasoline, diesel, alcohols, or natural decomposition products. Pure hydrogen is the ideal fuel, but it needs to be obtained by processing fossil fuels (natural gas, gasoline, diesel, oil, coal, etc.), biofuels (e.g., landfill gas, anaerobic digester gas, etc.), or chemical intermediates, or must be produced via renewable energy sources through electrolysis of water. Currently pure hydrogen is produced cryogenically at both a great energy and fiscal expense. In this paper, we cover all important fuel reforming processes for generating hydrogen for fuel cells and then discuss the associated reformers. The common techniques utilized for external fuel reforming processes are steam reforming, partial oxidation and autothermal reforming. For high temperature fuel cells, direct and indirect internal reforming techniques are used and will be discussed. The methods for reforming of chemical intermediates (alcohol and ammonia), reforming of bio-fuels and aviation fuels are also discussed in this paper. For low temperature fuel cells such as PEM, carbon monoxide is a poison that adversely affects fuel cell performance. The CO content must be reduced to below 100 ppm. This is accomplished by use of the water-gas shift reaction, preferential oxidation, methanation, or may be accomplished by membrane separation techniques. Special emphasis in this paper will be the challenges and opportunities in fuel processing for fuel cells.Copyright © 2004 by ASME

Determinants of Brazil's ethanol sugar blend ratios.

Abstract: Brazil is the world’s largest producer of sugarcane, the world’s largest exporter of sugar, and the world’s third largest consumer of sugar. Brazil produces sugarcane-refined sugar for human use as well as anhydrous and hydrous alcohol, which are used mainly as a blend in domestically consumed gasoline. Over 50 percent of Brazil’s sugarcane production is converted into fuel for automobile use. The Brazilian government affects Brazil’s sugarcane market through its alcohol fuel program. The government sets the blend ratio of blending alcohol with gasoline. Blend ratios change over time. This paper derives theoretically and empirically some of the determinants of the blend ratio changes. It provides insights into the factors the Brazilian government uses when setting the blend ratios.

The research into the influence of ecological petrol additives in the automobile laboratory

Abstract: It will be important for Lithuania to use larger amounts of renewed fuel after it becomes a member of the European Union. The authors analyze how ethanol contents affect pollutant emissions and the performance of SI engines when blended ethanol-petrol fuels are used. The results of a test on a chassis dynamometer with two different cars revealed that using ethanol-petrol fuel blends improves engine performance and reduces emissions.

Hydrocarbon fuel processing for hydrogen generation

Abstract: An apparatus for processing hydrocarbon fuel (e.g., gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel, diesel and heating oil) to generate hydrogen (H 2 ), which can be used in fuel cells, includes a desulfurization reactor for removing sulfur from the fuel; a catalytic reactor for forming a reformate from the fuel; and, optionally, a separator for separating a light fraction of the fuel from a heavy fraction of the fuel. The fuel is first exposed to the desulfurization reactor and then, if present, to the separator. Finally, the fuel is exposed to the catalyst in the catalytic reactor; and the hydrogen gas generated there from is collected for use in the fuel cell.

Method and system for increasing fuel economy in carbon-based fuel combustion processes

Abstract: Method for reducing pollution emissions and increasing fuel economy for carbon-based combustion processes. Embodiments of the invention comprise combinations of an airborne catalyst blend with various fuel and/or oil filters to produce unexpected efficiency results. A full system includes a fuel purifier (4), a microfine fuel filter (8), and/or a bypass oil filter (10) in combination with an airborne catalyst blend dispenser (12) or a catalyst/fuel mixture. Methods of filtering fuel and/or oil prior to burning fuel in the presence of an airborne catalyst blend also improve fuel economy and reduce pollution emissions for carbon-based combustion processes.

Alcohol fuel additive for enhancing octane number

Abstract: PURPOSE: An alcohol fuel additive for enhancing octane number is provided to substantially reduce atmospheric environmental pollutants and solve various problems generated when using existing alcohol fuels by using low polluting alcohol substitute fuel and obtain sufficient gasoline mileage and economic efficiency by improving octane value CONSTITUTION: The alcohol fuel additive comprises 30 to 60 weight parts of alcohol, 10 to 40 weight parts of hydrocarbon based solvent, 10 to 35 weight parts of toluene, 001 to 10 weight parts of nonionic olefin for acting surface activity, 001 to 10 weight part of nitrogen based compound for supporting output increase, 001 to 10 weight part of amine based compound for cleaning engines and reducing friction, and 0001 to 01 weight part of oil-soluble alkali metal compound, wherein content of the alcohol used as a base compound of the additive is 50 weight parts or more compared with existing gasoline fuel, and wherein the alcohol fuel additive comprises alcohol extracted from petroleum refining process, natural fermentation, natural resources or recycling resources

Waste plastic solid fuel

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a solid fuel reusing a waste plastic and capable of preventing a trouble caused by disposal and eliminating the need of disposal after its usage and having a combustion heat quantity equal to or more than that of coal as a substitute fuel of firewood, charcoal and an alcohol fuel. SOLUTION: A waste PET resin as a main component and other waste thermoplastic resins are mixed and pulverized, after charging the mixture into an extruder 1 and melting and extruding it, the extruded material is formed in a prescribed shape 5 and solidified by underwater cooling, etc. Or a mixture obtained by more finely pulverizing the above mentioned pulverized mixture is formed in a prescribed shape 14 by a pressing machine 12. The solid fuels having a combustion heat quantity of 6,000-9,000 kcal/kg are obtained by both methods. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Formula of alcohol fuel

Abstract: An alcohol fuel is prepared from methanol or ethanol, diesel oil or heavy oil or gasoline, water, dimethylether, refined tar, sulfonated oil, sodium hydroxide, ZDDP, zinc peroxide and isobutanol or isporopanol. Its advantages are high heat value, less corrosion, and high power performance.

Paste solid alcohol and its production process

Abstract: The present invention relates to solidified alcohol fuel, and is especially one kind of paste solid alcohol and its making process. The paste solid alcohol consists of methanol, nitro cellulose and water, and is made through mixing at normal temperature. It has high fuel value, long burning time, long guarantee period up to 2 years and low cost.

A Study on the Characteristics of Ethanol-Diesel Blend Fuel and the Effects on the Diesel Engine

Abstract: The investigation is made on the solubility characteristics of ethanol-diesel blend fuel, the characteristics power, fuel economy and the emissions of HC and particulate of the diesel engine fueled with ethanol-diesel blend fuel The result shows that the solvent can better the solubility of ethanol-diesel blend fuel, the lower CN of ethanol results in the high emission of HC and the soot in particulate of diesel engine fueled with ethanol-diesel blends on the low engine load

Alcohol fuel for substituting gasoline

Abstract: PURPOSE: A fuel is provided which solves such problems as adjustment of air mixing ratio, high engine temperature, early deterioration of packing materials and knocking phenomenon of internal combustion engines and inhibits discharge gases such as CO, HC and NOx in exhaust gas CONSTITUTION: The alcohol fuel for substituting gasoline comprises 55 wt% of alcohol comprising 14 wt% of methanol, 14 wt% of ethyl alcohol, 12 wt% of isobutyl alcohol, 12 wt% of isopropyl alcohol and 3 wt% of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE); 5 wt% of hydrotreated light naphtha; 10 wt% of petroleum ether; 15 wt% of C9+; and 15 wt% of xylene

Influence of Fuel Composition on the Emission of Oxygenated Pollutants (Organic Acids, Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds) from a SI Engine

Abstract: A spark ignition engine was used to study the impact of fuel composition on exhaust emissions of organic acids, alcohols and carbonyl compounds. Two specific fuel matrices were used: the first containing eight hydrocarbons and the second also four oxygenated compounds. Exhaust organic acids are generally enhanced by fuel aromatics and oxygenated compounds. Exhaust alcohols are enhanced by fuel oxygenated compounds, but also by some hydrocarbons in the case of methanol. Exhaust formaldehyde is mainly produced from fuel methanol, acetaldehyde from fuel ethanol and propionaldehyde from straight chain hydrocarbons. Exhaust acroleine comes from fuel 1-hexene, acetone from 2propanol, n-hexane, n-octane, isooctane and MTBE. Exhaust crotonaldehyde comes from fuel 1-hexene, cyclohexane, n-hexane and n-octane, methacroleine from fuel isooctane, and benzaldehyde from fuel aromatics. Light pollutants (C 1 -C 2 ) are most likely formed from intermediate species, which are quite independent of the fuel composition. Several models correlating the exhaust concentration of these pollutants with the fuel composition are presented.

Study of Relationship between Combustion Characteristics and Carbonaceous Bonds in Marine Diesel Fuel Oil

Abstract: Marine diesel fuel oil will be more widely used for marine diesel engines in the future because its low sulphur content helps in meeting regulations concerning exhaust gas emissions. Even if the properties of marine diesel fuel oil remain within those specifications, however, cases have been reported of poor combustion in marine diesel engines for generators.This paper reports the relationship between combustion characteristics and carbonaceous bonds as well as the possibility of evaluating combustion characteristics by identifying carbonaceous bonds in fuel oil.