Effects of polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers on the solubility of ethanol/diesel and hydrous ethanol/diesel fuel blends

Abstract

Ethanol is an oxygen‐containing renewable clean fuel. The use of ethanol in engines can reduce greenhouse emissions and pollutant emissions of NOx and soot. However, ethanol has limited solubility in diesel fuel. Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (PODE) can improve the miscibility and cetane number of ethanol‐diesel blend. To evaluate the solubilizing ability of PODE on the mixture of ethanol and diesel, the phase behavior of the ternary system (PODE, anhydrous ethanol, and diesel) was investigated at different ambient temperatures. Additionally, the blend can easily absorb water from ambient humidity because of the additional ethanol, which may cause phase separation. Thus, the effect of water addition on the phase behavior of the system was studied. In the current study, the blend of ethanol (100%, 98%, 95% purity) and diesel fuel was used as a solute with different diesel blending ratios. Then, PODE was gradually added into blend until phase boundaries of ternary system appeared. Results show that the ability of PODE in the blend is greatly affected by ambient temperature, particularly above 10°C. The addition of water greatly destroys the phase stability of the ternary system and increases demand for PODE due to the hydrophobicity of diesel.

Investigating the Effect of a Diesel–Refined Crude Palm Oil Methyl Ester–Hydrous Ethanol Blend on the Performance and Emissions of an Unmodified Direct Injection Diesel Engine

“…The addition of ester as an additive enhances the solubility of diesohol, resulting in increased fuel stability. Jin et al reported similar results and confirmed that the hydrophobicity of diesel fuel is the primary cause of the instability of the ternary system, which includes diesel–biodiesel–ethanol blends. The stabilities of diesel and ethanol improve when the biodiesel content is higher.…”

Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Experimental Studies of the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Silicone Oil/Functionalized Ionic Liquid-Based Magnetorheological Fluid

“…Interaction Strength between SO and IL-OH Molecules. Based on the effect of intermolecular hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces on the intersolubility of carrier liquid components, the physical stability and the mechanical properties of MR fluids, 57,58 both hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces influenced the mechanical properties and sedimentation stability of the SO/IL-OH-based MR fluids that were analyzed and predicted. Here, with the Fe/SO/IL-OH (SO/IL-OH = 4:3) interface model as an example, the interaction formed between SO and IL-OH molecules is explained.…”

How do the oxygenated functional groups in ether, carbonate and alcohol affect soot formation in Jet A2 diffusion flames?

“…The fuel blends were miscible without phase separation over time. This is important because phase separation indicates an incompatibility of the oxygenated fuel blending percentage with the hydrocarbon fuel [81].…”