Fuel Properties of Some Stable Alcohol–Diesel Microemulsions for Their Use in Compression Ignition Engines

Abstract

This experimental study was carried out to determine the feasibility of utilization of alcohol–diesel microemulsions as diesel fuel in compression ignition (CI) engines. The fuel properties of 12 ethanol–ethyl acetate–diesel microemulsions designated as 200°-10/9/81, 200°-15/9.5/75.5, 200°-20/10/70, 190°-10/22/68, 190°-15/25/60, 190°-20/29/51, 180°-10/35/55, 180°-15/39/46, 180°-20/40/40, 170°-10/43/47, 170°-15/45/40, and 170°-20/50/30 have been determined in accordance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Institute of Petroleum (IP). When compared to diesel, the microemulsion prepared from 200° and 190° proof ethanol were found to have relative density variations from −0.78% to 0.87% and kinematic viscosity and gross heat of combustion variations from 9.8% to 17.7% lower and 2.5% to 21.5% lower than that of the diesel. The flash points, fire points, and pour points of the microemulsions were found in the range of 8.3 to 16.7 °C, 11.5 to 20.5 °C, and 6.7 to –2.3 °C, respectively. The performance of a 3.73 kW diesel engine on microemulsion fuels of 200° and 190° proof ethanol with respect to brake power, brake specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency, and emission of CO, UBHC, and NOx revealed that these fuels have almost similar power-producing capability with reduced exhaust emission. Thus, the stable microemulsions of 200° and 190° proof ethanol were found to be compatible with the diesel and can be used as an alternative to diesel in CI engines. The use of the above microemulsions replaced 19–49% of the diesel in low brake horse power (bhp) constant speed CI engines.

Effect of alcohol on the properties of water‐in‐diesel microemulsion fuels

“…In an extension of the above work, microemulsions were reported with 42.2% (vol/vol) diesel successfully replaced with alcohol and water . In another study, ethanol‐diesel microemulsions stabilized by ethyl acetate led to a significant decrease in calorific values and viscosities . The flash point of the microemulsions reduced to 8.3°C, while the cloud point increased to 6.7°C, thereby leading to handling, storage, and cold start issues.…”

A Review of Performance-Enhancing Innovative Modifications in Biodiesel Engines

“…Higher in-cylinder temperature and availability of oxygen are responsible for the formation of Nox in compression ignition engines. Hence, water in biodiesel emulsions has been tested for increased thermal efficiency and a reduction in the formation of Nox [30][31][32][33][34][35]. There was a reduction of 32% in formation of Nox, a 7.4% reduction in smoke, and a 2.3% and 1% reduction in CO and hydrocarbon (HC) were reported when water emulsified pongamia biodiesel was used in a 4-S diesel engine [36].…”

Comparative study of performance and emission characteristics of Jatropha alkyl ester/butanol/diesel blends in a small capacity CI engine

“…[24] The hydrocarbons present in the diesel fuels include paraffins, naphthenes, olefins, and aromatics. [25] Advantages of J. curcas J. curcas is a drought-resistant perennial, growing well in marginal/poor soil. It is easy to establish, grows relatively quickly and lives long, producing seeds for 50 years.…”