Pumping oxygen into gasoline

Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1993 · Hazmat World; (United States)

OSTI ID:6120563

Wray, T K

To reduce atmospheric concentration of certain pollutants notably carbon monoxide (CO), incompletely combusted hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (NOx), EPA as early as January 1988 began testing oxygenated fuels in such cities as Denver and Albuquerque, N.M. The CAA Amendments require using oxygenated gasoline in cities where CO levels exceed National Ambient Air Quality standards. The law, which became effective Nov. 2, affects about 40 urban areas during the winter, when CO levels are higher. Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), methanol, ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE) or ethanol are used to increase the oxygen content of motor fuel. Do these additives improve air quality The answer is a qualified no. Although oxygenated fuels reduce emissions from older automobiles, there is no statistical improvement in automotive emissions for newer vehicles equipped with three-way catalytic converters. Oxygenates have increased overall fuel cost $14 million annually in the Denver area but have not improved air quality as expected.

• OSTI ID: 6120563
• Journal Information: Hazmat World; (United States), Vol. 6:10; ISSN 0898-5685
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
FUEL ADDITIVES
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
GASOLINE
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
CARBON MONOXIDE
HYDROCARBONS
NITROGEN OXIDES
OXYGEN
ADDITIVES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CONTROL
ELEMENTS
FUELS
LIQUID FUELS
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NONMETALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
POLLUTION CONTROL
020900* - Petroleum- Environmental Aspects