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Importance of diesel fuel properties

Conference · · Proc., Am. Pet. Inst., Refin. Dep.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6338948
The fuel requirements of modern diesel vehicles were evaluated in experimental studies of starting and operability in cold weather. The minimum cold starting temperature of two heavy truck engines was reduced by 1-2 F per number increase in natural fuel cetane, but cetane increases obtained with a commercial additive reduced the cold starting temperature by only about half as much as did changes in fuel composition. Three passenger car engines were nearly insensitive to cetane quality; their glow plugs seemed to aid fuel ignition and mask the effects of fuel cetane. Because of the difference in cetane needs between truck and car engines and the need for improved cold flow properties of diesel fuels, the authors suggest that vehicle manufacturers avoid setting restrictive fuel specifications that would prevent refiners from optimizing fuel properties for differing diesel applications. 5 refs.
Research Organization:
Amoco Oil Co, Naperville, IL, USA
OSTI ID:
6338948
Report Number(s):
CONF-8105206-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Proc., Am. Pet. Inst., Refin. Dep.; (United States) Journal Volume: 60
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English