Blending lignin-derived oxygenate in enhanced multi-component diesel fuel for improved emissions

Experiments were conducted on a single-cylinder diesel engine to ascertain prospective improvements in engine performance and exhaust emissions with various blends of additised and non-additised diesel fuels. Two fuel additives, cyclic peroxide (3,6,9-trimethyl-3,6,9-triethyl-1,2,4,5,7,8-hexaoxacyclononane) and cyclohexanol are blended in diesel and or synthetic diesel and there effects on fuel properties, combustion characteristics and emissions were studied. The cyclic peroxide was chosen to be studied for its potential to increase cetane number and reduce engine out emissions when used in multicomponent blends. Its capability as a cetane-enhancer was proven when used at various concentrations in multiple diesel-like fuel blends.
The effects of cyclohexanol, which could be produced from lignocellulosic biomass, are researched when used with additised diesel and a gas to liquid (GTL)-diesel blend. It improved particulate matter (PM) but was particularly effective in combination with a GTL-diesel blend. Its ability to suppress soot formation combined with GTL’s non-existent aromatic content caused engine out soot to be reduced by up to 72% but, critically, it also showed a reduction in NOx in comparison to conventional diesel fuel. This blend has shown significant potential as a fuel as well as its properties fall within EN590’s specifications for a diesel fuel.