Experimental study on the effects of kerosene-doped gasoline on gasoline-powered engine performance characteristics

O. Obodeh* and N. C. Akhere

Mechanical Engineering Department, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: engobodeh@yahoo.com .

Accepted 19 April, 2010

   Abstract

This investigation was carried out to study the engine-out emissions from a four-stroke, four-cylinder, water-cooled spark ignition (SI) engine with kerosene blended gasoline with different proportions of kerosene ranging from 0 - 50% by volume in step of 10%. Gaseous exhaust emissions were measured with the aid of pocket gas ^TM-portable gas analyzer. The experimental results showed that the engine-out emissions increase with increase concentration of kerosene in the blend. The analyses gave increase ranging from 21.7 - 53% for carbon monoxide (CO), 23.4 - 57.1% for unburnt hydrocarbon (HC) and 2.4 - 8.2% for particulate matter (PM). The experiment also showed increase in specific fuel consumption (SFC) for all load conditions ranging form 34 - 36%. Measures needed to reduce fuel adulteration were suggested. The measures encompass effective monitoring mechanism and enforcement of heavy penalty on sale of adulterated fuels.

Key words: Kerosene-gasoline blend, gasoline engine, engine-out emissions.