Abstract
Physicochemical properties of artisanal refined gasoline (ARG) and regular automotive gasoline (RAG) sampled from the Eastern Obolo Creek and Mkpat Enin, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria were investigated. This was to compare the physicochemical properties of the two gasoline samples with each other and their compliance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. The finding revealed an antiknock index of RAG (91.15%) and ARG (83.05%), atmospheric distillation of RAG (185°C) and ARG (184°C), Reid vapor pressure of RAG (0.53 kg/cm3) and ARG (0.36 kg/cm3), gravity of RAG (0.771) and ARG (0.683), sulfur content of RAG (0.014%/wt) and ARG (0.02%/wt), while Flash point for RAG were Pensky Martens −25°C, Abel-Pensky −33°C and ARG Pensky Martens −27°C, Abel-Pensky −35.36°C, respectively. The research octane number, motor octane number, Reid vapor pressure, sulfur content, and specific gravity of RAG were (ASTM) compliant while only the final boiling point and sulfur content of ARG were within ASTM range. Based on the findings, the LRG might have been poorly refined or adulterated and could constitute problems in automotive engines if used. However, this crude technology can be upgraded and the gasoline quality improved through alkylation, isomerization, and cyclization. Artisanal refiners should be trained to become proficient with the intent of becoming incorporated into the upstream petroleum sector.
Highlights
Gasoline is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and other chemical compounds used as fuel for spark-ignition internal combustion engines, primarily in light duty transportation vehicles (David et al, 2018)
The results indicate the values of the different physicochemical properties of regular automotive gasoline and artisanal refined gasoline compared to the ASTM standards
The results of this study revealed that the research octane number, motor octane number, Reid vapor pressure, sulfur content, and specific gravity of regular automotive gasoline were within ASTM specifications while initial boiling point and flash point deviated from the ASTM range
Summary
Gasoline is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and other chemical compounds used as fuel for spark-ignition internal combustion engines, primarily in light duty transportation vehicles (David et al, 2018). Gasoline is in high demand in developing countries because of an increase in population, with a resultant increase in vehicular and industrial activities. Refineries are producing at below installed capacities or are not functioning at all, which has resulted in the inability to refine enough gasoline to meet local consumption. Artisanal refining activity in the Niger Delta is increasing (Yabrade and Tanee, 2016). Crude oil is boiled at atmospheric temperature; the resultant fumes are condensed and collected in tanks and used locally as automotive fuel. This local refining skill is believed to have been drawn from indigenous technology (Goodnews and Wordu, 2019). The artisanal refineries operating in the creeks of the Artisanal and Regular Gasoline Properties
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