NO x, NMHC and CO emissions from biomass derived gasoline extenders

Abstract

Comparative analyses of pollutant emission levels from a spark ignition (SI) engine were performed on mixtures of gasoline with potential liquid fuel extenders including biomass derived α-methyltetrahydrofuran (MTHF). Thus, nitrogen oxides (NO x), non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were determined for 10% blends of MTHF, methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE), ethanol and methanol, and compared with unleaded gasoline. The power output, specific fuel consumption, air-fuel ratios, equivalence ratios, and exhaust gas temperature were also measured. The experiments were conducted on a 2·3 liter internal combustion SI Ford Motor Company engine at wide-open throttle over engine speeds of 2000, 2400, 2800 and 3200 rpm. The NO x emissions were analyzed spectrophotometrically while the NMHC and CO emissions were analyzed using a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. The fuel blend containing 10% MTHF has power outputs and CO, NO x, and NMHC emissions that most closely resemble unleaded gasoline.