Operational evaluation of atomization indicators for gasoline with admixtures of ethanol and butanol during Keep-Clean tests

Abstract

The global policy of reducing road transport sector pollution requires the introduction of significantly modified already in use technologies and construction solutions. Currently, direct fuel injection technology is the best solution in terms of reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of standard pollutants into the atmosphere, as well as further improving the engine performance. In terms of exhaust emissions, direct injection spark ignition engines are characterized by significantly higher exhaust emissions of particulate matter (approximately 10 times higher) compared to indirect fuel injection SI engines, they show a greater tendency to knocking combustion and are prone to the formation of harmful deposits on engine parts, including in the fuel injectors. The injector tips located in the combustion chamber are exposed to the direct influence of the very high pressure and temperature caused by the combusting fuel-air mixture, which contributes to the rapid formation of harmful deposits. Operation-based injectors contamination in spark ignition engines results in a reduction of the cross-sectional flow diameter of the injector, which then necessitates the extension of the injection time in order to maintain the fuel dose and the expected engine operating parameters. The tests were carried out on an engine dynamometer and an optical test stand for fuel atomization process. The presented research analyzes indicate the possibility of using admixtures that effectively reduce the likelihood of contamination. The paper presents a results analysis of engine tests performed in accordance with the CEC F-113-KC procedure. Additionally, the injectors were tested to conduct an analysis of the injected fuel stream’s geometric indicators. The range, surface area and speed of the injected fuel stream as well as the fuel distribution in the stream were determined based on an equivalent indicator. The obtained results indicated that ethanol and butanol admixtures of 10% (V/V) to gasoline did not significantly extend the fuel injection time as compared to the reference fuel. A further increase in the proportion of ethanol caused a significant deterioration of the fuel flow and the geometric indicators of the fuel spray.