Methylal and Methylal-Diesel Blended Fuels for Use In Compression-Ignition Engines

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

Abstract

Gas-to-liquids' catalytic conversion technologies show promise for liberating stranded natural gas reserves and for achieving energy diversity worldwide. Some gas-to-liquids products are used as transportation fuels and as blendstocks for upgrading crude-derived fuels. Methylal (CH3-O-CH2-O-CH3), also known as dimethoxymethane or DMM, is a gas-to-liquid chemical that has been evaluated for use asa diesel fuel component. Methylal contains 42% oxygen by weight and is soluble in diesel fuel. The physican and chemical properties of neat methylal and for blends of methylal in conventional diesel fuel are presented. Methylal was found to be more volatile than diesel fuel, and special precautions for distribution and fuel tank storage are discussed. Steady state engine tests were alsoperformed using an unmodified Cummins B5.9 turbocharged diesel engine to examine the effect of methylal blend concentration on performance and emissions. Substantial reductions of particulate matter emissions have been demonstrated for 10 to 30% blends of methylal in diesel fuel. This research indicates that methylal may be an effective blendstock for diesel fuel provided design changes are madeto vehicle fuel handling systems.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages29-41
Number of pages13
StatePublished - 1999
EventState of Alternative Fuels Technologies 1999: International Spring Fuels and Lubricants Meeting and Exposition - Dearborn, Michigan
Duration: 3 May 19996 May 1999

Conference

ConferenceState of Alternative Fuels Technologies 1999: International Spring Fuels and Lubricants Meeting and Exposition
CityDearborn, Michigan
Period3/05/996/05/99

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/CP-540-27016

Other Report Number

  • 1999-01-1508

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