Emission and properties characteristics using additive–ethanol–diesel fuel blends on a diesel engine

In this study, exhaust smoke, other emission, physical and chemical properties of ethanol-diesel fuel with and without additives are studied. The fuel additives selected in the formulations were ˻-Methoxy ethyl ether (MXEE), nitro Methane and nitro Ethan. The properties tests included density, viscosity, cetane index, flash point, boiling point, volatility and distillation. An additive used to keep the blends homogenous and stable, and an Ignition improver, which can enhance cetane number in blends. Fuel formulations comprising 2-5% v/v additives and 5-10 v/v ethanol and diesel 90-95%v/v were prepared. The performance of the new fuel formulations were studied on a MB-OM 457 LA diesel engine in Idle and cut-off speed position. The results showed that soot formation can be reduced by more than 50% and 30% with the diesel formulations; E-NE5-10, E-NM5-10 and E-MX5-10, respectively.