Diesel fuel emission

Finally it is likely that attention will be focused on emissions of polynuclear aromatics (PNA) in diesel fuels. Currently the analytical techniques for these materials in exhaust systems are not very accurate and will need appreciable improvement. In conventional diesel fuels, emissions of PNA thought to be carcinogenic do not exceed however, a few micrograms per km, that is a car will have to be driven for several years and cover at least 100,000 km to emit one gram of benzopyrene for example These already very low levels can be divided by four if deeply hydrotreated diesel fuels are used. 

For other physical properties, the specification differences between diesel fuel and home-heating oil are minimal. Note only that there is no minimum distillation end point for heating oil, undoubtedly because tbe problem of particulate emissions is much less critical in domestic burners than in an engine. 

These developments will reduce the total emissions of SO2 but the effect will remain limited. The reduction in sulfur levels in diesel fuel from 0.2 to 0.05% Is admitted to reduce yearly emissions of SO2 in France to only 10 to 12%. 

The main justification for diesel fuel desulfurization is related to particulate emissions which are subject to very strict rules. Part of the sulfur is transformed first into SO3, then into hydrated sulfuric acid on the filter designed to collect the particulates. Figure 5.21 gives an estimate of the variation of the particulate weights as a function of sulfur content of diesel fuel for heavy vehicles. The effect is greater when the test cycle contains more high temperature operating phases which favor the transformation of SO2 to SO3. This is particularly noticeable in the standard cycle used in Europe (ECE R49). 

Desulfurization will become mandatory when oxidizing catalysts are installed on the exhaust systems of diesel engines. At high temperatures this catalyst accelerates the oxidation of SO2 to SO3 and causes an increase in the weight of particulate emissions if the diesel fuel has not been desulfurized. As an illustrative example, Figure 5.22 shows that starting from a catalyst temperature of 400°C, the quantity of particulates increases very rapidly with the sulfur content. 

Influence of the sulfur content in diesel fuel on particulate emissions as a, function of the catalytic converter inlet temperature. 

Relations between Diesel Fuel Composition and Pollutant Emissions... 

Numerous works have been directed towards studying the influence of diesel fuel hydrotreatment on emissions. 

Influence of hydrotreating a diesel fuel on particulate emissions. 

Diesel fuels, like gasoline, are formulated with additives that affect the process of combustion, in this case to improve the cetane number. Diesel fuels also contain detergents for irijection systems as well as compounds for improving the fuel s low tempierature rheology. Finally, decreasing particulate emissions is a problem of increasing concern, but the mechanism of action to promote this effect is not clearly understood. 

Sulfur. Sulfur in diesel fuel should be kept below set limits for both environmental and operational reasons. Operationally, high levels of sulfur can lead to high levels of corrosion and engine wear owing to emissions of SO that can react with condensed water during start-up to form sulfuric acids. From an environmental perspective, sulfur bums to SO2 and SO, the exact spHt being a function of temperature and time in the combustion chamber. 

These catalysts contained promoters to minimise SO2 oxidation. Second-generation systems are based on a combined oxidation catalyst and particulate trap to remove HC and CO, and to alleviate particulate emissions on a continuous basis. The next phase will be the development of advanced catalysts for NO removal under oxidising conditions. Low or 2ero sulfur diesel fuel will be an advantage in overall system development. 

Effective with the 1982 model year, particulate matter from diesel vehicles was regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the first time, at a level of 0.37 gm km . Diesel vehicles were allowed to meet an NO level of 0.93 gm km under an Environmental Protection Agency waiver. These standards were met by a combination of control systems, primarily exhaust gas recirculation and improvements in the combustion process. For the 1985 model year, the standards decreased to 0.12 gm of particulate matter per kilometer and 0.62 gm of NO per kilometer. This required the use of much more extensive control systems (1). The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (2) have kept the emission standards at the 1985 model level with one exception diesel-fueled heavy trucks shall be required to meet an NO standard of 4.0 gm per brake horsepower hour. 

Miero-turbines are usually referred to units of less than 350 kW. These units are usually powered by either diesel fuel or natural gas. They utilize teehnology already developed. The miero-turbines ean be either axial flow or eentrifugal-radial inflow units. The initial eost, effieieney, and emissions will be the three most important eriterias in the design of these units. 

In addition to greenhouse benefits, biodiesels offer environmental advantages over conventional diesel. Biodiesels produce similar NO, emissions to conventional diesel, fuel but less particulate matter. Biodiesel is more biodegradable that conventional diesel making any spills less damaging in sensitive areas. In general biodiesel provides more lubrication to the fuel system than low-sulfur diesel. 

Engine manufacturers and oil refiners are researching and developing a synthetic blended diesel fuel. The many advantages of diesel power can be greatly improved by reducing the exhaust emission levels to comply with ever stricter EPA-mandated levels. 

In summaiy, diesel fuel with veiy low to no sulfur content is now possible with chemical and technological advances. Along with catalytic converters, electronic fuel systems, and sensors, the diesel engine for the new millennium will he capable of complying with ever more stringent EPA exliaust emissions. The diesel engine will continue to sei"ve as the main global workliorse for all of the many thousands of different applications of its power cycle. 

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