Methanol diesel

A. Lawson, A. J. Last, A. S. Desphande, and E. W. Simmons, "Heavy-Duty Tmck Diesel Engine Operation on Unstabihzed Methanol/Diesel Euel Emulsion," SAE Paper 810346, (SP-480) Int. Congress and Expo (Detroit, Mich., Peb. 23—27,1981) Society of Automotive Engineers, Warrendale, Pa. 

Owing to its properties, methanol is not recommended for aircraft or marine fuel uses. Methanol caimot be used in conventional diesel-powered vehicles without modifications to the fuel system and engine. Simple methanol—diesel blends are not possible because of insolubiUty. Heavy-duty diesel engines have been adapted to use neat methanol by many U.S. manufacturers, and several are being used in field demonstrations (82) (see Alcohol fuels). 

TABLE 12-11. Comparison of Exhaust Emissions from Methanol Diesel and Conventional Diesel Engines... 

Exhaust Emission, g/km Methanol Diesel Conventional Diesel... 

IdaTech Methanol, diesel, biodiesel PEMFC Stationary Commercial... 

The degree to which PCDF and PCDD accumulate in irradiated PCB mixtures will depend on many factors including the concentration of precursor molecules and, in turn, the photolability of the dibenzo products. In any event, the photochemical removal of PCDD and PCDF is likely to be far more efficient than PCB photodegradation itself. PCDD and PCDF are more photolabile than PCB because of their large absorption cross sections and high reaction quantum efficiencies. Chlorinated dibenzodioxins are extremely unstable in UV light in methanol, diesel oil, liquid phenoxy ester formulations and other organic media (52,53). Fortunately, chlorines in the lateral positions (i.e.,... 

Properties Methanol Ethanol Propane Methane Isoctane Unleaded gasoline Diesel fuel 2... 

Methanol. If methanol is to compete with conventional gasoline and diesel fuel it must be readily available and inexpensively produced. Thus methanol production from a low-cost feed stock such as natural gas [8006-14-2] or coal is essential (see Feedstocks). There is an abundance of natural gas (see Gas, natural) woddwide and reserves of coal are even greater than those of natural gas. 

If 10% of the U.S. gasoline consumption were replaced by methanol for a twenty year period, the required reserves of natural gas to support that methanol consumption would amount to about one trillion m (36 TCF) or twice the 1990 annual consumption. Thus the United States could easily support a substantial methanol program from domestic reserves. However, the value of domestic natural gas is quite high. Almost all of the gas has access through the extensive pipeline distribution system to industrial, commercial, and domestic markets and the value of gas in these markets makes methanol produced from domestic natural gas uncompetitive with gasoline and diesel fuel, unless oil prices are very high. 

The first methanol bus in the world was placed in revenue service in Auckland, New Zealand in June 1981. It was a Mercedes O 305 city bus using the M 407 hGO methanol engine. This vehicle operated in revenue service for several years with mixed results. Fuel economy on an equivalent energy basis ranged from 6 to 17% mote than diesel fuel economy. Power and torque matched the diesel engine and drivers could not detect a difference. ReHabiUty and durabihty of components was a problem. Additional demonstrations took place in Berlin, Germany and in Pretoria, South Africa, both in 1982. 

The California bus program was mn at Golden Gate Transit District (GGTD) and continued through late 1990 (49). M.A.N. suppHed two European SU 240 coaches for this project, one diesel powered and one methanol powered. DDC provided a GM RTS coach powered by methanol. 

Eig. 7. EuU-throtde acceleration for diesel and methanol-powered GM RTS coaches having simulated full-seated passenger loads of 43 passengers. 

Additional research for both ethanol and methanol showed that the amount of ignition improver could be reduced by systems increa sing engine compression (63). Going from 17 1 to 21 1 reduced the amount of TEGDN requited for methanol from 5% by volume to 3%. Ignition-improved methanol exhibited very low exhaust emissions compared to diesels particulate emissions were eliminated except for small amounts associated with engine oil, NO was even lower with increased compression, and CO and hydrocarbons were also below diesel levels. 

Methanol use would also reduce pubHc exposure to toxic hydrocarbons associated with gasoline and diesel fuel, including ben2ene, 1,3-butadiene, diesel particulates, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Although pubHc formaldehyde exposures might increase from methanol use in garages and tunnels, methanol use is expected to reduce overall pubHc exposure to toxic air contaminants. 

Skin contact with methanol may present a greater health threat than skin contact with gasoline and diesel fuel and is being evaluated. 

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