Impact of Emulsified Water/Diesel Mixture on Engine Performance and Environment

Abstract

An experimental investigation was carried out to produce a stable diesel-water emulsion fuel to be used in a diesel engine under different operating conditions. The proper mixing technique and emulsifying agent were used to produce stable emulsions of 10% to 30 % water by volume in diesel. The stability of these emulsions ranges from one week up to 4 weeks. The physical properties of stable water-diesel emulsions such as density, viscosity and pour point were observed. The effect of water-diesel concentrations, on the performance of a single cylinder diesel engine in terms of engine speed, torque, brake power output, brake specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency, exhaust gas temperature and emissions such as NOx and particulate matter (PM) were studied. The results showed that the water emulsification has a potential to improve the diesel engine performance and to reduce gas pollutants.