Investigation into the Combustion of Water/Diesel Fuel Emulsions

The results of steady-flow combustion tests for emulsions of 5, 10 and 20% by volume of water at two pressures are compared with those obtained with diesel oil. A reduction in CO, H/C and soot concentrations are obtained with increase in water content. Results from a single cylinder 4-stroke diesel engine show a significant reduction in NO_x emissions.

Photographic examination of the burning spray for different water in diesel emulsions at atmospheric pressure indicates that an increase in water content increases the rate of combustion and reduces the luminosity of the flame up to a critical value of water content.