Comparative Performance and Emission Characteristics of Petroleum, Oil Shale and Tar Sands Derived Diesel Fuels

The performance and emission characteristics of diesel fuels derived from oil shale and tar sands have been compared with those of regular petroleum based #2 diesel fuel. The comparison based on diesel engine tests, shows only slight differences in performance and emissions. These differences can be related to physicochemical properties.

The effect of fuel bound nitrogen, which might be present in shale derived fuel, on NO_x emission was also studied. No significant NO_x contribution due to fuel bound nitrogen was observed in the present test. A possible explanation of this insignificant conversion of fuel bound nitrogen is that NO attains equilibrium in major NO producing regions. Based on this explanation, it is possible that there will be more fuel bound nitrogen conversion at retarded injection timings, necessary for present and future low emission engines.