Water Tolerability of Methanol-Gasoline Blends (Phase Separation and SI Engine Performances)

The most important problem arizing from methanol-gasoline is the phase separation caused by the presence of very small quantities of water. Two or three layers showing cloud points were observed after the addition of a small quantity of water, and their separation ratio could not be ascribed to their original blends ratio of methanol and gasoline. The greater the increase methanol content, the greater the increase in the amount of the lower layer and the limit of water absorption.

Engine dynamometer tests were conducted on a 0.33L, 4-stroke spark ignition engine to get the effects of supplying the phase separation fuels on engine performances.

The results of the separation behavior and the engine dynamometer tests are presented here and discussed.