This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Flammability Tests of Alcohol/Gasoline Vapours
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
This paper presents the results of an experimental and analytical study of the relative flammability hazard presented by the fuel tank headspace vapours of alcohol/gasoline blends. The aim was to determine if these blends pose a greater hazard in practice than conventional gasoline fuels.
Three types of experiments were conducted. The first was a flammability test performed at high and low energy levels using the Bruceton method to assign a statistical probability of ignition at different temperatures. Vapour pressure measurement and gas chromatographic analysis allowed the experimental vapour phase flammability to be determined and a mathematical model to be validated. The model was used to examine the hazard parametrically for other conditions.
Even with a high alcohol content, the characteristics of the vapour are strongly influenced by the more volatile gasoline fractions. The flammable range broadens and shifts to warmer temperatures as fill level decreases and alcohol content increases.
Recommended Content
Authors
Citation
Vaivads, R., Bardon, M., Rao, V., and Battista, V., "Flammability Tests of Alcohol/Gasoline Vapours," SAE Technical Paper 950401, 1995, https://doi.org/10.4271/950401.Also In
Alternative Fuels for Low Emissions and Improved Performance in Ci and Heavy Duty Engines
Number: SP-1093; Published: 1995-04-01
Number: SP-1093; Published: 1995-04-01
References
- Bardon, M.F. Rao, V.K. “Calculation of Gasoline Volatility” J. Inst. Energy 57 343 348 Sept. 1984
- Rao, V.K. Bardon, M.F. “Estimating the Molecular Weight of Petroleum Fractions” Ind. Eng. Chem., Process Des. Dev. 27 2 April 1985
- Bardon, M.F. Rao, V.K. Vaivads, R. Evans, M.J.B. “Measured and Predicted Effect of the Extent of Evaporation on Gasoline Vapour Pressure” J. Inst. Energy 65 441 December 1986
- Bardon, M.F. Rao, V.K. “Estimating Instantaneous Properties of Vaporizing Light Petroleum Fractions,” Combustion and Flame 84 427 431 1991
- Bardon, M.F. Nicks, G.W. Rao, V.K. Vaivads, R. “A Vapour Pressure Model for Methanol/Gasoline M85 Blends” SAE Paper # 870366 International Congress and Exhibition Detroit Feb. 23-27 1987
- Bardon, M.F. Rao, V.K. Battista, V. “Modelling the Flammability Hazards of Methanol/Gasoline Blends” VIII International Symposium on Alcohol Fuels Nov. 13-16 Tokyo 1988
- Bardon, M.F. Rao, V.K. Battista, V. “Volatility and Flammability of Methanol/Gasoline Blends,” SAE Paper # 892062 International Fuels and Lubricants Meeting and Exposition Baltimore September 25-28 1989
- Vaivads, R. Bardon, M.F. Rao, V.K. Battista, V. “Flammability of Alcohol-Gasoline Blends in Fuel Tanks” Fire Safety Science-Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium 575 586 June 13-17 1994
- NAVORD 2101 “Statistical Methods Appropriate for Evaluation of the Fuze Explosive Train Safety and Reliability,” The Bruceton Method of Sensitivity Testing 13 Oct. 1953 Defense Technical Information Centre Alexandria, VA
- “Vapour Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method)” Test D323 American Society for Testing and Materials Philadelphia 1982
- “Distillation of gasoline, naptha, kerosine and similar petroleum products” Test D86 American Society for Testing and Materials Philadelphia 1978
- Zabetakis, M.G. “Flammability Characteristics of Combustible Gases and Vapors” Bulletin 621 U.S. Bureau of Mines Washington 1965
- Vaivads, R. Rao, V.K. Bardon, M.F. “Volatility and Flammability of Variable Fuel Vehicle Tank Contents” SAE Paper # 932776 Fuels and Lubricants Meeting and Exposition Philadelphia, Pennsylvania October 18-21 1993
- Private Communication with Ken Mitchell Shell Canada Ltd Oakville, Ontario May 1993
- Bossert, J.A. Dainty E. “Safety of Conventional Fuel Pumps and Fuel Level Indicators in Fuel Tanks of Road Vehicles Using Alcohol Fuels” Mining Research Laboratories Divisional Report MRL 88-33 (TR) CANMET Apr. 1988
- Dainty, E.E. Lobay, G. “Safety of Reduced Liquid Volumes in Fuel Tanks of Road Vehicles Using Alcohol Fuels” Canadian Explosive Atmospheres Laboratory Divisional Report MRL 89-66 (TR) Mining Research Laboratories, CANMET June 1989
- Dainty, E.E. Lobay, G. “Safety of Fuel Pump Circuits in Fuel Tanks of Road Vehicles Using Unleaded Gasoline or Methanol” Divisional Report MRL 89-111 (TR) Mining Research Laboratories, CANMET Oct. 1989
- Dainty, E.E. Lobay, G. “The Effect of Suppression Diodes in Fuel Pump Circuits” Divisional Report MRL 91-085 (TR) Mining Research Laboratories, CANMET July 1991
- Private communication from US EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency May 1992
- Marshall, W.F. Schoonveld, G.A. “Vapor Space Flammability of Automobile Tanks Containing Low RVP Gasolines” SAE Paper # 902096 Society of Automotive Engineers Warrendale PA 1990
- Campbell, H.J. Smith, I. Simmons, E. W. Lederle, R.J. “Safety of Alcohol Fuels - Phase III” Final Report submitted to Transport Canada 30 June 1992 ORTECH International
- Vaivads, R.H. Bardon, M.F. Rao, V.K. “Flammability of Fuel Tank Headspace Vapours,” Technical Report submitted to Transport Canada Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation Directorate, Report #TE940601 Thermotech Engineering Kingston, Ontario 1994