This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Diesel Fuel Ignition Quality as Determined in the Ignition Quality Tester (IQT) - Part II
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
A combustion-based analytical method, initially developed by the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and referred to as the Constant Volume Combustion Apparatus (CVCA), has been further researched/developed by an SwRI licensee (Advanced Engine Technology Ltd.). This R&D has resulted in a diesel fuel Ignition Quality Tester (IQT) that permits rapid and precise determination of the ignition quality of middle distillate and alternative fuels. Its features, such as low fuel volume requirement, complete test automation, and self-diagnosis, make it highly suitable for commercial oil industry and research applications. A preliminary investigation, reported in SAE paper 961182, has shown that the IQT results are highly correlated to the ASTM D-613 cetane number (CN).
The objective of this paper is to report on efforts to further refine the original CN model and report on improvements to the IQT fuel injection system. The new model, based on the ASTM D-613 reference fuels, has been validated with over 175 fuel samples, which are representative of commercially available diesel fuels from North America and Europe. The matrix of test fuels was composed of diesel fuels from conventional, oil-sands and offshore sources. It also included cetane-improved, solvent-based and pilot plant diesel fuels. Experiments were also performed to evaluate both the short term and long term variability/repeatability of the test method and further refine the calibration procedures.
This investigation confirmed the potential of the IQT to provide repeatable and precise evaluation of the cetane number for a wide range of middle distillate fuels, with 97% of the samples tested within the quoted ASTM precision limits. Based on the test results, the average repeatability of the IQT test for fuels in the 40 to 56 CN range has been established at 0.40 CN, which compares favourably with ASTM D-613 precision data on repeatability. The present paper provides an overview of the precision data from the AET test laboratory for the proposed alternative test method. In addition, the capabilities/benefits of the IQT apparatus in terms of its potential use in research and refinery applications are discussed.
Recommended Content
Authors
- Luc N. Allard - Advanced Engine Technology Ltd.
- Norman J. Hole - Advanced Engine Technology Ltd.
- Gary D. Webster - Advanced Engine Technology Ltd.
- Thomas W. Ryan - Southwest Research Institute
- Dale Ott - Southwest Research Institute
- Andrew Beregszazy - Natural Resources Canada
- Craig W. Fairbridge - Natural Resources Canada
- Jean Cooley - Syncrude Canada Ltd.
- Ken Mitchell - Shell Canada Ltd.
- E. Keith Richardson - Imperial Oil Ltd.
- Nigel G. Elliot - Esso Petroleum Co., Ltd.
- David J. Rickeard - Esso Petroleum Co., Ltd.
Topic
Citation
Allard, L., Hole, N., Webster, G., Ryan, T. et al., "Diesel Fuel Ignition Quality as Determined in the Ignition Quality Tester (IQT) - Part II," SAE Technical Paper 971636, 1997, https://doi.org/10.4271/971636.Also In
References
- Allard, L.N. Webster, G.D. Hole, N.J. Ryan T.W. III, Ott, D. Fairbridge, C.W. “Diesel Fuel Ignition Quality as Determined in the Ignition Quality Tester (IQT)” SAE Paper No. 961182 1996
- Henein, N.A. “Cetane Scale: Function, Problems and Possible Solutions” SAE Paper No. 870584
- Gulder, O.L. Glavincevski, B. Burton, G.F. “Ignition Quality Rating Methods for Diesel Fuels - A Critical Appraisal” Diesel Fuel Quality and Trends SAE 45 Oct. 1985
- Unzelman, G.H. “New Cetane Data Reveal Surprises, Challenges” Oil & Gas Journal Nov. 14 1983
- LeBreton, M.D. “A Repeatability Test on the CFR Cetane Engine” SAE Paper No. 841340 1984
- Collins, J.M. Unzelman, G.H. “Diesel Trends Emphasize Cetane Economics, Quality and Prediction” American Petroleum Institute New York, New York 1982
- Helmore, W. “Spontaneous Ignition Temperatures: Determination and Significance” Science of Petroleum IV 2970 5 Oxford 1938
- Seidon, R.F. “Comparison of Ignition Characteristics of Diesel Fuels as Determined in a Constant-Volume Bomb” N.A.C.A, Technical Note 710 1939
- Wolfer, H.H. “Ignition Lag in Diesel Engines” Forschyngsh. Forsch. Geb. Ing. 392 15 24 1938
- Hum, H.J. Smith, H.M. “Hydrocarbons in the Diesel Boiling Range” Industr. Engng. Chem. 43 2788 93 1951
- Brigarnn, O.C. Marvin, C.F. Jr. “Auto-ignition temperatures of liquid fuels,” Industr. Engng Chem. 20 1928 1219 23
- Datschefski, G. Rickeard, D.J. “Diesel Fuel Ignition Quality Measurement by a Constant Volume Combustion Test” SAE Paper No. 932743 1993
- Ryan Thomas W. III, “Correlation of Physical and Chemical Ignition Delay to Cetane Number” SAE Paper No. 852103 1985
- Freedman, B. Bagby, M.O. Callahan, T.J. Ryan T.W. III, “Cetane Numbers of Fatty Esters, Fatty Alcohols and Triglycerides Determined in a Constant Volume Combustion Bomb SAE Paper No. 900343 1990
- Ryan T.W. III, Callahan, T.J. “Engine and Constant Volume Bomb Studies of Diesel Ignition and Combustion SAE Paper No. 881626 1988
- Ryan T.W. III, Stapper, B. “Diesel Fuel Ignition Quality as Determined in a Constant Volume Combustion Bomb” SAE Paper No. 870586 1987
- Ryan, T.W. III, “Development of a Portable Fuel Cetane Quality Monitor” Belvoir Fuels and Lubricants Research Facility Report, No. 277 May 1992
- Hurn, R.H. Hughes, K.J. “Combustion Characteristics of Diesel Fuels as Measured in a Constant-Volume Bomb” 6 1 SAE Transactions 1952
- Yu, T.C. Uyehara, O.A. Myers, P.S. Collins, R.N. Mahadevan, K. “Physical and Chemical Ignition Delay in an Operating Diesel Engine Using the Hot-Motored Technique” 64 SAE Transactions 1956
- Ryan, T.W., III Dodge, L.G. “Diesel Engine Injection and Combustion of Slurries of Coal, Charcoal and Coke in Diesel Fuel” SAE Paper No. 840119 1984
- Lau, A.T.C.