Canadian Alternative Fuels Tested in a Bombardier Medium Speed Diesel

A Bombardier 12 cylinder, 3000 HP medium speed diesel was tested on a straight run reference fuel, a high end point #2 diesel and two Canadian tar sands derived fuels of varying aromaticity. Higher aromatics levels caused increases for ignition delay, rates of maximum cylinder pressure rise at lower speeds, maximum cylinder pressure, specific fuel consumptions and the emissions CO, NO_x. Despite these increases no engine operational difficulties were encountered but additional testing for longer periods particularly idling tests are recommended.