Fuel Ignition Quality Control by Addition and Catalytic Decomposition of Cetane Improver

A new method for controlling fuel ignition quality has been developed. A cetane improver, such as organic peroxide, is added to a base fuel to create a fuel with higher ignition quality. The cetane improver in the fuel is then decomposed using a catalyst. This process lowers the ignition quality. To demonstrate this concept, the effects of a cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) addition and its catalytic decomposition on fuel ignition quality were investigated. It was found that addition of CHP improved ignition quality in the base fuel, and that following catalytic decomposition, the ignition quality was reduced below that of the base fuel.