Investigation into Methanol Fuel Formulations

If diesel fuel is to be replaced with methanol in compression ignition engines, the differences in methanol's properties could be considered advantageous, neutral or nonadvantageous. Of 26 properties studied, only lubricity, critical temperature, flame luminance and odour were identified as amenable to modification through fuel additives.

Testing was then performed to individually examine the effect of selected additives on luminance and odour. Butanethiol was identified as a promising malodourant, offering a relatively strong odour at a low concentration. Flame luminosity testing failed to identify any additive applied in low concentrations, that could raise the average luminance of methanol to anywhere near gasoline.