Effect of Low-Proof Alcohol Fumigation-Fueling on Crankcase Oil Dilution in a Diesel-Cycle Engine. Final Report

摘要

An Allis-Chalmers, Model 2900, turbocharged diesel engine was converted to a dual-fuel engine in which ethyl alcohol was fumigated between the turbocharger and the intake manifold, and the diesel fuel was injected normally at a reduced rate. Tests were performed to determine if crankcase oil dilution that had occurred was caused by the following independent parameters: proof of the ethyl alcohol, crankcase oil temperature, engine load at maximum torque speed, and percentage of total energy in the form of ethyl alcohol. Engine tests were steady state for six hours, after which the crankcase oil was sampled for American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) laboratory tests for determination of flash points and fire points, water by centrifuge, water by distillation, and viscosity at room temperature. Results indicate a decrease in thermal efficiency and an increase in exhaust carbon monoxide as the percentage of total energy as alcohol is increased. Additional results show a decrease in flash points and fire points, and a decrease in viscosity of the lubricating oils as the percentage of total energy as alcohol is increased. However, it cannot be concluded that these reductions are due to alcohol and/or water, as none was found by the ASTM tests conducted. It should also be noted that there was no apparent structural damage to the engine during the testing. (ERA citation 08:005591)