Formation of diesel-water nano-emulsion: Importance, advantages and evaluation of engine performance

A nano-emulsion fuel consists of homorganic or heterogenic phases with 2-100 nm diameter droplets of the water. These droplets are dispersed in the fuel and they can change the fuel composition to improve the combustion and in consequence, they can reduce engine exhaust emissions. In this paper, the diesel fuel with 10-15% water nano-emulsification techniques by using various surfactants is investigated. The best formulation was obtained with long chain ethoxylated alcohols (C12-C14) that were environmentally friendly and easily available. In an engine test (model: OM314), the engine performance with this new fuel was studied. Results showed that the nano-emulsion fuel had lower engine exhaust emissions such as the smoke to 53.7%, in comparison to the diesel fuel. The nano-emulsion fuel decreased the engine power, but improved the brake thermal efficiency. In addition, the corrosion and the effect of this fuel on metals in fuel systems were studied.