Effect of n -heptane and n -decane on exhaust odour in direct injection diesel engines

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of n-heptane and n-decane on exhaust odour in direct injection (DI) diesel engines. The prospect of these alternative fuels to reduce wall adherence and overleaning, major sources of incomplete combustion, as well as odorous emissions has been investigated. The n-heptane was tested as a low boiling point fuel that can improve evaporation as well as wall adherence. However, the odour is a little worse with n-heptane and blends than that of diesel fuel due to overleaning of the mixture. Also, formaldehyde (HCHO) and total hydrocarbon (THC) in the exhaust increase with increasing n-heptane content. The n-decane was tested as a fuel with a high cetane number that can improve ignition delay, which has a direct effect on wall adherence and overleaning. However, with n-decane and blends, the odour rating is about 0.5-1 point lower than for diesel fuel. Moreover, the aldehydes and THC are significantly reduced. This is due to less wall adherence and proper mixture formation.