non-polluting fuel for small engine

[nbucska]

Which fuel would cause less pollution in a small engine
butane, ethanol, methanol, or any other reasonably
priced fuel ?

 

[patprimmer]

Define pollution.

I would expect butane as at optimum compression I would expect ti to produce less nitrous oxides. Also it evaporates very easily which might aid in complete combustion and equal distribution is these are problematic in the specific engine.

If the alcohols are produced without consuming to much non renewable energy, it might have an advantage re CO2 emissions

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[MKimagin]

the problem with producing alcohol is the distillation that required energy to heat up the solution and extract the alcohol.
There might be a solution. I fond this on the net:

http://www.opensourceenergy.org/C17/News Viewer/default.aspx?ID=1147

And here how it work:

http://www.ovationproducts.com/products/how_it_works.asp

What they show that they can distill 1 gallon of water with just 54 watts. Something definitely can be apply to alcohol.

Ps: no we see massive outlooks of bootleggers and moonshiners LOL

 

[amorrison]

MKimagin

The "54 watts" -a power - should be 54 Watt hours - an energy - of course! (;<))

 

[DAVIDSTECKER]

If your going to run methanol you'll need to check on the compatibility of you fuel system. It can be very corrosive.
Second, the exhaust is NASTY, burns your eyes and makes you choke.
Third, you may have trouble with your oil if there is not enough heat in the system to burn off the fuel that will probably get past your rings.
To qualify these statements, these are the things we had to deal with for a Pro-Street dragster we once built.

 

[rdd48856]

Natural Gas would produce less CO2, if methane emissions are kept under control this would be the cleanest solution.

 

[MikeHalloran]

For a _really_ small engine, e.g. one you could run in your pocket, I'd pick butane, because you have a chance of getting clean combustion, refueling doesn't risk messy spills, it's not corrosive, and a worldwide distribution system is already in place, for refueling cigarette lighters.




Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[drwebb]

For oxygenated fuels you have to worry about formaldahyde, which is not much an issue with hydrocarbons. And since chemically they're partially oxidized hydrocarbons they emit more CO2 per power generated. Now that CO2 is treated as a pollutant the question of emissions is MUCH more complicated . . .

 

[icrman]

H2O.

I think pollution is a state of mind.
What pollutes to someone does not pollute to someone else.
If it is "OIL" well left alone and not "mined"(drilled) for. It would as it still does, naturally bubble forth from the ground, and sea beds. And is even enjoyed as food for deep sea marine life. I can qoute a scientific american article for what I just said.
As far as what "material" pollutes more or less depends on what political agenda is at hand at the time.
Its so funny all these elements and compounds are pretty much naturally occuring. Yet they are treated as if they have come from a hostile alien planet.
Strange how the real super nasty pollutants are considered as the most ecologically friendly. Such as Nuclear.
Now which would you want to go swimming in. A vat of crude oil or direct cooling water from a nuclear reactor?
Anyway the enviro wacko stuff is getting old.
Have a nice day. Sorry I just didn't get much sleep and am pretty edgy today.

 

[turbocohen]

Butane is easy to work with. Using bottom feed gasoline injectors and a specially configured fuel rail you can run just fine. Just be sure to use a 4bar boost pump and be sure the injectors can operate at higher pressures when the fuel warms up.

Been there done that got the patent.