Why do you need to know the fractional composition of fuel?

Fractional composition is the main indicator of fuel volatility.

The combustion rate of diesel fuel directly depends on the content of light fractions in it - the lower the starting temperature boiling and distillation at 10% vol., the faster the fuel burns. However, there is a downside - with high content light fractions reduce the viscosity of diesel fuel, which entails harsher engine operation. Low boiling point values at 50% vol. distillation of diesel fuel is characterized by easier starting engine.

If the values obtained during the distillation of diesel fuel are outside the limits at the boiling point control point at 95% vol., this indicates the content of heavy fractions in the fuel, which have a negative effect on mixture formation and, as consequence, on the completeness of fuel combustion.

The volatility of gasoline is associated with such engine characteristics as starting at low temperatures, the likelihood formation of vapor locks, vehicle acceleration, engine warm-up speed, as well as wear of the cylinder-piston group and fuel consumption.

The cold start characteristics of gasoline are usually associated with the volume fraction (%) of gasoline distilled at 70 °C. The engine warm-up speed and vehicle response when driving are influenced by the evaporation of the middle fractions, designated by the distillation control point at 100°C.

Heavy fractions in gasoline are usually limited due to the possibility of their incomplete evaporation and entering the engine at liquid state. In this case, the fuel that gets into the cylinders washes away the oil film, which entails increased engine wear, dilution and increased oil consumption, increased fuel consumption.

When determining the fractional composition, petroleum products are divided into fractions in accordance with their boiling range. Thus, based on the values obtained during distillation, both the chemical composition and its influence on some characteristics that affect engine operation.

Fractional composition is determined in laboratory conditions and is an important tool for the oil industry, as how it allows you to determine the optimal conditions for the production of various petroleum products in accordance with their chemical and physical properties.

For detailed information please visit the website himexp.ru