EVALUATION OF METHYL ALCOHOL AS A VEHICLE FUEL EXTENDER

Methyl alcohol (methanol) can be made from coal and waste products with reasonable thermal efficiency. Strong interest in blending this liquid fuel with gasoline for automotive use has developed. This research was a characterization program for the behavior of methanol-gasoline blends in spark ignition engines, particularly those used in automobiles. The program included: characterizing octane ratings of methanol-gasoline blends, a single cylinder engine study of the effects of engine parameter variations on emissions and fuel economy of methanol-gasoline blends, and a simulated vehicle program to determine the behavior of the blends for the federal emissions test procedure. Results indicated that no substantial changes in emissions or fuel economy should be expected from operating blends of 10% or less in existing vehicles. Performance, vapor lock, phase separation, and corrosion problems are pointed out.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Missouri, Rolla

  Department of Mechanical Engineering
  Rolla, MO  United States  65401

  Department of Transportation

  Office of University Research, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Johnson, R T
  • Riley, R K
• Publication Date: 1975-8

Media Info

• Pagination: 166 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air pollution; Blends; Computer programs; Cost estimating; Economics; Energy; Estimates; Exhaust gases; Fuel consumption; Fuels; Gasoline; Mathematical analysis; Methanol; Octane number; Performance evaluations; Pollutants; Spark ignition engines; Testing equipment; Vehicle power plants
• Uncontrolled Terms: Laboratory equipment
• Old TRIS Terms: Automobile engines; Octane rating
• Subject Areas: Economics; Energy; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00133176
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: Final Rpt., DOT/TST-76/50
• Contract Numbers: DOT-OS-40104
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jun 23 1976 12:00AM