Investigation of CuNO3 as Diesel Fuel Additive

Abstract

In this experimental study, influence of copper nitrate (CuNO3) as diesel additive were investigated. The metallic base CuNO3 additive were
added into diesel fuel at the ratios of 50 ppm and 100 ppm in order to determine fuel and exhaust emissions characteristics. In preparation of
CuNO3 based additives, ultrasonic waves were utilized for dispersions of nanoparticles in diesel fuel. Viscosity, density, cetane number, copper
strip corrosion and heating values of the test fuels were also determined. The fuel properties did not changed significantly as compared to diesel
fuel. When heating values of the test fuels decreased, however cetane number, viscosity and density values increased slightly. Engine exhaust
emission tests were carried out in a four cylinder direct injection diesel engine at full load conditions. According to the results obtained from
emission tests, maximum decreasing ratios of hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and smoke emission were found to be 31.57% at 3000 rpm with
50 ppm additives, 22.41% at 2800 rpm with 100 ppm additives and 66.86% at 2800 rpm with 50 ppm additives, respectively. NO emission
values didn’t changed apart from high engine speeds.