Abstract

Assessing the Thermal Oxidative stability of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel using SMORS Methodology

Pierce, Shakasia; Beaver, Bruce; Cohen Abigail

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Duquesne University

Fuel oxidative instability is defined as formation of deposits and gums that block filters, small injection ports and lacquer engines surfaces. Thermal Oxidative instability can occur during storage and/or while in use in engines. Fuel produced from animal fats, vegetable oil, and crude oil undergoes autoxidation in the presence of atmospheric oxygen. To measure the Thermal Oxidative stability Soluble Macromolecular Oxidative Reactive Species or better known as SMORS methodology was used to examine the thermal oxidative stability of commercial Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD).SMORS are derived from using a separatory funnel and a Rotary evaporation (ROTOVAP) that evaporates the methyl which accentually makes the SMORS . Using the SMORS methodology it is quantitating the extent of diesel fuel oxidation.