Diesel Fuel Modification for Reduced Exhaust Emissions

Modified diesel fuels have the potential to reduce engine-out exhaust emissions. Detroit Diesel has been testing diesel fuels with low sulfur and aromatics and higher cetane number, synthetic diesel fuels, and commercial fuels with various additives. Other industry programs have generated similar data. These results have led to the conclusion that a significant contribution toward reduced emissions can be made by modifying future diesel fuels. While more work needs to be done to properly specify a low emission diesel fuel, this paper is intended to stimulate interest in this subject and encourage engine manufacturers and fuel suppliers to work together to define an improved future fuel.