Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Qualification: A National Need

Periodically, there is discussion between engine and vehicle manufacturers and petroleum companies regarding fuels with new and different characteristics to match the needs of spark and compression-ignited engines. The most recent discussions are related to legislation and regulations that will possibly require fuels to be reformulated in the future. The objective will be to make fuels that, when burned in IC engines, emit pollution no greater than alternatives such as methanol or natural gas. The thesis of this paper is that a national fuel qualification could result in motor fuels that, when used in cars and trucks, would be environmentally acceptable. A speculated series of tests to qualify the fuel, one unleaded grade of gasoline, one type 2-D fuel for on-highway diesel trucks and buses, and one type 1-D fuel for city bases, is described. Once qualified, the refiner would certify that the fuel dispensed is in all material respects identical to the prototype fuel qualified. The industry qualification would be good for, say, five years or until the fuel was reformulated. Such a procedure would be industry regulated through periodic audit as well as self-audit provisions to assure fuel quality is maintained at the dispensing pump. Most of the needed procedures are available for such qualification. It remains for the manufacturers and refiners to agree on the need to reformulate gasoline and diesel fuel, develop pass/fail limits for acceptance, and establish a qualification approval protocol. An approach to demonstrate improved performance and emissions is suggested.