Cetane corrector. How to make high-quality diesel fuel?
Content
What gives an increase in cetane number?
The analogy with gasoline is complete. Just as an octane corrector will improve the degree of combustion of gasoline, a cetane corrector will do the same with diesel fuel. The practical benefits of this are:
- Significantly reduced the intensity of sooty engine exhaust.
- The performance of the engine and its initial power will increase.
- The ignition delay will be reduced.
- Significantly reduced soot on the nozzles.
- The noise emitted by the engine will decrease, especially during cold starts.
As a result, driving such a car becomes more comfortable.
The ignition of the fuel in diesel engines is achieved by the heat generated by the compression of air, since the movement of the piston in the cylinder is accompanied by a decrease in the volume of the cylinder during the compression stroke. Additional fuel is injected to ensure instantaneous ignition. When the ignition is delayed, the so-called "diesel blow" occurs. This negative phenomenon can be prevented by increasing the cetane number of the fuel. Regulatory indicators of good quality diesel fuel - cetane number in the range of 40 ... 55, with a low (less than 0,5%) sulfur content.
Ways to increase the cetane number
Manufacturers are increasing the production of the middle distillate fraction, where the natural cetane number is lowered. With the growth in consumption and the number of diesel engines with a reduced level of exhaust, the development and application of effective cetane correctors for diesel fuel is very relevant.
The composition of cetane correctors includes peroxides, as well as nitrogen-containing substances - nitrates, nitrites, etc. The choice is dictated by the degree of harmlessness of the vapors of such compounds, the absence of ash during combustion, and low cost.
An increase in cetane number can be caused by other factors:
- Strict observance of diesel fuel storage conditions;
- Preservation of high fuel density at low temperatures;
- Quality filtration;
- An exception is galvanized steel from the number of metals used for the manufacture of tanks and pipelines for diesel fuel.
The most popular brands of cetane correctors
A number of experienced owners of diesel cars independently increase the cetane number by adding substances such as toluene, dimethyl ether or 2-ethylhexyl nitrate to diesel fuel. The latter option is the most acceptable, since at the same time the resistance of moving parts of the engine is improved. However, why take the risk if there are a sufficient number of brands of special cetane correctors on sale. Here are the most popular:
- Diesel Cetane Boost from the Hi-Gear trademark (USA). Provides an increase in cetane number by 4,5 ... 5 points. Produced in a concentrated form, it provides an increase in the durability of the engine. Improves diesel ignition quality, maximizes available power, improves starting, smooths idling, reduces smoke and emissions. The only downside is the high price.
- AMSOIL from the same brand. Recommended for ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels and when the engine is fueled with biodiesel. Does not contain alcohol, increases engine power, the increase in cetane number reaches 7 points.
- Lubrizole 8090 and Kerobrizole EHN - cetane corrective additives, which are produced by the German concern BASF. In Europe, they receive the highest ratings from users, but they are rare in Russia, because during a cold start they increase the amount of nitrogen dioxide in the exhaust gases above the permissible limits.
- Boat diesel additive from the German brand Liqui Moly. Certified in our country, has an antibacterial and lubricating effect. Judging by the reviews, Liqui Moly Speed Diesel Zusatz is even better, but you can only order such an additive in online stores.
- Cetane-corrector Ln2112 from the LAVR trademark (Russia) - the most budgetary way to increase the cetane number. Feature of the application - the product must be poured into the tank immediately before refueling.
- Russian drug BBF is cheaper. However, it performs its functions well, only the packaging is small (designed for only 50 ... 55 liters of diesel fuel).
