Emulsified fuels: Cleaner & More Efficient

Fossil fuel emulsions

Fluids that do not dissolve in each other can still be combined by forming an emulsion. This involves distributing droplets of one throughout the other. 

An emulsion takes on many of the characteristics of the outer liquid. so a water in oil emulsion will behave like a fuel because the oil is on the outside. However on heating the water droplets vaporise, better atomising the oil, giving more complete combustion.  Emulsified fuels are unique in that they reduce both NO_x and particulate emissions while improving efficiency.

Provided the volume of use is high the efficiency gains will exceed the cost of the emulsifier system and give net savings. 

So these systems suit situations where you use Fuel Oil in significant quantities e.g. marine engines, industrial burners, or where emissions are a problem e.g. in mines.

Applications typically need in-line blenders feeding a buffer tank, although smaller industrial burners could use a batch blender. BFSNZ with APT and InterIslander line ran a 6 month trial on an auxiliary generator on the Arahura giving 3-5% fuels savings and reductions in pollutants.

Because emulsions are unstable and eventually separate back out, chemicals (surfactants) are also added to help hold them together.

Through AET we offer a range of blend units and surfactants to meet various applications.

Biofuel emulsions

Despite the various benefits, a problem with biodiesel is the NO_x emissions. Compared with USEPA approved diesel fuel, 100% biodiesel emits half the particulates (PM) and CO, no SO₂, and 25% of the CO₂, but the NOx emissions increase by 10%.

Emulsifying the biodiesel with small quantities of water can eliminate this increase allowing the fuels to meet regulatory standards.

A further potential use of emulsions with biofuels is to help manage the water content and stabilise less refined biocrudes and manage their acidity.