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The History of Water in Fuel Emulsion
Adding water to diesel dates back to the early 1900s and there are hundreds of patents issued on water-diesel blends. Aqueous emulsions have been studied for at least 30 years as an alternative to conventional gasoline and diesel fuels. The cooling effect of the presence of water in an engine has been known to reduce emissions from engines, specifically nitrous oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).
The following results have been verified by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) for products using approximately 15-20% water in the fuel:
- In January 2001 CARB verified that PuriNOx (WiFE) reduced NOx by 14% and reduced PM by 62.9%
- In August 2002 the CARB verified that Aquazole (WiFE) reduced NOx by 16% and reduced PM by 60%
- In September 2003 CARB verified that Aquadyn (WiFE) reduced NOx by 15% and reduced PM by 58%
There are a number of reasons, many due to the fact that - unlike our proprietary WiFE on Demand - up until now water was pre-emulsified in the fuel (PEF):
- No availability for pre-emulsified HFO only the more expensive MDO was used.
- Pre-emulsified MDO is more expensive than regular MDO which is the equivalent of paying a premium for watered down whiskey.
- Bunkering pre-emulsified fuel reduced the range of the vessel as part of the fuel storage space was "wasted" with water.
- Pre-emulsified fuel was not available in many locations.
- No ability to turn off the emulsified fuel when full power was needed which compromised safety.
- No class approval or manufacturer acceptance of onboard emulsification systems which is essential to their use in the marine industry.
- Vessel operators will not pay for environmental benefits unless forced to.
- Regulatory authorities will not subsidize abatement technologies unless they are certified as working.
We've turned a new page in the history of water in fuel emulsion. Sea to Sky has developed a practical, effective solution that overcomes all the barriers associated with the use of pre-emulsified fuel. Our WiFE on Demand system combines "on demand" water in fuel emulsion with an oily waste water separator system so that oily water on board can be used in the emulsifier.
> How is WiFE Different from Water Injection?
> Water in Fuel Emulsification (WiFE)
> Water Injection: Water Injected In the Scavenge Air (Humid Air Motor)
> back to solutions
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