A Review Study on the Using of Diethyl Ether in Diesel Engines: Effects on HC Emissions

Abstract

This study was compiled from the results of various researches performed on using diethyl ether as a fuel or fuel additive in diesel engines. Three different methods have been used the reduction of the harmful exhaust emissions of diesel engines. The first technique for the reduction of harmful emissions has improved the combustion by modification of engine design and fuel injection system, but this process is expensive and time-consuming. The second technique is the using various exhaust gas devices like catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter. However, the use of these devices affects negatively diesel engine performance. The final technique to reduce emissions and improve diesel engine performance is the use of various alternative fuels or fuel additives. The major pollutants of internal combustion engines are carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and smoke. The most researches declare that the best way to reduce is the use of various alternative fuels i.e. natural gas, biogas, biodiesel or using additives with alternative fuels or conventional fuels. Therefore, it is very important that the results of various studies on alternative fuels or fuel additives are evaluated together to practical applications. Especially, this study focuses on the use of diethyl ether in diesel engines as fuel or fuel additive in various diesel engine fuels. This review study investigates the effects of diethyl ether additive on the HC emissions.