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An investigation of the performance and emissions of a Fischer-Tropsch Coal-to-Liquid (CTL) Iso-Paraffinic Kerosene (IPK) was conducted using a CRDI compression ignition research engine with ULSD as a reference. Due to the low Derived Cetane Number (DCN), of IPK, an extended Ignition Delay (ID), and Combustion Delay (CD) were found for it, through experimentation in a Constant Volume Combustion Chamber (CVCC). Neat IPK was analyzed in a research engine at 4 bar Indicated Mean Effective Pressure (IMEP) at three injection timings: 15°, 20°, and 25° BTDC. Combustion phasing (CA50) was matched with ULSD at 10.8° and 16° BTDC. The IPK DCN was found to be 26, while the ULSD DCN was significantly higher at 47 in a PAC CID 510. In the engine, IPK’s DCN combined with its short physical ignition delay and long chemical ignition delay compared to ULSD, caused extended duration in Low Temperature Heat Release (LTHR) and cool flame formation. It was found in an analysis of the Apparent Heat Release Rate (AHRR) curve for IPK that there were multiple Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTCR) regions before the main combustion event. The High Temperature Heat Release (HTHR) of IPK achieved a greater peak heat release rate compared to ULSD. Pressure rise rate for IPK was observed to increase significantly with increase in injection timing. The peak in-cylinder pressure was also greater for IPK when matching CA50 by varying injection timing. Emissions analysis revealed that IPK produced less NO_x, soot, and CO₂ compared to ULSD. CO and UHC emissions for IPK increased. 

Alternative fuels are sought after because they produce lower emissions and sometimes, they have feedstock and production advantages over fossil fuels, but their wear effects on engine components are largely unknown. In this study, the lubricity properties of a Fischer-Tropsch Gas-to-Liquid alternative fuel (Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene-S8) and of Jet-A fuel were investigated and compared to those of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD). A pin-on-disk tribometer was employed to test wear and friction for a material pair of an AISI 316 steel ball on an AISI 1018 steel disk when lubricated by the fuels in this research work. Advanced digital microscopy was used to compare the wear patterns of the disks. Viscosity and density analysis of the tested fluids were also carried out.Tribometry for the fuel showed that S8 fell between Jet-A and ULSD when friction force was calculated and showed higher wear over time and after each test when compared to that of Jet-A and ULSD. An initially higher running-in friction force of 0.35N to 0.38N was observed for all three tested fluids, and then quasi-steady-state lower values of friction force of .310N for S8, 0.320 N for Jet-A and 0.295N for ULSD (the lowest observed).Wear values obtained by mass loss of the tested AISI 108 steel disks show that Jet-A and the reference fuel ULSD may yield lower wear (which is associated to better lubricity) than that of S8, and microscopy images are consistent with the wear results. 

An investigation into emissions differences and their correlations with differing combustion characteristics between F24 and Jet-A was conducted. Raw emissions data was taken from a single stage jet engine by a FTIR gas analyzer. Measurements of H₂O, CO₂, CO, NOx, and total hydrocarbon emissions (THC) were taken at 60K, 65K, and 70K RPM. At 70K RPM Jet-A and F-24 the emissions were similar at approx.: 4% H₂O, 3% CO₂, 970 PPM CO, 28 PPM NOx. Jet-A THC emissions were approx.: 1200 PPM THC, F24 THC emissions were lower by over 60%. The significantly lower amount of THC emissions for F24 suggests more complete combustion compared to Jet-A.