A helicoidally shaped copper duct was installed along the fuel line just before the high pressure pump. The impact of fuel contamination from this copper duct on combustion and emission characteristics of a Direct Injection High Pressure Common Rail (DI HPCR) diesel engine was investigated. The copper duct constitutes the core of a fuel conditioning device, powered from the battery. A single cylinder Ricardo Hydra research engine with the cylinder head, piston assembly and crankshaft from a production 2.2 L DI diesel engine was used in the investigation. Combustion characteristics were analysed via postprocessing pressure measurements, while an AVL Smoke Meter was used to monitor particulate emissions. A diesel fuel with a copper content of less than 0.2ppm was used.Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis of the fuel showed copper leaching into the fuel, with 1 ppm Cu being found in the fuel after flowing through the helicoidally shaped duct. Recirculation of fuel to the tank led to an increase of Cu concentration in the fuel. A pilot plus main strategy was used to achieve a target Brake Mean Effect Pressure (BMEP) typical of medium load. Soot reduction in the range of 7-14% was measured when the device was connected to the fuel line, compared to the baseline. The initiation and early development of combustion was also investigated using an unstirred, quiescent combustion chamber with optical access, and the results corroborate findings from the engine work.
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