Technical Aspects of Ethyl Tert‐Butyl Ether (ETBE) for Large‐Scale Use as Gasoline Improver

Abstract

Ethyl tert‐butyl ether (ETBE) is a promising gasoline improver and this study shows its comparison with other prospective oxygenated fuel additives. ETBE synthesis and its economics are reviewed with emphasis on sustainable production. Furthermore, an experimental investigation is performed on the impact of employing relatively large proportions of ETBE in fuel blends and a particular emphasis is put on the magnitude of cyclic variations at different operating conditions. Tests involved a primary reference fuel (95PRF and two mixtures of ethyl tert‐butyl ether (ETBE) with 95PRF. To provide a baseline for comparison, a commercial gasoline fuel containing 5 % by volume of ethanol (E05) was also tested. The experiments were performed by using a well‐controlled single‐cylinder research engine, which has a disc‐shaped combustion chamber with a full‐bore overhead optical access. The pressure recording method was used simultaneously with natural‐light video photography for recording the flame propagation. To quantify the cyclic variations, the indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP), the peak pressure and the crank value at which it is attained, and the time for 90 % mass fraction burnt (MFB) were used. Increasing proportion of ETBE in the fuel has very little effect on both the average rate of combustion and its cyclic variability, regardless of what parameter is chosen to characterize the it.

Exposure Profile to Traffic Related Pollution in Pediatric Age: A Biomonitoring Study

“…Based on emissions benefits, vehicle performance and existing regulations, ethers are the most used additives in gasoline blend [ 1 , 2 ]. Among them, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), tert-amyl methyl ether (TAME), ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE), and di-isopropyl ether (DIPE) are those most frequently used in fuel production, to enhance the combustion process and reduce harmful exhaust emissions from motor vehicles [ 3 , 4 ]. The commercial production of MTBE started in 1973 in Europe and in 1979 in the United States.…”

Optimization of Reactive Dividing‐Wall Distillation Column for Ethyl t‐Butyl Ether Synthesis

“…Ethers and alcohols proved to be the best choices as fuels as well as additives. One of such alternatives is ethyl t‐ butyl ether (ETBE) which has advantages compared to a number of other oxygenates .…”

Comparative study of conventional, reactive-distillation and pervaporation integrated hybrid process for ethyl tert-butyl ether production

“…The current concerns about sustainability of fossil fuels, in addition to the legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, have forced the industry to search for renewable fuels with smaller carbon footprints to replace (either completely or partially) the conventional fuels [1]. Oxygenate additives contain oxygen as part of their chemical structure and are usually employed as gasoline additives.…”

“…As consequence of the negative impacts that MTBE has on the environment, ETBE has become a popular alternative oxygenate additive for gasoline. In addition, it has higher heating value and lower oxygen content, lower water solubility and faster degradation in soils [1].…”