Bioethanol is the most common biofuel being used today and the average gas station in Connecticut sells gasoline with 10% ethanol. Ethanol and other oxygenates are added to gasoline generally to reduce the total hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. Small engine carburetors are known to get clogged with deposits from fuel which can prevent them from starting or make them run abnormally. One current theory is the ethanol in the gasoline is absorbing water and creating the extra deposits which clog the carburetor. This study explores this question to determine if the ethanol in the gasoline is actually reacting with one of the many types of materials in a carburetor and creating the buildup or if another component of gasoline is responsible. A 12-part gasoline analog mixture containing ethanol was allowed to react with two small engine carburetors and the reacted mixtures were analyzed by GC.

GC analysis of a gasoline analog reactions with a carburetor

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.