Water-diesel emulsion promises 60% reduction in emissions

A groundbreaking new study has found a simple yet effective way to reduce diesel engine emissions by up to 60% without the need for costly motor modifications. The secret lies in a water-diesel emulsion that introduces microscopic water droplets into the fuel, which vaporize during combustion, fragmenting the fuel and improving combustion efficiency.

Water-in-diesel emulsion (wide) technology explained

Researchers at the Federal University of Technology Owerri developed the Water-in-Diesel Emulsion (WiDE) method, which involves adding surfactants to the diesel fuel to create a stable mixture that can remain consistent for weeks. This process acts directly in the engine, with the micro-droplets of water transforming into vapor during combustion, generating smaller explosions that break down the fuel into finer particles.

This micro-explosion phenomenon improves the mixture between diesel and oxygen in the combustion chamber, resulting in a more homogeneous and efficient burning process that reduces the unburned pollutants that don't make it to the exhaust. According to the study, WiDE has demonstrated reductions of up to 67% in nitrogen oxides and 68% in particulate matter compared to conventional diesel.

The vaporization of water in WiDE also lowers the maximum combustion temperatures, reducing the formation of nitrogen oxides, while improved oxidation of the fuel helps cut emissions of particulate matter. Moreover, some trials have shown improvements in the thermal efficiency of the engine, implying that certain diesel engines could potentially consume less fuel to generate the same power.

While diesel vehicles took a hit, the study now suggests that gasoline engines are not far behind in terms of emissions. The emulsions offer a practical and cost-effective way to make engines cleaner, with the added benefit of not requiring major motor redesigns. As Repsol CEO puts it,