Stability Tests – Conclusion

Overview:

Laboratory Conditions:

  • The City University, London

Materials tested:

  • steel, aluminium, copper, brass, bundy tubing, rubber and reinforced nylon tubing.
 
Initial tests used:-
  • i) the additive,
  • ii) a clear solution of diesel, water and additive in the ratio of 30:3:4 (labelled S1),
  • iii) an emulsion of diesel, water and additive in the ratio of 30:3:2 (labelled E2).
 
The materials were corrosion tested at room temperature (20°c). 
Two control tests were set up for each sample:-
  • i) Air – in order to compare test samples with an original sample.
  • ii) Diesel – in order to recognise any normal effects due to contact with untreated diesel.

STABILITY STUDIES

Tests have been carried out using the additive combined with water and diesel type fuels with a view to establishing the risks, or otherwise, of corrosion problems developing and of the fuel/water/additive mix breaking down.

 

Introduction

Numerous past attempts to combine small amounts of water with diesel, either mechanically or chemically, have shown limited success. The emulsions created have been unstable, separating out within minutes. There have also been significant corrosion problems associated with the use of such emulsions in diesel systems, often leading to research programmes being abandoned.

The development of Coval Aquasolve however, has overcome the major hurdle of stability. Its use has enabled over 10% of water to be completely absorbed in diesel. The additive, which is a combination of various organic compounds, has been successfully employed to create not only a diesel/water emulsion but also a clear stable solution.

A large amount of testing was required to support its performance and a comprehensive test program has been done at The City University, London.