Would it be fair to say that solubilized oxygen, dissolved and entrained air in modern-day refined liquid petroleum fuels could be considered the invisible thief in the fuel?
Pros:
- Accuracy: Oxygen and air can indeed lead to fuel degradation, causing problems like gum formation, decreased shelf life, and potentially even corrosion. This can be seen as a "theft" of the fuel's potential performance and lifespan.
- Awareness: The metaphor emphasizes the hidden nature of the issue. Dissolved oxygen and entrained air are not readily visible to the naked eye, making it easy to underestimate their impact.
- Dramatic: Calling it a "thief" captures attention and highlights the seriousness of the problem.
Cons:
- Oversimplification: The metaphor might overstate the negative impact of oxygen and air. While they can cause problems, their effects are often mitigated by additives and other fuel management strategies.
- Lack of nuance: The metaphor doesn't differentiate between solubilized oxygen and entrained air, which have varying degrees of impact.
- Negative connotations: "Thief" carries a negative connotation, which might not be appropriate for a technical discussion.
Does not solubilized oxygen, dissolved and entrained air in the fuel reduce fuel economy?
- Oxygen: When oxygen dissolves in fuel, it can promote the formation of gum and other deposits, which can clog fuel injectors and filters, hindering efficient fuel delivery and combustion. This leads to incomplete combustion, wasting fuel and reducing engine power.
- Entrained air: Air bubbles trapped in the fuel can take up space and prevent proper fuel atomization, again leading to incomplete combustion and reduced efficiency. Additionally, air has a lower heating value than fuel, so its presence dilutes the fuel's energy content.
Impact on fuel economy:
The amount of fuel economy reduction caused by oxygen and air can vary depending on:
- Fuel type: Gasoline is generally more susceptible to oxygen degradation than diesel.
- Oxygen and air levels: Higher levels of oxygen and air will have a greater impact.
- Engine conditions: Older engines or those operating under stress might be more affected.