Nitrogen Oxides and Particulate Matter from Marine Diesel Oil (MDO), Emulsified MDO, and Dimethyl Ether Fuels in Auxiliary Marine Engines

Abstract

Exhaust gases from ships and automobiles have a significant impact on people and the environment. As a result, diesel engines used in land and marine vehicles are gradually being restricted, and low-carbon engines are under development. This study considers marine diesel oil (MDO) that is used in ships to meet the emission regulations required by the International Maritime Organization. This investigation explores the method and application technology for the reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter using emulsified fuel and mass-produced dimethyl ether (DME) fuel, which are analyzed. When comparing emulsified fuel and DME fuel to MDO, which is a ship oil, NOx are reduced by 20–45% and the particulate matter is reduced by 60–97%. When emulsified fuel containing moisture is used, the combustion chamber temperature is lowered due to the optimal expansion by moisture contained in the fuel. The particulate matter is also reduced. When DME fuel is used, it reduces the particulate matter by more than 97% in comparison with the existing MDO fuel and the emulsified fuel. The conditions are believed to be suitable for combustion and they can be satisfied by supplying oxygen during post-combustion.