Determination of the Compositions of Gasoline, Aqueous Ethanol, and Butanol, in Stable Emulsions at Low Temperatures

Sangian, Hanny F.; Benaino, Letia R.; Pasau, Guntur; Sangian, Messiah C.; Aritonang, Henry F.; Agnesty, Silvya  Yusnica; Sriana, Tun; Widjaja, Arief; Sadjab, Bayu Achil; Rotinsulu, Tri Oldy

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2024.295454.10358

Determination of the Compositions of Gasoline, Aqueous Ethanol, and Butanol, in Stable Emulsions at Low Temperatures

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Physics, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, 95115 Indonesia

² Department of Physics, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung 40132, Indonesia

³ Department of Chemistry, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, 95115 Indonesia

⁴ Department of Oil and Gas Processing, Energy and Minerals Polytechnics, Cepu Blora, 58315, Indonesia

⁵ Department of Chemical Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, Indonesia

⁶ Department of Physics, Halmahera University, Wari, 97762, Indonesia

⁷ Department of Economic Development, Sam Ratulangi University, 95115, Indonesia

10.21608/ejchem.2024.295454.10358

Abstract

This study aims to identify and examine the compositions of stable emulsions of gasoline (RON 90), aqueous ethanol, and butanol at low temperatures to improve fuel stability in cold environments. The blending process involved combining gasoline and ethanol in different ratios, followed by the gradual addition of butanol to stabilize the emulsion without using synthetic surfactants. Emulsion stability was evaluated by varying the temperature from 29.0°C to -17.0°C and observing phase separation. The analysis centered on the volumetric composition and stability of the emulsions over time and across different temperatures. The compositions were documented and the changes in stability were analyzed to understand the effects of temperature and component ratios. The results indicated that at lower temperatures, the volume percentages of gasoline and ethanol in the emulsion decreased, while the percentage of butanol increased. At -17.0°C, the emulsion composition was 33.68% gasoline, 18.13% aqueous ethanol, and 48.19% butanol, highlighting butanol's key role in maintaining stability at low temperatures. These findings suggest that stable emulsions of gasoline, ethanol, and butanol can be achieved at low temperatures, potentially enhancing the performance and reliability of biofuel blends in cold climates. This could contribute to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly fuel options for automotive and other combustion engines.

Keywords