Using viscous hydrocarbon as combustible fuel

摘要

Process for using a viscous hydrocarbon as a combustible fuel for a diesel engine comprises: (a) preparing a hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion with a hydrocarbon:water ratio of 60-90:40-10 and a non-ionic surfactant in an amount of /- 2000ppm, the hydrocarbon being characterised by an API density of <= 16 degree API and a viscosity of /- 100cPs at 50 deg C and the surfactant having an ethylene oxide content of /- 10; (b) subjecting the emulsion to high temperatures and mixed energy so that it is inverted to a water-in-hydrocarbon emulsion having a maximum drop diameter of <= 10 mu m and an average water drop diameter of <= 4 mu m, so that the elevated temperature rises with increasing ethylene oxide content of the surfactant and the mixed energy increased with decreasing hydrocarbon content; (c) vaporising the emulsion; and (d) burning the emulsion in a diesel engine. The combustible fuel itself is also claimed.