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| Evaluation of Engine Damage Caused by Artisanal Refined Gasoline Fuel Produced in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
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Olisa Yemi, Ifidi Emomotimi and Fadayini Oluwafemi
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Abstract:
The use of gasoline (also known as premium motor spirit i.e. PMS) and diesel fuel produced from artisanal refinery operated in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria most times cause severe damages to vehicle engines and generators besides the environmental pollution it causes during production process. This paper aims at carrying out an evaluation of vehicle engine damage caused by artisanal refined gasoline fuel (ARGF) produced in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. The purpose of this work is to characterize a sample of the ARGF and examine the extent of damages it can cause to vehicle engines. A sample of the ARGF was taking from Oluokobo community in Ahoda West Local Government Area of Rivers State and analyzed in a laboratory. The results of the test reveals the following: Octane number, flash point, reid vapour pressure and specific gravity of 72.3, - 45oC, 0.37 kg/cm2 and 0.69 respectively. The chromatography analysis reveals 16.7% inclusion of kerosene in the sample while the performance test carried out with the ARGF used in an ignition test engine shows tendency for knocking which can cause serious damage to vehicle engines and reduce the life span by 30%, this circumstance portends an economic loss to vehicle owners.
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