ADULTERATION OF PMS [GASOLINE] WITH CONDENSATES: IMPACT ON QUALITY ASSURANCE PARAMETERS

Abstract

Seven combustible mixtures of condensate / gasoline were evaluated with the aim to  delimit the extent at which the adulteration of premium motor spirit (PMS) with condensate samples from two different sources affect the quality assurance parameters of PMS as well as becomes hazardous to spark ignited automotive engines. Results of the quality assurance test (low research octane number (58-85), high boiling point (initial boiling point (420C – 500C), final boiling point (2200C – 2500C), ranges of atmospheric distillation, high specific gravity (0.7739- 0.7648) (low API gravity), low reid vapor pressure (0.34 – 0.44 Kg/cm2)) show that 15 – 100 % (v/v) of condensate in the adulterated blends are undesirable for spark ignited engines.  Blending condensates in gasoline, could cause increase in hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and Nitrogen oxide emissions and significantly increase the level of air toxins.  The source of condensate does not have a significant difference on their effect on petroleum products as the difference in effect is less than 1 %. Results show that Utoruogu condensate has less effect on petroleum product than Gbaran condensate Keywords: Research Octane number (RON), Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP), Specific gravity, distillation profile, Gbaran and Utoruogu condensate.