Amoco Corporation

Bp Corporation North America Inc.

Christopher I McCarthy

Carl A Udovich

Arunabha Basu

Theodore H Fleisch

Svend-Erik Mikkelsen

Theo H Fleisch

A diesel fuel composition comprising from about 70 to about 95 weight percent of dimethyl ether, up to about 20 weight percent of methanol, and from about 0.1 to about 20 weight percent of water is disclosed.

Diesel fuel composition

The invention relates to high energy, oxygenated fuel compositions suitable for use in compression ignition internal combustion engines which fuel compositions contain a synergistic combination of dimethyl ether, methanol, and water, the combination providing a single liquid phase with good ignition characteristics. More particularly fuels comprising from about 72 to about 95 weight percent of dimethyl ether, from about 0.1 to about 20 weight percent of methanol, and from about 0.1 to about 20 weight percent of water are disclosed.

Fuels for diesel engines

A method is described for operating a spark ignition internal combustion engine utilizing an improved composition containing dimethyl ether and propane as fuel. An engine incorporating the invention produces a lesser amount of certain atmospheric pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons, as compared to the amount of pollutants produced when the engine is operated at identical conditions with propane as fuel. Also described is an improved fuel composition which exhibits a lower vapor pressure than, for example, propane and, therefore, is relatively easier to liquefy and transport.

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Naperville, IL, United States of America

Christopher I McCarthy