Interpretation of the motor gasoline boiling range: explain which performance aspects it influences among ease of starting, acceleration characteristics, and vapour-lock tendency in spark-ignition engines.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of (a), (b), and (c)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The distillation curve (boiling range) of gasoline dictates volatility across temperatures. Proper volatility balance is critical to drivability: quick starting, smooth warm-up and acceleration, and avoidance of vapour lock in hot conditions.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Fuel: conventional motor gasoline.
  • Key metrics: initial boiling point, midrange volatility (T10, T50), and end point.
  • Engine: spark-ignition with carburetion or port/direct injection.


Concept / Approach:
Light ends (lower boiling components) ensure rapid vaporization for easy cold starting. Mid-range volatility aids throttle response and acceleration. Excessive light ends and high RVP increase vapour lock risk in warm conditions, causing fuel pumps to vaporize fuel and starve the engine. The entire boiling range must therefore be optimized to balance these competing needs.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Link front-end volatility to cold start quality.2) Link mid-range volatility to acceleration and drivability.3) Recognize that high volatility elevates vapour lock tendency under heat soak.4) Conclude that all three listed performance aspects are influenced.


Verification / Alternative check:
Standards specify seasonal volatility adjustments (e.g., RVP caps) to prevent vapour lock while still ensuring startability and acceleration.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Selecting any single aspect ignores the holistic influence of the distillation curve across operating conditions.


Common Pitfalls:
Overemphasizing RVP alone; the entire boiling range profile dictates drivability.


Final Answer:
All of (a), (b), and (c)

More Questions from Petroleum Refinery Engineering

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion