DIESEL ENGINE FUMIGATION

What is Fumigation?
A Iumigation system injects a gaseous or liquid Iuel into the intake air stream oI a
compression ignited engine. This Iuel burns and becomes a part-contributor to the power
producing Iuel. While alcohol and gasoline may be used, gaseous Iumigation seems to
exhibit the best overall power yields, perIormance, and emissions beneIits. LPG
(LiquiIied Petroleum Gas) or CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is used. The Iumigation
process is divided into major Iraction and minor Iraction Iumigation. When more than
50 gaseous injection is used, it is known as major Iraction Iumigation. Minor Iraction
Iumigation is under 50 gaseous injection. One aIter-market Iumigation component
supplier, Algas Corporation, using 20 to 25 Iumigation rate, reports excellent
perIormance beneIits and reduced target emissions. One test Ior a 1984 6.9 liter diesel
engine in an F250 chassis showed a 64 reduction in NO
x
and 45.2 reduction oI
particulates. CO was almost unchanged. However, total emissions oI hydrocarbons in
grams per mile increased (see graph below).

Benefits
For nonstationary variable RPM engines, variable ratio Iumigation is more eIIective than
Iixed rate Iumigation. As a result, engine load and Iumigation rates are matched. Reduced
NO
x
and particulate emissions are the most outstanding beneIits. Minor Iraction
Iumigation yields signiIicant (up to 25) gains in smoke-limited torque gains. There are
other technical non-pollution related gains. Tests show reduced exhaust temperature,
reduced crankcase solids, reduced injection service and longer acceptable crankcase
drains. Diesel exhaust odor is also reduced.

Fumigation reduces most hot smoke production resulting in reduced pollution and
increased vehicle mpg.
How Does It Work?
The major engine modiIications include:
-- addition oI a venturi-draIt tube in the air intake system
-- secondary Iuel tank, saIety controls, and switches
-- acceleration-deceleration control valve
-- microcomputer control. (See Figure 1 below)

The venturi-draIt physically introduces and mixes LPG or CNG with the air charge. Since
diesel engines operate with near zero maniIold vacuum, an air-venturi draIt tube is
necessary to create a signal proportionate to engine speed. During installation the baIIles
and the tube are calibrated Ior Iumigation onset and maximum Iumigation rate. The Iuel
mixer is added to the draIt tube. This provides the point oI introduction Ior the gaseous
Iuel. Mixer calibration is based on the maximum Iumigation rate. Fuel regulators diIIer
Ior CNG and LPG Iumigation systems. Since CNG tank pressure may reach up to 3,600
psi a primary regulator is necessary. LPG Iumigation systems do not require this
component since tank pressures are less than 300 psi. A secondary regulator allows the
LPG or CNG to expand to a gaseous state. This regulator provides a saIety Iactor and
locks out Iuel Ilow in the event oI a system Iailure.
The acceleration-deceleration control precisely times the Iumigator Iuel. II Iumigation
occurs prematurely on acceleration or is late in turning oII on deceleration, Iuel is wasted.
Late Iumigation on acceleration produces a lean, poorly combusted power cycle. Drivers
notice a power lag on acceleration. This control instantly senses a change in engine load
and responds by properly adjusting the Iumigation rate Ior the required diesel-delivery
rate. The control output signal results in the opening or closing oI the mixer control
valve. This valve controls the Iumigation Iuel Ilow rate.
Properly sized LPG/CNG Iuel tanks are necessary to provide Iumigation Ior the quantity
oI diesel carried. These tanks must meet state and Iederal saIety requirements. In some
locations, installation position (i.e., inside the Irame) is also regulated. The Diesel Fuel
Limit Switch prevents excess Iuel delivery when the Iumigation system is active. This
switch prevents over Iueling which wastes Iuel and produces exhaust smoke. This switch
allows 100 oI diesel Ilow in the event that Iumigation Iuel ceases to Ilow.
The microcomputer controls the Iunctions oI each oI these devices. It perIorms the logic
Iunction to ensure that the system operates within design parameters. It also can sense
malIunctions allowing the engine to deIault into a standard diesel, nonIumigated engine.