Nitrogen enriched fuel?

***88Racing*** · #1 Tue, March 3rd, 2009, 10:49 PM

Okay, so I am getting gas today at a Shell station and notice signs up about nitrogen enriched gas.

Hmm, I think back to college chemistry and my training in medical gas piping.
Med gas piping the nitrogen is used to purge air so inside of pipe doesn't oxidize during brazing.

Wondering how an inert gas(nonflamable) is going to enrich gasoline.

Is there a chemical reaction when the gas burns that makes the nitrogen useful?

Just wondering?

Any input?

Lars

blackfx4ny · #2 Tue, March 3rd, 2009, 11:00 PM

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009...-launches.html

Sounds neat, wonder if it works?

***88Racing*** · #3 Tue, March 3rd, 2009, 11:15 PM

Is it a gimmick or does it work?
Brains about dead time for bed!

Lars

***Jackpine*** · #4 Wed, March 4th, 2009, 09:42 AM

You're right, Lars, nitrogen IS inert (relatively speaking) but it can form compounds that are useful. Nitric acid is the first thing that came to my mind, and that stuff is pretty "lively". Then there's always TNT and nitrocellulose.

The way Shell seems to be using it though is more as a solvent. Since Shell is not some "fly-by-night" company, I'd have to think they're convinced it works, and is not just some marketing gimmick.

- Jack

***88Racing*** · #5 Wed, March 4th, 2009, 10:24 AM

Yes Jack I agree.

I thought about my med gas training on the way to work. Maybe they are using it as an anti-oxidant to cut down on moisture and or carbon?? During the burning of the fuel(gasoline).

Who knows what molecular combo its attached to also.

Just a thought.

Another one nitrous oxide.

Lars