Southwest

Research
Institute

LPG Deposit Formation and Mitigation

Study
Fourth Annual Texas Propane
Technology Forum
Michael G. Ross
Southwest Research Institute
September 12, 2007

Background

Heavy-ends in LPG can

produce deposits in
engines
The mechanisms that
control deposit formation
rates are not well
understood

Heavy End Residue Concentrations

Residue
(mL per 100 mL)
Typical LPG Fuel
ASTM D-1835 LPG specification limit
Reported levels associated with
engine performance problems

0.002 0.03
0.05
0.008 - 2.00

Note: 0.05 mL of heavy ends per 100 mL of

fuel equates to 0.5 gallons (8 cups) of heavy
ends per 1000 gallons of fuel

Heavy End Composition is Important

(PERC Docket 10951)
Heavy End Composition in Fuel

< C20
65%

> C20
35%

Heavy End Composition in Deposits

< C20
8%

> C20
92%

Only the heavier components (>C20) tend to form deposits

The lighter components (<C20) appear to be carried through
combustion

Additives Can Change Location of

Deposits

Intake manifold
deposits without
additive

Intake manifold
deposits with
additive

Additives Can Increase Deposits

Without Additive

Oily Deposit

With Additive

Boiling Point Distributions of Deposits

with and without Additive
Fuel Deposit
Without Additive

Heavy
Ends
> C20

Fuel Deposit
With Additive

Heavy
Ends
From
Fuel

Lube
From
Additive

Questions Addressed by this Study

What is the range of LPG contaminants

found in the field?
How do factors like vaporizer temperature
affect deposit formation rates?
Can filtration be used at the point of use to
remove heavy-ends and prevent
deposits?
How effective are additives in preventing
deposits?

Project Plan

Collect and analyze fuel samples from

around the country that are known to cause
vaporizer deposits
Develop a LPG deposit test fuel specification
Construct a test rig to study deposit formation
effects under carefully controlled conditions
Test vaporizer temperature effects
Test filters
Test additives (engine testing)

Sample Collection Process

Site with deposit problem contacts SwRI

SwRI ships sample kit by air freight
LPG distributor or qualified SwRI contractor
collects samples
SwRI contractor handles packaging, labeling,
and hazardous material manifests for return
shipping
SwRI analyzes samples

LPG Sample Kits

1L stainless steel cylinder

for LPG samples
Glass containers for deposit
samples

Fuel Sample Example

2.0 mL of residue per

100 mL of vaporized
LPG (40x the ASTM
limit)
Boiling point distribution
similar to gasoline
Tetraethyl lead detected
8% of residue above
C20
Lubricant additives
detected

Deposit Test Rig Schematic

Status

Sample collection is in progress

Test rig design is nearing completion
Testing is expected to be complete in spring
of 2008

Fuel Samples

We are seeking additional fuel samples

known to cause vaporizer deposits
Please contact:
Michael G. Ross
Program Manager
Phone: (210) 522-2690
E-mail: michael.ross@swri.org