Gasoline Deposit Technology

Today's unleaded gasolines have been developed to virtually eliminate the formation of harmful deposits on fuel injectors, but fuels vary in their ability to control deposits on intake valves and in combustion chambers. These deposits can cause poor engine performance.

Conventional methods of measuring fuel properties provide no clear correlation between intake valve deposit levels and fuel quality. In response to a major car maker's inquiry, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) developed a research program to evaluate commercial gasolines in a fleet of matched vehicles. A recognized standard fleet test procedure evolved to quantify gasolines regarding intake valve deposits. Significant portions of this procedure were utilized by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as a basis for its "BMW 10,000-Mile Intake Valve Deposit Procedure," a qualification for gasolines marketed in California. The EPA has adopted a version of this procedure to qualify gasolines in the U.S.

The Institute's large fleet of test vehicles has logged more than 50 million miles in a concerted effort to meet the demands of changing requirements in automotive gasolines. SAE and CRC road test procedures are performed to evaluate performance, driveability, and engine octane requirements. Testing is conducted on a continuous basis for U.S. and international gasoline refiners and additive marketers. Diverse driving routes and schedules represent variable-speed consumer operation in metropolitan areas and rapid mileage accumulation on highways. Tests are conducted on vehicles bought or leased especially for these programs.

Experienced automotive research specialists provide planning, implementation, data analysis, and the expertise to oversee and report on engine and component disassembly and inspection. The Institute's multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and excellent reputation for quality work assure the standards of SwRI's customized fuel research and testing.

SwRI developed a fleet test procedure to evaluate how well unleaded gasolines control intake valve deposit formation.

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