Measuring Engine Performance Characteristics Using Petrol Fuel from Mechanical Hand Pump Operated Fuel Stations (MHOPSS) Against Base Petrol Fuel

Abstract

Mechanical Hand Operated Pump Stations (MHOPSS) known as the local or “Ghaw-ghaw” petrol stations are common fuel stations found in both rural and urban communities. Undoubtedly the services of these local fuel stations always face with critics due to the quality of fuel they sell. The paper focused on measuring the performance characteristics of an engine with the use of petrol fuel from Mechanical Hand Operated Pump Stations (MHOPSS) against a base fuel from Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). Eight (8) MHOPSS from different local fuel stations were used. Comparative study of engine performance characteristics in the application of these petrol fuels was determined with the use of engine dynamometer. Engine performance Characteristics such as engine torque, brake power, indicated power, overall mechanical efficiency and frictional losses were determined using Morse test. The results of the experiment showed that petrol fuel from mechanical hand operated pump stations compared with the base petrol fuel from Tema Oil Refinery has different performance characteristics. Whereas overall performance mechanical efficiency for all cylinder working condition of the test engine using petrol specimen from TOR gave a result of 98%,  that of MHOPSS 1-8 gave a performance results of  84.36%, 88.1%, 95.4%, 14.85%, 30.93%, 92.85% and 83.13%, respectively. The results of the experiment concludes that engine performance characteristics using  petrol fuel from  the mechanical hand operated pump stations also known as the Ghaw-ghaw stations compared with the performance characteristics of an engine with the use of base fuel are not the same. It is recommended that those who patronise the services of these fuel terminals should be sure of the quality of their product in order to safe guard the life span of their engine.