Tackling water waste in fuel testing with innovative closed-loop system

Laboratories are increasingly focused on environmental sustainability, especially in resource-intensive Octane and Cetane testing. A significant source of waste is water consumption for cooling during these tests. CFR Engines Inc. (CFR®) addresses this with its innovative Closed-Loop System, designed to drastically reduce waste in engine testing.

Accurate engine testing, particularly for ASTM D2699, D2700, and D613 methods, demands precise temperature and pressure control. Both the CFR F1/F2 Octane Rating System and the CFR F5 Cetane Rating System, used for global fuel certification, traditionally consume substantial water for cylinder and exhaust cooling. While these engines use water for core cooling, the Closed-Loop System eliminates coolant waste by recirculating the coolant, significantly reducing waste compared to 'once-through' methods and boosting lab sustainability.

"Our system maintains optimal performance while conserving coolant, minimizing environmental impact in crucial fuel quality tests," stated Ravi Manchiraju, CFR Product Manager, Octane.

Water waste in labs is substantial, with typical water-based engine cooling using 5-6 liters per minute, or 2,400 liters per 8-hour shift, per engine. This quickly escalates to tens of thousands of liters daily in multi-engine labs. The Closed-Loop System addresses coolant waste by recirculating and continuously re-cooling coolant. This drastically reduces the need for fresh fluid and results in cost savings and a smaller environmental footprint, particularly in high-volume fuel testing.

The system's versatility is a key advantage, the Closed-Loop System can be integrated with CFR XCP® TECHNOLOGY to enable real-time monitoring and control, ensuring an efficient operation.

Like all CFR products, the Closed-Loop System also emphasizes durability and repairability. Its modular design facilitates easy component replacement and extends equipment lifespan.

The Closed-Loop System furthers the commitments and technological advancements that CFR has towards more environmentally sustainable products, allowing users to conserve water wastage, as well as costs. The system, particularly relevant for ASTM D2699, D2700, and D613 testing, demonstrates how targeted technology drives sustainable practices in specialised engine testing. By focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, digitalisation, and responsible practices, laboratories can improve their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.