Experimental comparison of the spray atomization of heavy and light fuel oil at different temperatures and pressures for pressure-swirl injector

In this study, the atomization of heavy fuel oil (Mazut) and diesel fuel at different pressures is compared experimentally. Also, the effects of temperature on the Mazut fuel atomization are investigated experimentally. Mass flow rate, discharge coefficient, wavelength, liquid film thickness, ligament diameter, spray angle, breakup length, and sature mean diameter are obtained for the Mazut and diesel fuel. Fuels spray images at different pressures and temperatures are recorded using the shadowgraphy method and analyzed by the image processing technique. Error analysis is performed for the experiments, and the percentage of uncertainty for each parameter is reported. The experimental results are compared with the theoretical results. Also, Curves are proposed and plotted to predict changes in the behavior of atomization parameters. Diesel fuel has less viscosity than Mazut fuel. Diesel fuel has shorter breakup length, wavelength, liquid film thickness, and sature mean diameter than Mazut fuel at the same pressure. Diesel fuel has a larger spray angle and a larger discharge coefficient than Mazut fuel at the same pressure. As the pressure and temperature increase, fuel atomization improves. The viscosity of Mazut fuel is decreased by temperature increase. As the fuel injection pressure and temperature increase, breakup length, wavelength, liquid film thickness, and sature mean diameter decrease; also, spray angle increases.

Automated summary

This study compared the atomization of heavy fuel oil (Mazut) and diesel fuel at different pressures, and investigated the effects of temperature on Mazut fuel atomization. The results showed that as pressure and temperature increase, fuel atomization performance improves, and there are differences in atomization parameters between Mazut and diesel fuel.