Multifaceted Octane Numbers for Diverse Engine Requirements 650094

Complex interrelationships between different hydrocarbon and antiknock additive formulations and engine design and operating factors lend many facets to gasoline road octane numbers. As a result, no single standard laboratory octane number method or combination of methods can adequately predict the road octane number performance of all gasolines in all types of engine applications. However, through empirical octane prediction methods based on available laboratory octane number methods, reasonable estimates of gasoline road octane quality can be made to suit generalized segments of the world car population. To confidently insure satisfaction of vehicle antiknock requirements in the various car population segments, the modern refiner must be cognizant of the types of antiknock requirements to be encountered in his particular marketing area and relate these requirements to his available laboratory control methods. Then he may realistically determine the optimum combination of processing and additives needed to provide the required quality at minimum cost to the motorist.