Nitrogen is a key element of the active cleaning molecule in the new fuel, making it significantly more stable at higher temperatures common in modern engines, such as direct fuel-injection gasoline engines. [image-nocss] The increased stability ensures that the molecule can work under much tougher engine conditions by resisting thermal breakdown better than conventional cleaning additives, said the company.
Jens Mueller-Belau, fuels portfolio and category manager North America for Shell Retail, said, "With Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines, our scientists have increased the effectiveness of our cleaning additive."
In addition to developing the new fuel with the consumer in mind, Shell worked with automotive manufacturers to gain insight into current and future engine technologies. These insights, along with fuels technology leadership and a strong research and development program, will help Shell improve its products.
Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines were tested in laboratories, independent testing facilities and on the road, Shell said, accumulating more than a half-million miles in various vehicles and engines, including conventional, turbo-charged and direct fuel-injection gasoline engines, hybrids, newer vehicles with low mileage and older vehicles with high mileage. Shell scientists also used testing technologies such as dual fuel engines to conduct head-to-head comparisons with other gasolines. In these tests, split engines simultaneously run on different types of gasoline in order to collect data under the exact same conditions. The results of these head-to-head comparisons proved that the Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines are more effective than those other gasolines in protecting against the build-up of harmful engine gunk, said the company.
The new cleaning system is certified to meet the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Standard, voluntary standards designated by some of the world's top automakers (Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen) to try to raise the bar on fuel quality beyond minimum government criteria.
Shell is supporting the launch of Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines with a national marketing campaign, including national TV, radio and online advertising, as well as point-of-purchase signage at Shell-branded stations nationwide. The new campaign builds-on the current "Passionate Experts" platform, focusing on the company's commitment to fuel quality and passion for developing innovative new products.
Shell Oil Products US, a subsidiary of Shell Oil Co., is a leader in the refining, transportation and marketing of fuels and has a network of more than 6,000 branded stations in the western United States. Shell Oil Co. is a 50% owner of Motiva Enterprises LLC, along with Saudi Refining Inc. Motiva refines and markets branded products through more than 8,200 branded stations in the eastern and southern United States.
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