Analysis of Pms and Ago from Ten Different Filling Stations Within Kaduna Metropolis

This study evaluates the quality of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) obtained from ten filling stations. Four parameters were analyzed to determine compliance with industry standards. Samples were collected systematically and subjected to tests using standardized equipment, such as octane rating analyzers and flash point testers. Results revealed significant variations among stations, with some failing to meet regulatory requirements. Recommendations include stricter monitoring and improved quality assurance practices. This research highlights the importance of fuel quality control in ensuring consumer safety, engine longevity, and environmental protection (ASTM, 2020). This study demonstrated that fuel from all sampled filling stations met the recommended tested parameters except one filling station. The one filling station, however, recorded a PMS octane number of 84.4, which is below the standard threshold for optimal performance. AS can be observed in fig. 1, the specific gravity of all the samples is between 0.731 and 0.765. Sample A had the list value while sample F had the highest value. The results obtained are within the ASTM density range of 0.720-0.780, this indicates that the samples are not heavy and contain volatile components. (Ikeora et al, 2015). The highest value of the RON which is the measure of the PMS ability to knock or ping in an engine is 99.5 which is above the RON minimal value of 91 as approved by the standards organization of Nigeria. The least value recorded was 88.0 which may indicate adulteration. The implication of the low RON values is that the products of low grade are pushed into the market with low antiknock rating. Knocking is the metallic noise usually observed in spark ignited engine. High octane rating of PMS necessary for better performance of the internal combustion engine. Low octane rating of PMS could hinder engine power performance.( Ikeora, et al, 2015). The specific gravity of the AGO sample was determined by using hydrometer with a range of 0.800 – 0.900 (Nasirudeen, et al). Figure 3 shows that the specific gravity of all the AGO samples is between 0.841 and 0.853. Sample B had the list value while sample J had the highest value. The results obtained are within the ASTM density range of 0.820-0.880 for AGO samples, this indicates that the samples are not too heavy and does not contain as much volatile components as the PMS samples. As can be observed in fig. 4, the cetane number of all the samples is between 52.3 and 53. The results obtained are all above the minimum value of 47. The cetane number is a measure of the ignition quality of diesel fuel and is based upon the compound cetane or hexadecane which is assigned a cetane number of 100 (Atoshi and Thomas, 2004). Cetane number is the principal yardstick for measuring the quality of compression ignition engine fuels. It measures the ignition delay time, it affects ease of starting, duration of white smoke after start up, drivability before warm up and intensity of diesel knock at idle ((Nasirudeen et al, 2021)). The results showed that the cetane number of all the AGO samples are within the ASTM specification. It was observed that the flash point values of all the AGO samples studied range between 64 –720c which is within the ASTM specifications of 660c minimum value except for Sample J. Thus, the high flash point values of the AGO samples as shown in Figure 5 above, is an indication that these AGO samples can be handled and stored without serious fire hazards. This could also suggest the absence or negligible presence of highly volatile or flammable fractions in the relatively non – volatile or flammable fuels (Nasirudeen et al, 2021).