Where is the difference between lead free gasoline and nitrogen rich gasoline?
All gasoline sold today is lead free. Lead-based additives were used in early blends of gasoline to control pre-detonation, which lead to engine knocking and pinging. When auto manufacturers began to include emission controls on cars, it was found that the lead additives were harmful to catalytic converters. Eventually, the harmful effects of lead were discovered and use of lead gasoline began to be phased out in the early 1970’s. The concentration of lead alongside our nations older highways is so great from the previous use of leaded fuels, that when soil scientists sample an area for lead concentrations, they have to stay at least 50 feet away from the roadsides to avoid getting a false concentration. So, where lead free gasoline is basically any gasoline that exists today, nitrogen-rich gasoline is a relatively new idea being used by Shell Oil. The nitrogen additive is being promoted as a cleaner-burning fuel which will reduce engine deposits (carbon build up) and reduce emissions.
