biodiesel

Diesel fuels and gasoline with a higher proportion of biofuels beginning 2007
Biodiesel – harmless fuel alternative?
Since January 1, 2007, diesel fuel contains 4.4 % biodiesel and gasoline 2 % bioethanol. Due to their specific properties, these biogenic fuels may be used in their pure forms only in manufacturer-approved vehicles or those which have been specially converted. Does a mixture with biogenic fuels have a negative effect on fuel qualities and on conventional diesel and gasoline engines?

Adding biogenic fuel is not new. Since 2005 small percentages of biodiesel and bioethanol have been mixed in with fossil fuels used for transport.

Biodiesel (RME = rapeseed methyl ester), which is added to conventional fossil diesel, is more aggressive than diesel fuel derived from crude oil. The greater the biodiesel portion added to conventional diesel fuel, the more aggressive and corrosive the mixture is towards sealing elements and fuel lines. Biodiesel can also reduce the aging stability of the fuel. Thus biodiesel should not be stored for more than six months; after that it becomes instable.
Added to gasoline, bioethanol is made from renewable raw materials such as corn, potatoes, rye and sugar beets. In contrast to fossil gasoline, bioethanol in its pure form exhibits irregular properties, such as a different vapor pressure that can cause water to form in the fuel.
Vehicles that are not specially equipped and approved by the manufacturer cannot use pure biodiesel or bioethanol without risking serious damage to the vehicle. In the future, the proportion of biogenic fuels is supposed to increase. Will the increasing proportion of biodiesel in conventional fuel also have an effect on the performance and service life of our cars?

Thanks to relevant DIN regulations that were established due to the commitment of automobile manufacturers, the mineral oil industry and government offices, minimum requirements and quality criteria have been defined for fuels available in Germany. With the use of additives by fuel manufacturers, plus corresponding cleaning and control measures at gas stations, high but costly quality is already guaranteed. Provided that the mixture of gasoline and biogenic fuels is sold nationwide in Germany with consistent quality, corresponding wear on vehicles can be avoided. Across the board use, however, is currently difficult if not impossible to guarantee because of insufficient availability of bioethanol and biodiesel.

It is then up to consumers to protect their cars against possible wear and damage. By using suitable fuel additives, such as BIODIESEL ADDITIVE from LIQUI MOLY, potential disadvantages of the biogenic fuels can be greatly offset and in some cases the fuels can be significantly improved. Additives are basic components of fuels available in Germany. The quality of the fuel depends on the proportion of additive. Special additives can work preventatively to protect automobiles from the negative effects of low-quality fuels. The additives are simply added to the fuel in the tank.