AGQM_icons_rgb_Additivprüfung.jpg Flow Improvers for FAME as Fuel Component

In diesel fuels and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), to assure quality and to improve properties, additives such as MDFI, WASA, lubricity additives and oxidation stabilizers are used. These can lead to incomplete combustion, corrosion, increased emissions or blockages in filters and injectors due to unwanted interactions. For the safe use of these additives - from blending to application and combustion in the engine - potential problems must be identified in advance. For this purpose, suitable test methods - so-called "no-harm tests" - were developed.

Cold resistance and cold operability are important quality parameters of fuels. To increase cold resistance, Biodiesel Flow Improvers (BDFI) can be added to FAME. These modify the rhombic crystals formed beneath the cloudpoint to smaller size needles so that the formed crystals can not aggregate and clog the filters. Thus, the driving ability of a vehicle can be maintained even at low temperatures.

In cooperation with the mineral oil and additives industry, AGQM has developed a test program that can be used to extensively test undesirable interactions for FAME as a blend component in diesel fuels (up to 10% (V/V) FAME, B10). The test program contains the following points:

- Minimum requirements (e.g., CFPP lowering, ash content, flashpoint, total contamination, interactions test)
- Filtration test
- Engine oil compatibility
- Corrosion test
- Foam test
- Emulsion test
- XUD9 test.

All successfully tested flow improvers will be listed on the publicly available no-harm list.

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