NEW BIO FUELS

The FBHVC Official Position

For the full text click go to the FBHVC website

Click here for the latest position on FUEL ADDITIVES

 

The permitted ethanol content in petrol is to rise from 5% to 10% in 2013.  As reported in last month’s newsletter, the FBHVC, on our behalf, is commissioning tests on the effects of adding Ethanol to petrol.  This month, we print their advice on the effect of the new petrol on various metals.

A number of difficulties have already been experienced by Federation members, most notably in respect of petrol tanks. Some types of sealing compounds react adversely to the presence of ethanol in the petrol, resulting in sticky deposits being washed through into the fuel system. While this is distressing for the victim, there are sealing compounds on the market which are compatible with petrol containing ethanol. It should be possible to re-seal the affected tank with a compatible product, after thorough cleaning to remove all traces of the non-compatible material.

 

The current level of volatility in petrol will not change, but will be adapted (downwards) to accommodate the increased volatility caused by adding ethanol. In theory, this should mean that drivers will not notice any difference in operation with fuels containing ethanol.

At the end of April 2011 the Federation contacted seven companies inviting them to take part in the FBHVC test programme (for additives to protect against the main problems likely to be encountered for petrol and diesel fuelled vehicles). Those products that pass the test may then carry the FBHVC logo on the packaging. This endorsement will be similar to that given to the lead replacement additives that protect against valve seat recession and the products submitted will either be given a ‘pass’ or a ‘fail’; we will not grade them for effectiveness.

‘TetraBOOST E-Guard™ has been specially formulated to give protection from potential damage caused by ethanol in petrol, except for GRP tanks and sealants. See last month’s newsletter for further details.

Any tank sealant manufactured in USA should not be affected by ethanol (e.g. the Frost brand) as ethanol has been in USA petrol for some time. To be sure of avoiding problems customers should check that any such product does indicate it can be used with fuel containing ethanol.

Many seals have a ‘memory’ and may leak when introduced to ethanol when they are old. The same type of seal may not leak when new. A solvent is available to remove existing tank sealant from steel tanks (but not aluminium or GRP), Epoxy Remover made by Tank Cure and supplied by LB Services. However the active ingredient in this product is methylene chloride, aka paint stripper, which it is feared may be the subject of a proposed ban itself.

Full details can be found on the FBHVC website: http://fbhvc.co.uk/bio-fuels/

 

Material Recommended Not Recommended

Metals

Carbon steel with post-weld heat treatment of carbon steel piping and internal lining of carbon steel tanks

Stainless steel

Bronze

Aluminium

Zinc and galvanised materials

Brass

Copper

Lead/tin coated steel

Aluminium (may be an issue for E100)

Elastomers

Buna-N (hoses & gaskets)Fluorel

Fluorosilicone

Neoprene (hoses & gaskets)

Polysulfide rubber

Viton

Buna-N (seals only)

Neoprene (seals only)

Urethane rubber

Acrylonitrile-butadiene hoses

Polybutene terephthalate

Polymers

Acetal

Polypropylene

Polyethylene

Teflon

Fibreglass-reinforced plastic

Polyurethane

Polymers containing alcohol groups (such as alcohol based pipe dope)

Nylon 66

Fibreglass-reinforced polyester and epoxy resins

Shellac

Others

Paper

Leather

Cork