U.S. DOE helping biodiesel promoters develop accelerated oxidation test method

Diesel Fuel News, March 3, 2003

To help overcome diesel engine and fuel systems maker concerns, U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) renewable fuels division is aiding research & development on an accelerated oxidation test method, DOE official Steve Goguen told the Energy Frontiers International conference last week. While anti-oxidants can stabilize biodiesel fuels and blends, equipment makers want an oxidative stability standard that ensures protection of fuel/engine systems.

On a related front, DOE and National Renewable Energy Lab are investigating compatibility and fuel properties of various types of biodiesel blends (rapeseed, soy, oxidized soy), blend amounts (5 and 20% blends), mixed with ULSD base fuel. This investigation will look at O-ring elastomer compatibility, and fuel pump and injector wear tests, including 500-hour pump tests on seven fuels, rotary and common-rail designs, and injector wear at elevated temperatures.