Fuel testing and the environment has become a controversial topic. Fuel testing has been a standard practice for oil refineries and other facilities that handle hazardous or flammable materials for many years.
This post will discuss the process of fuel testing and answer the question, ‘Do we need to test our fuels?’ and ‘How does fuel testing help the environment?’.
The Process of Fuel Testing
Fuels Tested
Gasoline
Gasoline is a physical and chemical blend of hydrocarbons. Gasoline, gasoline-ethanol mixes (E85), aviation fuel (GAF), and racing fuel (RPM) are all tested. A comprehensive inspection and testing system are used to ensure the quality of gasoline, gasoline-ethanol blends (E85), aviation fuel (GAF), and racing fuels.
Fuel characteristics must be adjusted to ensure engine performance under various circumstances. The current gasoline requirements mostly compromise quality, environmental, and performance needs. The antiknock (octane) rating, corrosion protection, sulfur content, and other attributes need to be balanced to improve a vehicle’s performance.
Distillate Fuels
Distillate fuels are a broad category of motor fuels that include a variety of subcategories, such as No. 1 and No. 2 fuel oil, No. 1-D and No. 2-D diesel fuel, No. 1-K and No. 2-K kerosene, Jet-A, Jet A-1, and Jet B aviation fuel.
Fuel Laboratory Tests Performed
1. Lead
By the turn of the millennium, leaded gasoline had been outlawed throughout the European Union, including the United Kingdom. As a direct result of the prohibition, pollution levels decreased dramatically.
2. Octane
The Antiknock Index (AKI), also known as octane quality, is the parameter utilised most of the time when rating gasoline. Octane is an indicator of how well fuel can withstand knocking or spontaneous igniting. When determining the AKI of gasoline, the Research Octane Number (RON) and the Motor Octane Number (MON) are considered.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol is frequently blended into gasoline to give it a higher-octane rating. At the moment, the only kind of alcohol that is used in the process of improving gasoline is ethanol.
4. Copper Corrosion
Copper corrosion standards have been established for gasoline to prevent excessive corrosion in the vehicle’s fuel system.
5. Cetane Number
The cetane rating of diesel engines is determined through a test for cetane. The development of an audible knock, high stresses, and significant vibration can occur in a diesel engine due to the long ignition delay caused by low cetane, which can be problematic. In cold conditions, low cetane can also cause the engine to misfire and produce excessive white smoke. The ASTM D 613 standard is used to determine the official cetane rating.
6. Flash Point
For a fuel to ignite when exposed to an open flame, its flash point must be met. The flash point is the deciding factor when it comes to handling fuel. A fuel with a low flash point runs the risk of igniting, flashing, and exploding. A low flash point might also indicate fuel contamination. A high flash point is needed to avoid electrostatic hazards when pumping distillate fuels.
Other laboratory tests performed on fuel to determine its quality are:
- Cloud Point
- API Gravity
- High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR)
- Oxidation Stability
- Water and Sediment
- Sulfur
- Viscosity
- Water Tolerance
Do We Need to Test Our Fuels?
Fuel testing is now more important than ever because of the change in the EN590 fuel standard in 2011. The amendment increased the content of FAME biodiesel while decreasing Sulphur content to practically nil. Microbial contamination and repolymerisation of fuel are more likely to occur due to the changes. Here are a few good reasons why you should check your fuel quality frequently:
Keep the Cost of Repairs and Replacement Parts to A Minimum
Oil and gasoline impurities are two of the potential causes of component wear and damage. In addition, the pollutant may cause the filters to get clogged, limiting the amount of fuel delivered to the engine. Enhancing the purity of your fuel is essential to ensuring that your engine and fuel system continue to operate effectively and avoid premature wearing out of critical components.
Maximise Energy Generation
Your fuel’s combustion efficiency can be adversely affected by impurities. You’ll be unable to get the most out of your machinery, and your productivity will suffer. In addition, it can lead to a rise in fuel usage, consequently lowering profits margins.
Adherence to Rules and Regulations
All fuel distributors in the United Kingdom are required by law to adhere to quality standards for the fuel they distribute. Government inspectors often go around collecting fuel samples from distributors to conduct quality control tests. Non-compliance can result in significant fines or even criminal charges.
How Does Fuel Testing Help the Environment?
Fuel testing ensures only high-quality fuels reach the engines. Quality fuels produce less emissions of harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, sulfide, nitrogen oxides, soot, and volatile organic compounds. In other words, this results in better air quality, which lowers the chance of catastrophic climate change.
It is cost effective. The use of “dirty” fuels has been shown to be more expensive in terms of environmental and health consequences than testing fuels and using cleaner fuels.
