Development of a Test Method for Assessment of Material Resistance in Applications with Middle Distillate

Middle distillates are offered on the market with an admixture of bio-components. In the case of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) as an alternative component, the heating equipment industry releases its products for the most part only up to an admixture of 10 % (V/V), as there is a risk of adverse interactions with the materials of the fuel-carrying components and impairments to the function of the plants. For FAME, 20 % (V/V) are set as admixing limits by DIN SPEC 51603 Part 6. Currently, the durability of the components of supply systems cannot be guaranteed for these alternative fuels.

Within the framework of the research project, a forced and thus conservative test method for the investigation of the resistance of materials in fuel oil FAME, fuel oil HVO-FAME and diesel FAME blends is to be developed as an example, which is suitable for an application at the component manufacturers. If FAME is added, it is important to take into account the ageing effects of the medium when assessing the corrosion system material/medium/environment. As a solution approach, the corrosion test, designed as an ageing test, will map the load from aged alternative fuels using synthetic test media to be developed in the project and accelerate the corrosion through increased pressure and temperature. A selection of metals, alloys, and polymers will be aged with the forced test method in the synthetic test media and according to standardised test methods in the test fluid for B20 outsourced.

The DGMK research report is available.