Avoidance of ageing products and deposits of e-fuels as drop-in components in heating oil in components of burner systems in application-technical test benches

In the context of the use of alternative fuels, a standard for paraffinic fuels is currently being developed. A representative of this group are products from the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, which are produced from regenerative hydrogen and a carbon source. Since the hydrogen is obtained from electrolysis via the use of surplus electricity from wind and solar energy, they are also referred to as e-fuels. In order to use such paraffinic Fuels safely and without failures, some investigations have to be done beforehand. On the one hand, it is not clear whether deposit formation occurs in mixtures with conventional fuel oil, and on the other hand, how such deposits can be prevented. Particularly with regard to the different polarity of the components, sediments can precipitate more quickly during aging. These can get stuck in filters and thus clog them. The project is intended to help clarify the conditions for the formation of such deposits, to investigate the resulting deposits in detail, and to develop prevention strategies. The approaches range from changes in the flow conditions in components, to the addition of additives, to the avoidance of certain mixing ratios during refuelling.

Under increased temperature, light, pressure and the influence of catalytic metals, deposits can form in technical fuel oil burners. Some of these influences can be eliminated by the design of the system. However, in all cases there is contact with the surface of burner components, heat at the nozzle due to combustion, and increased pressure in the line from the pump to the nozzle. Under these boundary conditions, various components of burners such as filters, pumps, oil preheaters, and nozzles are brought into contact with fuels in test rigs that are close to the application. In all cases, the fuel is circulated to simulate a real system. The resulting deposits and the aging of the fuels in contact with the components are then examined in more detail. The methods used are standard analysis procedures and various NMR techniques.

The project has received the grant notification from the BMWK as of 01.03.2023.