Compatibility of Synthetic Paraffinic Liquid Fuels with Plastics in Existing Domestic Heating Systems

Synthetic paraffinic fuels can be an important means of achieving the EU's climate protection targets. Their main characteristic is that they are free of aromatics. However, little is currently known about the interaction of these sustainable, synthetic paraffinic fuels with the components in existing oil heating systems. For this reason, the aim of the project is to test the resistance of plastic components in existing oil heating systems to synthetic paraffinic fuels in order to be able to prepare and implement measures at an early stage. The change in properties of the plastic products that are currently installed in oil heating systems or are to be installed in the future was taken into account. Plastic materials and components from the existing system were stored in the synthetic paraffinic fuel at 40 °C for a period of 78 weeks. The materials and fuels were examined at intervals of 26 weeks. For comparison, new materials were also exposed to heating oil and synthetic paraffinic fuel at 40 °C for 48 weeks, alternating every 12 weeks. The materials and fuels were analyzed every 12 weeks during the alternating storage periods. The investigations of the existing goods showed that the paraffinic fuels have an influence on the plastics used. The extent varies depending on the type of plastic. The alternating loading of the virgin material also showed an influence on the properties of the plastics. Various characteristic values also show an alternating reaction to the fuel changes.

The IGF project (21649 N) of the research association DGMK Deutsche Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft für nachhaltige Energieträger, Mobilität und Kohlenstoffkreisläufe e.V., Große Elbstraße 131, 2227 Hamburg, Germany, was funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection via the AiF. Große Elbstraße 131, 22767 Hamburg, was funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection via the AiF as part of the program for the promotion of joint industrial research (IGF) on the basis of a resolution of the German Bundestag.