Within this project, a forced test method was developed to determine the resistance of metallic materials to middle distillate fuels and mixtures of middle distillate and paraffinic hydrocarbons both with fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) as a biogenic component. In the method, specimens of the material are immersed in special test media. The compositions of two test media were developed within the project. These test media include the influence of aging of the FAME which is to be expected after a storage of the fuel exceeding 2 years in the field. They cover a range of up to 20 % (v/v) FAME content. The exposure test can be carried out at ambient pressure with little effort.
Suitability of selected metallic and polymer materials relevant for middle distillate supply systems was determined by exposure to the following non-aged fuels: low-sulfur light fuel oil (B0), low-sulfur light fuel oil with 20 % (v/v) FAME (B20), FAME (B100) and hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO). The materials were also exposed in the 1-year-aged B20 and 8-yearaged B10. Test temperature was 50 °C for metallic materials and 40 °C and 70 °C for polymers. Resulting materials resistances were summarized in resistance tables. Resistances obtained in B20 are valid for any mixture of low-sulfur light fuel oil and FAME containing up to 20 % (v/v) FAME. They are also transferable to mixtures of diesel and FAME having a FAME content of up to 20 % (v/v).
This method with special test media is a cost-effective rapid test for checking resistance of materials to middle distillates having a high FAME content. It can support SMEs manufacturing components for supply systems in further development of existing and new products. It increases the manufacturers' certainty that components will pass approval tests of authorities.
Results of this research project can be incorporated into a harmonized European standard for alternative fuels. This is the prerequisite for component manufacturers to access the European market.