Biofuel effects

As the off-highway industry in Europe prepares for the introduction of biofuel, specialists are attempting to anticipate potential mechanical and chemical problem's it may bring to powertrain systems and component operation-and prepare the answers.

An important question is looming in the minds of many off-highway vehicle operators: What may be the effect of biofuels on the performance and durability of engines, after treatment, and fuel-handling systems?

“The short answer is that we really don't know,” said Andrew Eastlake, Head of Laboratories at the UK test and development center Millbrook. “At relatively low levels of bio content, we know what changes to make to fuel-handling components such as seals and pipes to ensure the durability that operators need, but at higher bio contents there is still a lot to learn.”