Oxidation Stability of Diesel-Biodiesel Blends: Impact of Physical-Chemical Properties Over Ageing into Fuel Injection Systems (FIS) and Storage

The increased use of alternative fuels has been linked to deterioration in performance of fuel injection systems as a result of insoluble deposit formation. Here, the impact of Diesel/biodiesel blends formulation and temperature on the oxidation stability was studied based on total acid number (TAN), density, viscosity and surface tension. We have compared fuel oxidation during storage with fuel oxidation into the fuel injection system (FIS) and determined the most important physical-chemical parameters that could be used to follow fuel oxidation on-board. Based on the results obtained, a satisfactory correlation between storage oxidation and fuel on-board degradation was observed. Biodiesel fuel tends to deteriorate during delivery and storage before refueling. Also, fuel ageing on-board is equivalent to 4-5months of storage which means Biodiesel has impact on fuel injection system with long-term storage/parking after high or high-low alternating load operation.