A commercial grade of Bio-Hydrogenated Diesel (BHD) has been tested to assess its suitability for field applications. This BHD grade was partly isomerised and it was blended into diesel fuel at ratios from 5% to 30%. The testing done compared these blends to the fossil diesel and the fossil diesel containing 5% Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) from palm oil.
The testing carried out includes a range of engine, field and laboratory testing to understand the impact of BHD on fuel specification, fuel performance, harms and diesel fuel additive requirement and appetite.
An extensive program of laboratory testing has been undertaken to assess the impact of different BHD ratios on fuel specification and other performance and harms tests like lubricity, water interaction, anti-oxidant requirement and fuel stability at low T.
The vehicle performance assessment included testing to evaluate the impact on emissions and driveability, and field testing aimed at defining the low temperature behaviour of the iso-BHD component when blended into diesel fuel.
The data generated so far indicates that iso-BHD is a suitable material for use in the field. It has some intrinsic advantages like reduction in emissions, and it can boost cetane value. However, care should be taken to ensure the correct cold flow response and that appropriate fuel additive chemistry is selected.