Photo: Caterpillar Inc.
February 20, 2018
BY AGQM
The University of Rostock demonstrates in current research results that off-road engines conforming to exhaust emission category EU Stage IV are suitable for operation with pure biodiesel.
The German government’s climate protection plan 2050 intends a reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions in transport sector by 40 percent until 2030. A reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions of fuels by 6 percent is fixed by law until 2020. Fleet operation with pure biodiesel (B100) is already an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
Advertisement
The research project at the University of Rostock shows the suitability of B100 at an EU Stage IV engine for industry and agriculture. Special attention was given to the operational stability of exhaust gas aftertreatment systems in endurance tests. The use of exhaust gas aftertreatment systems with diesel particulate filters (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is mandatory to comply with the increasingly stricter emission limits for vehicles.
The long-term studies and comparative measurements with fossil diesel fuel at the University of Rostock show that the performance of the engine and the exhaust gas aftertreatment system stays unaffected while using B100. Emission limits and performance parameters can be fully complied with even after 1,000 operating hours.
Advertisement
There was no negative impact on the engine or the exhaust gas aftertreatment system by the biodiesel, which was provided by Germany’s biodiesel quality management association (AGQM) and reflects the usual quality of the biodiesel produced by the members of AGQM. By means of unannounced and independent samplings at producers and traders, the biodiesel quality is verified and ensured regularly. The results of these samplings are published in an annual quality report on AGQM’s website.
The findings of the project demonstrate once more the possibility to use biodiesel in road traffic and the off-road sector to contribute to the achievement of the climate targets for the transport sector. As a reaction to the promising outcome of the project, Deutz AG last November approved all of its EU Stage IV tractors for the use of B100. The tested aftertreatment system is in principle also used for emission category EU Stage V engines, which is why a B100 release appears to be possible here as well.
The project was supported by the German Ministry for Food and Agriculture (Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft, BMEL), AGQM, Deutz AG and UFOP (Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen). The final report can be downloaded on the website of the Agency for Renewable Resources (Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V., FNR) under www.fnr.de.
Keolis Commuter Services, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s operations and maintenance partner for the Commuter Rail, has launched an alternative fuel pilot utilizing renewable diesel for some locomotives.
Luxury North Dakota FBO, Overland Aviation—together with leading independent fuel supplier, Avfuel Corp.— on May 19 announced it accepted a 8,000-gallon delivery of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on May 12.
Neste and FedEx, the world’s largest express cargo airline, have agreed on the supply of 8,800 metric tons (more than 3 million gallons) of blended Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel to FedEx at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Wheels Up Experience Inc. on May 6 announced the launch of its new SAF program, under which Wheels Up will partner with Delta Air Lines to purchase SAF, allowing private fliers to participate regardless of their flight operator or departure airport.
Germany-based Mabanaft on April 17 announced it started to supply SAF to airlines at Frankfurt Airport in January. The company said it will deliver more than 1,000 metric tons of SAF to the airport this year under the European SAF mandate.