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Ethanol - Experiences and Issues

Ethanol - Experiences and Issues. Dr. R.K.Malhotra General Manager IOC, R&D Centre - Faridabad. April, 2006. INDIAN EXPERIENCE- ETHANOL. In 1979, the Ministry of Petroleum, Chemicals and Fertilizers, constituted an Inter- Departmental Committee to examine the use of alcohol as fuel.

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Ethanol - Experiences and Issues

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  1. Ethanol - Experiences and Issues Dr. R.K.Malhotra General Manager IOC, R&D Centre - Faridabad April, 2006

  2. INDIAN EXPERIENCE- ETHANOL • In 1979, the Ministry of Petroleum, Chemicals and Fertilizers, constituted an Inter- Departmental Committee to examine the use of alcohol as fuel. • Trials conducted by IOC R&D and IIP, Dehradun on 15 cars and three wheelers using 10 & 20% ethanol blends. • In 1991 demonstration trials were taken up by IITD and IOC marketing using 5 to 10% ethanol blends on 93 government vehicles for one year. • In the year 2000, MoP&NG decided to take up R&D studies and pilot projects in the country.

  3. R&D STUDIES • Chemical testing of blends • Cold / hot startability and driveability studies • Emission testing using alcohol blends • Controlled field trials - fuel system compatibility and engine durability Pilot Projects commissioned during 2001 –02 in sugar producing states of India.

  4. OBSERVATION ON TESTING OF BLENDS • Octane number of gasoline increases with ethanol blending - Offer opportunities to refineries for reducing benzene and MTBE • Copper impurity in the anhydrous ethanol acts as precursor for oxidation of the blends • Additional dosage of anti-oxidants will be required to meet potential gum specification and avoid engine deposit formation • Addition of corrosion inhibitor required as blends reported to cause problems on carburetor needles of two wheelers • Emissions of CO &HC found lower with ethanol in gasoline with slight increase in NOx & Aldehyde

  5. PILOT PROJECTS-FACILITIES PROVIDED BY OIL COMPANIES • Separate storage tanks for Ethanol at supply locations / depots. • Pipeline and metering unit for Ethanol. • Cleaning / Replacing of petrol tanks at retail outlets • Silica gel traps for vent pipes of underground tanks at Depots & retail outlets. • Ethanol testing equipments.

  6. ISSUES ADDRESSED DURING PILOT PROJECTS • Quality of anhydrous ethanol- phase separation • Alcohol gasoline blend separation • Volatility – vapour lock problems in vehicles • Effect on fuels system components of vehicles • Storage, handling and distribution Based on the success of these projects Pilot Projects Govt. of India decided to launch 5% Ethanol gasoline blends in 9 states and 4 Union Territories.

  7. ETHANOL IN DIESEL – STUDIES AT IOC R&D • Blending of diesel with Ethanol affects • Blend Stability- poor and would need couplers • Viscosity & lubricity- lower but can be restored with lubricity improver • Cetane value – lower; can be restored with additives • Lower Energy Content& Flash Point • Material Compatibility and Corrosion are matters of concern for engine durability IOC R&D successfully developed additive package with coupler for blending of 5% ethanol in diesel. This blend meets most of the properties of diesel as per BIS except Flash Point

  8. APPREHENSIONS OF OEMs ON USE OF ETHANOL-DIESEL BLENDS • Lubricity • Power loss • Corrosion of Zinc and aluminum components • Stability / fuel filter clogging • Compatibility with fuel system components

  9. ISSUES RELATED TO ETHANOL USE IN INDIA • Ethanol blending in Gasoline upto 5% is approved by vehicle manufacturers & BIS. • BIS has set up an Adhoc Panel for addressing the issue of 10 % Ethanol blending in gasoline. • 10% Ethanol blending is being examined by the Vehicle manufacturers. • Sustained availability of Ethanol at reasonable price is another issue of concern.

  10. TECHNOLOGY GAPS • Optimization of blending ratios for best performance with minimum modifications on engines. • Modifications in the engine and fuel system of the vehicles for using higher blends. • Selection of appropriate materials for fuel system components compatible with bio-fuel blends.

  11. Thank you

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