Brazil advances trials of B20 and B25
In Brazil, studies evaluating the increase in the proportion of biodiesel mixed with diesel have advanced to a new stage. The Easy Single Road, in Petrópolis, in Rio de Janeiro, received 10,000 liters of B20 and 10,000 liters of B25 for tests with buses that will be accompanied by the National Institute of Technology (INT), a unit linked to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI).
The acronyms indicate the amount of biodiesel present in the fuel. The B20 contains 20% biodiesel and 80% fossil diesel. In B25, the share of biofuel rises to 25%. The studies seek to verify whether mixtures with higher levels can be used without compromising the performance and operation of vehicles.
With the arrival of fuels to the bus company, researchers will be able to track the behavior of the mixtures during the movement of the vehicles on the roads. Among the aspects evaluated are consumption, engine power, vehicle performance and the efficiency and service life of fuel filters.
Prior to the start of supply, the INT prepared the necessary structure to avoid contact with new mixtures with previously stored fuel waste. Among the measures adopted are the cleaning of the tanks used by the company and the replacement of the filtering elements before the receipt of new loads, in order to prevent accumulated impurities from compromise the results.
The B20 and B25 mixtures used in the tests were prepared by Vibra, a distributor that has a license to use the Petrobras brand in its network of stations. The company was responsible, together with the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), for the supply of fuels to the laboratories participating in the studies.
The tests are part of the Technical Feasibility Assessment Plan of mixtures with levels greater than 15% and up to 25% biodiesel. The evaluation includes performance analyses, emissions, durability, fuel stability and compatibility with the materials present in the vehicles.
Category: Research
