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

 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. INDIAN EXPERIENCE- ETHANOL

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

 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. ISSUES RELATED TO ETHANOL USE IN INDIA

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.

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