Aderco, a fuel treatment technology specialist with roots originating from the maritime industry, has completed tests of its Aderco 2055G additive on biofuels with several independent laboratories, learns Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times.

“One of the ways to comply with the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s regulation for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction is through the use of biofuel or biofuel blends as a marine fuel,” says Philippe Lecloux, Aderco Group Head of Marine.

“There are different types of biofuels, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks in terms of stability, acidity and microbial growth.”

OXIDATIVE STABILITY

Properties of biofuel may have an impact on the materials used and how they are stored, according to Lecloux.

The higher acid levels in biofuels have a greater potential to induce corrosion in fuel supply systems if allowed to oxidise.

Biodiesel, in particular, is more sensitive to oxidative breakdown than VLSFO due to its higher organic chemical content.

He notes Aderco 2055G having the ability to delay the appearance of volatile by-products and hence, increase the time period before biofuel starts to oxidise.

Under laboratory studies, Aderco 2055G was dosed in three palm-based biofuels with varying levels of blend percentage. In all three samples, oxidation delay increased with the use of the additive. (Results below)

In a second test, three B100 fuels were tested for rancimat. In the case of B100 Biofuga and B100 Verbio, the induction time of biodiesel almost double in the presence of 2055G. (Results below)

ACIDITY DUE TO OXIDISATION

Once oxidative elements are present in biofuel, the fuel blend starts to become acidic which can increase in intensity if the fuel is left untreated – leading to corrosion in the storage tank and damage to the fuel system, informs Lecloux.

“In advanced stages, this could lead to increased fuel acidity, which could result in corrosion in the fuel system and accumulation of deposits in pumps and injectors,” he shares.

“Some types of hoses and gaskets could degrade, leading to loss of integrity and interaction with some metallic material such as copper, brass, and lead among others.”

In general, test results (above) showed the pH of all three samples decreasing slightly with the water content remaining stable during the test period of 31 days.

Results further showed Aderco 2055G decreasing the acidity of biodiesel+ 2% water mixture; this is due to the basicity of Aderco 2055G which negates the acidity developed in the fuel.

MICROBIAL GROWTH

Tests from independent laboratories also showed Aderco 2055G being an effective inhibitor against microbial development, states Lecloux.

“Bacteria and mould can form in biodiesel fuel when being exposed to condensed water [found within storage tanks] and microbial proliferation results in excessive sludge development, blocked filters, and clogged pipes,” he notes.

Analysis measuring Colony Forming Units (UFCs) showed the effectiveness of Aderco 2055G in inhibiting the development of the colonies. In summary, studies (above) showed:

• Microbial growth in biodiesel with 2% water (without Aderco 2055G) doubles after 6 days of test.
• Addition of Aderco 2055G to biodiesel with 2% water prevented the growth of bacteria all through 31 days.

“Aderco 2055G forms a selectively permeable barrier between water and fuel and only allows water to pass through and settle at the bottom of the tank,” explains Lecloux.

“The creation of the barrier prevents microbes and bacteria from reaching and contaminating the fuel. Careful and regular draining of water facilitates the removal of these organisms.”

Note: All tests were conducted by independent laboratories with guidance from Aderco. Complete test documentation and case studies can be requested from Aderco’s Technical Department ([email protected]).

About Philippe Lecloux

Philippe Lecloux, Aderco Group Head of Marine, began his career at sea in 1984 and served 17 years as Chief Engineer on board complex oil and chemical carriers owned, operated and managed by blue-chip European players. He is a graduate of the Antwerp Marine Academy (Belgium).

Philippe also gained shore-based experience as Technical Manager, supervising a fleet of ice-class chemical tankers.

He later moved to Singapore as Technical Director where he developed and successfully headed a new ship management division and various other projects. In 2013, the prestigious Lloyd’s List Asia Awards rewarded his team in the Training category.

Since January 2017, Philippe has been spearheading the Aderco Group’s development in the dynamic Asia/Pacific/Oceania markets.

Photo credit: Aderco
Published: 13 October, 2022