Biodiesel fuel contaminant characteristics for optimization of filtration system performance.

The increase in the price of petroleum-based fuel due to increasing demand and exacerbated by the war has made various countries start competing in managing available alternative energy, including bio-based fuels. Bio-based alternative fuels are also helpful in the transition to net zero emissions by 2050. Indonesia has successfully implemented B30 in the land transportation sector without significant problems. In the future, Indonesia plans to implement B40 or more; this is a challenge that is not easy, especially in the marine sector, with different distribution patterns, storage, operation, and engine characteristics, which pose a significant risk to the reliability of ship operations and increased maintenance costs. This research is directed to determine the level of fuel degradation in ships. With the advanced technology of the ship's engine, the water content specification is 200 ppm, and ISO cleanliness is 18/17/14. This specification is generally applied to engines with EU stage 2/Tier 2 specifications. As for higher technology, some engine manufacturers refer to WWFC with a maximum ISO cleanliness of 18/16/13. The fuel parameters that focus on this research are ISO cleanliness, water content, TAN, bacteria growth, and metal content. B30 samples taken from marine showed TAN and water content test results of around 27% and 65% below the national standard. Bacterial growth <10 CFU/ml, levels of some metal content in the range of less than or equal to 1 ppm. Particle count r>4 microns around 1300%, r>6 around 400-500%, and r>14 around 60-100%, all % above the limit based on WWFC 2019. High particle content can cause faster filter clogging and potentially damage the engine if the abrasive material enters the engine. The contaminant characterization data carried out in this study are beneficial as reference data in optimizing and selecting a suitable filtration system more appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]