Get to know ethanol in Pertamina’s fuel and its impact on vehicles
What is ethanol and its impact on fuel?
Ethanol, which has the chemical formula C2H5OH, is one of the alcohol compounds that is often used in various fields. In the context of fuel, ethanol is a topic that is quite hotly discussed, especially after PT Pertamina Patra Niaga (PPN) imports BBM products that contain this compound. This triggered a public debate, because the ethanol content allegedly made private fuel providers reluctant to absorb the fuel.
Many people are starting to find out what ethanol is and how it impacts on vehicles. According to a fuel and lubricant expert, Tri Yuswidjajanto, ethanol has various functions and benefits, including as a mixture of gasoline, raw materials for other chemical compounds, disinfectants, medicinal solvents or perfumes, preservatives, liquor, flavor extraction, coolant, and cleaning agents.
the benefits of ethanol in fuel
One of the advantages of ethanol is its ability to increase the octane number (RON). Ethanol has a RON of about 110 to 120, so a mixture of 3.5 percent ethanol (E3.5) can increase the RON of fuel by about 4 points. In addition, ethanol can also help reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and reduce the crust found in the fuel line due to detergents or solvents.
Ethanol is widely used in various countries such as the United States (E10), Brazil (E85), Europe (E10), India (E20), Thailand (E20), Australia (E10), and others. Its use as a mixed fuel is very common, especially to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
negative impact of ethanol on vehicles
Although it has benefits, ethanol also has a negative effect that needs to be considered. One of them is the hygroscopic properties of ethanol, which is its ability to absorb water vapor from the air. If there is water in gasoline that contains ethanol, then ethanol will dissolve into the water, which has an impact on decreasing the RON of the fuel.
In addition, vehicle components made from a mixture of natural rubber and exposed to ethanol can be stretched, making them prone to leakage. This requires an increase in the need for a deposit controller additive so that the engine components remain clean and the fuel flow is not disturbed.
Then, the ethanol content can also cause the risk of vapour lock, which is a condition where fuel vapor inhibits fuel supply. This occurs because of the volatile nature of ethanol at room temperature or environment.
Conclusion
Ethanol has an important role in the world of fuel, both positively and negatively. Although it provides benefits such as increasing octane and reducing emissions, ethanol also requires proper management so as not to cause problems with vehicle components. Communities and industry players need to understand the properties of ethanol in order to use it optimally and safely.
