Aftermarket July/August 2022 Issue

BY Frank Massey C OVID-19 and the last two years may have reset how we, dare I say, plan, for the future. If the pandemic wasn’t enough, the events of the last four months have only reaffirmed the need to think further ahead than we have been used to doing. The war in Ukraine has affected parts supply as well as fuel stocks and delivery. I have chosen to revisit bioethanol fuel and its effect on vehicle design and servicing. I’m not a farming expert but I do know that Ukraine is a supplier of raw ingredients, such as wheat, maze, and sugar cane. The UK has quite recently introduced E10 at our pumps. Fortunately, E5 is still available, reserved for our high-energy fuels. I’m glad about this on a personal level, because that is all I ever use. I do not buy into some of the statements regarding the introduction of bioethanol fuels as they have their roots with political initiatives, reducing C02 levels, reducing farming subsidies and overproduction waste, and replacing fossil fuel production. The process of creating bioethanol fuel by alcoholic fermentation is above my pay grade, but I wonder what the hidden pollution cost of farming, transportation and actual production is? 24 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2022 TECHNICAL www.aftermarketonline.net ADDING FUEL TO THE FIRE The increased ethanol content of petrol in the UK is causing all sorts of issues, and Frank says you need to start paying attention in this area I suggest you look at biomass fuels for electricity production, which is one of the most dishonest clean energy claims. I am often found cycling through north Lincolnshire, where I am well-placed to watch the endless trains on their way to Drax power station. Biomass is wood or trees, a great deal comes from North America. It’s worth a thought while driving EVs! Ethanol is an organic hydrocarbon which like petroleum consists of carbon molecules. The ethanol chain is comprised of two carbon molecules, each supporting three hydrogen atoms and a hydroxyl group; Oxygen with one hydrogen atom. Bioethanol can be identified as ethanol produced from biomass (a renewable carbon source), or waste material, vegetables, timber (trees) straw, or plant- based material. My last statement is the biggest objection to claims of what makes a renewable energy source. Biomass fuel is combusted much faster than its source can be renewed. In short, trees do not grow quickly. In Europe under DIN EN 228, 5% ethanol is allowed in petroleum fuels without additional labelling on the pump, whereas 10% and above must be identified. Percentages up to 85% are possible but only with highly modified vehicles. Ethanol has a fixed boiling point of 78°C. This has a direct