There has been a lot noise these past few weeks owing to Petron President and CEO, Ramon S. Ang, publicly asking for more definite guidelines on the preparation of bioethanol from DOE because there is the high possibility that it could corrode the fuel system and valuable engine parts. Petron’s point was that if something bad happened to the car’s engines because of the bioethanol, they would be the one to receive the front end of the public’s anger because they are the ones selling the fuel to them.
The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) immediately called for a meeting with the stake holders of the implementation of the Philippine Biofuel Law in order to get things in order and to allay public fears with regards to the perceived damage caused by bioethanol.
The culprit for corrosion in the fuel systems and engine is because of water seeping in with the bioethanol. Since bioethanol is hygroscopic it will indeed absorb water from the moisture in the air if left standing alone. That is the reason why it is best to mix right away the bioethanol in with the fuel to prevent that water absorption.
The World Wide Fund for nature (WWF) has thrown their own hat into the ring by siding with the DOE and saying that there is no danger in using bioethanol mixed in with ordinary gasoline. They have also attested that the DOE’s rules, guidelines and accreditation systems for oil producers and distributors are stringent enough for the public not to worry.
[source]
Category: Bioethanol, Automotive, Biofuel
