Compatibility of Methanol Fuel Blends With Gasoline Vehicles and Engines in Indonesia

An alcohol/gasoline blend for vehicle engines is under consideration by the Indonesian government. The blend, called A20, consists of 80% gasoline, 15% methanol, and 5% ethanol. Such blends can improve fuel quality, but their use in unmodified vehicles and unmodified fueling infrastructure could result in problems of compatibility with small engines and older vehicles, with poorer driving performance. The authors performed a literature review to understand the advantages and risks of methanol/gasoline blends in unmodified light-duty vehicles, two- and three-wheel vehicles, and small engines such as those in construction equipment and lawnmowers. Potential advantages of A20 include improved power and torque, with resistance against engine knocking, but possible problems include elevated risk of phase separation, vapor lock, and deterioration of metals, alloys, and polymers in engines. Particular difficulties with A20 for Indonesia are its high sulfur and aromatic content, increasing the risk of water contamination and vapor lock due to the country’s hot and humid climate. The risks could result in decreased drivability, engine stalling or damage and harm to fueling infrastructure. Evidence suggests that the problems can be solved, but it is likely that in using A20 Indonesia would incur substantial capital and maintenance costs.

• Record URL:
  • https://theicct.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Methanol-Indonesia-ENG-dec21.pdf
• 
• Summary URL:
  • https://theicct.org/publication/methanol-indonesia-eng-dec21/
• Corporate Authors:

  International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT)

  1500 K Street NW, Suite 650
  Washington, DC  United States  20005

  David and Lucile Packard Foundation

  ,    
• Authors:
  • Martin, Abigail
  • O'Malley, Jane
• Publication Date: 2021-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: White Paper
• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: 23p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alcohol fuels; Fuel mixtures; Gasoline engines; Methanol fuels
• Geographic Terms: Indonesia
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01837639
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 28 2022 9:40AM