Did you know?
The facts and figures about the alkylate fuel
What is alkylate fuel?
Alkylate fuel is a type of high-octane gasoline that is produced by combining light olefins, such as propylene and butylene, with isobutane in a process called alkylation. Alkylation is a refining process that involves the introduction of alkyl groups (hydrocarbon chains) into the gasoline blend to improve its octane rating and enhance its performance.
Alkylate fuel has several advantages over conventional gasoline. It has a higher octane rating, which means it provides better resistance to knocking or engine knocking. Knocking refers to the undesirable spontaneous combustion of the fuel-air mixture in an engine, which can lead to engine damage and decreased performance. By using alkylate fuel, the risk of knocking is significantly reduced.
Moreover, alkylate fuel has lower concentrations of harmful pollutants, such as sulfur, aromatic hydrocarbons, and olefins, compared to regular gasoline. This makes it cleaner-burning and less polluting, contributing to improved air quality and reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Alkylate fuel is commonly used in high-performance engines, including those found in racing cars, aircraft, and small engines (e.g., lawnmowers, chainsaws). Its superior octane rating and cleaner composition make it suitable for applications that require efficient and reliable operation with minimal engine wear and emissions.
Is alkylate fuel something new?
Actually, not. Alkylate fuel was invented in the early 1930s by Eugene Houdry, a French mechanical engineer and inventor. Houdry developed the process of alkylation, which involves combining olefins, such as propylene or butylene, with isobutane in the presence of an acid catalyst to produce high-octane alkylate fuel. This invention significantly improved the octane rating of gasoline and became an important component in the production of high-quality gasoline used in aviation and automotive industries.
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Alkylate fuel started to see significant use in the mid-20th century, particularly during and after World War II. The demand for high-octane gasoline, suitable for aviation and military applications, drove the widespread adoption of alkylate fuel. Additionally, as automotive engines became more sophisticated and required higher-octane fuels to prevent knocking and improve performance, alkylate fuel became increasingly important in the automotive industry as well. The 1950s and 1960s saw a substantial increase in the use of alkylate fuel as refining technologies advanced and the benefits of alkylate in gasoline blends became more apparent. Today, alkylate fuel continues to be an essential component in the production of high-quality gasoline used in various applications, including aviation and high-performance automotive engines.
In which countries is it mandatory to use alkylate fuel for 2-stroke engines?
Austria:
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As of June 1, 2015, a rule changed for hand-held two-stroke engines. Now, only alkylate petrol, which is benzene-free, can be used in these engines. Benzene is carcinogenic. In general Employee protection regulations - Benzene ban pronounced (Section 55 AAV).
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Source: https://www.auva.at/cdscontent/load?contentid=10008.655694&version=1532417904
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Germany:
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Instructions for converting work equipment to special fuel (alkylate gasoline) For hand-held machines and devices with 2-stroke internal combustion engines, there is a legal obligation to use special fuel (see Sections 6 and 7 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, obligation to substitute). This applies, for example, to chainsaws, hedge trimmers and brush cutters. The use of conventional fuel mixtures is carcinogenic (Level 1 A – highest classification). Due to these risks, diseases of the blood, the hematopoietic and lymphatic systems caused by benzene have been included in the Occupational Diseases Ordinance No. 1318 since 2009. 1. What do you have to pay attention to when making the switch?
Due to the process, so-called scavenging losses occur when operating 2-stroke internal combustion engines, i.e. there is unburned fuel in the exhaust gas, which also contains benzene. The proportion of unburned fuel can be up to 30 percent. These exhaust gases are extremely harmful to health. Benzene itself is classified as carcinogenic with level 1 A labeling. Long-term exposure causes damage to internal organs and the bone marrow. But even low concentrations are not harmless, as this substance, or its breakdown product, can cause cancer in the human body.
Due to these risks, diseases of the blood, the hematopoietic and lymphatic systems caused by benzene have also been included in the Occupational Diseases Ordinance No. 1318 since 2009. When working with hand-held machines, workers come into direct contact with the fuel and its vapors and especially with engine exhaust gases, whether through the skin or by inhaling vapors and exhaust gases. This happens frequently due to the different tools and different types of work (e.g. cutting hedges with hedge trimmers, vegetation care with brush cutters, tree care with chainsaws). What is the employer obliged to do? When using dangerous substances, employers must, in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, check whether there are substitute substances whose use is less harmful to health and is reasonable.
According to Section 2 of the UVV “Principles of Prevention” (DGUV Regulation 1) in conjunction with Section 9 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, the employer is obliged to replace hazardous substances with substances that are less dangerous to the health of the employees. In addition, the rule “Forest work” (DGUV rule 114-018) requires under point 3.2.2: “According to Section 9 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance, it is required that hazardous substances be replaced by substances that are less dangerous to the health of employees. Since the exhaust gases when operating hand-held machines with internal combustion engines with benzene-containing carburetor fuels are harmful to health and these are inhaled to a greater extent by the operator, these machines must be operated with benzene-free fuel (e.g. alkylate gasoline)."
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All go kart indoor halls is mandatory to use alkylate fuel.
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Did you know that the largest European car manufacturers use alkylate fuel as their first fill?
Yes, the first 8-12 liters is the alkylate fuel. The first fill fuel.
3 tips for switching from regular gasoline to Atlantic Alkylate fuel!
1. Check the spark plug and piston chamber for possible deposits.
Regular gasoline contains various harmful and proven carcinogenic substances, along with substantial amounts of aromatics and olefins. Over time, this can result in deposits accumulating in the piston chamber and on the spark plug. Our Atlantic Alkylate Fuel is a pre-mixed gasoline devoid of aromatics.
Transitioning to our alkylate fuel dissolves these existing deposits, which may initially lead to increased smoke emission. In certain cases, this process can even lead to piston seizure and subsequent extensive damage.
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2. Checking the seals, rubber components and fuel filter
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The presence of aromatics in gasoline causes sealing rings in the fuel system to swell. However, when transitioning to alkylate fuel, the absence of aromatics can lead to the seals swelling and subsequently hardening, potentially resulting in leaks and damage. Similarly, rubber fuel hand pumps may exhibit the same behavior.
This issue doesn't arise with new seals. To preempt any problems, we advise replacing the seals and rubber components with the help of a specialist retailer before making the switch
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3. New calibration of the electronic carburetor control
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Atlantic Alkylate Fuel has a lower density than regular gasoline due to the absence of aromatics. Therefore, the carburetor should be readjusted and adapted to accommodate the characteristics of the new fuel.
