Reliability ty of PTFE gaskets in biofuels installations – tests and predictions

Abstract

The biofuels are concerned as one of the Renewable Sources of Energy. Production of biofuels for transportation purposes may provide additional technological development and economical impact on agricultural industry, but their usage is still a vital problem for vehicle exploitation. In this paper an interaction between chosen biofuels and gaskets was researched. Tested biofuels were produced using waste materials from food industry – fats and oils. Biofuels influence on pipes and especially gaskets and its materials during durability tests are shown in this paper. PTFE gasket materials were tested in accordance with DIN 28090-3: 2014-11 and DIN28091-2. During 1000 hours of tests at 353 K, the weight loss of the biofuel and the change in elongation (tensile stress) of the flange bolts were measured. Fuel leakage rate was determined. After tests the gasket was checked and no delamination was 
observed. The value of volatile biofuels emission and fuel leakage rate after 1000 hours met the DIN standards. It was concluded that researched gasket materials may be allowed for contact with gasoline – ethanol mixture and mixture of diesel and methyl and ethyl esters.