Use of biofuels, IFP

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Use of biofuels

IFP, a pioneer in the field of biofuels, is developing new processes that will make colza, wheat, and farm and forest residues the petroleum of tomorrow. IFP has in particular imposed itself as a major player in studies of the optimal conditions of use of biofuels in engines. This work is being done in collaboration with government authorities, the oil and automobile industries, equipment suppliers, and representatives of all of the various relevant agricultural sectors.

IFP is a leader in production processes for:

biodiesel,
ethanol from wood or straw,
synthetic biodiesel.

Solutions for our customers

IFP makes its knowledge and know-how in field of biofuels available to its customers.

Flexible Fuel Vehicle on chassis dynamometer

Incorporation of ethanol

Our teams are investigating the impact of incorporating ethanol in gasolines (up to 5 to 10%) on the emissions of Euro III and Euro IV vehicles, in the exhaust and by evaporation.

This work is being done in partnership with the ADEME (Agence de l'Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l'Énergie), Unigrain, and PSA Peugeot Citroën.

Assessment of the ethanol approach

IFP can carry out assessments of the ethanol approach (emissions, fuel consumption, CO2, compatibility) on flexible or dedicated vehicles. These assessments concern cases where ethanol is used:

in mixtures (up to 5 or 10%),
as a pure product (from 85 to 100%).

Engine compatibility

IFP is examining the compatibility:

of Euro IV type bus engines with diesel fuels containing 5, 10, and 30% vegetable oil methyl esters (VOME). This work is done in partnership with Total, Irisbus, Renault Trucks, and Sofiproteol,
of modern car and truck diesel engines with ethyl esters of colza.

Prestandardization of VOEE and VOME

IFP's teams are doing work that will allow the prestandardization:

of VOEE,
of B10 mixtures containing up to 10% VOME in gas oil.

Raw vegetable oils

IFP is evaluating the impact of using raw vegetable oils in engines. This work is being done jointly with the ADEME and Sofiprotéol.

Industrial consortiums

IFP's consortiums are open to all partners interested in biofuels: auto makers, equipment suppliers, oil companies, and refineries. These international partnerships help ensure that IFP's research programs develop biofuel formulations suitable for current and future engines.

In April 2007, IFP launched a consortium baptized E4D (Ethanol For Diesel). Its purpose is to study the feasibility and the potential of using ethanol for the formulation of diesel fuels. For the period 2007-2009 the consortium is made up of industrial players from various countries (O2Diesel, Petrobras, Renault, Total and Volvo Powertrain). Additional partners may join at any time.

>> Further information: E4D - Ethanol for diesel - IFP International Consortium Study (2007-2009) (PDF - 75 Ko)