German researchers find off-road engines meet EU emissions standards running on B100

In Germany, University of Rostock researchers demonstrates in current research results that off-road engines conforming to exhaust emission category EU Stage IV are suitable for operation with pure biodiesel. The research project at the University of Rostock shows the suitability of B100 at an EU Stage IV engine for industry and agriculture. Special attention was given to the operational stability of exhaust gas after-treatment systems in endurance tests. The use of exhaust gas after-treatment systems with diesel particulate filters (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is mandatory to comply with the increasingly stricter emission limits for vehicles.

The long-term studies and comparative measurements with fossil diesel fuel at the University of Rostock show that the performance of the engine and the exhaust gas after-treatment system stays unaffected while using B100. Emission limits and performance parameters can be fully complied with even after 1,000 operating hours.

There was no negative impact on the engine or the exhaust gas after-treatment system by the biodiesel, which was provided by Germany’s biodiesel quality management association (AGQM) and reflects the usual quality of the biodiesel produced by the members of AGQM. By means of unannounced and independent samplings at producers and traders, the biodiesel quality is verified and ensured regularly. The results of these samplings are published in an annual quality report on AGQM’s website.