Researchers develop fuel-contaminant sensor

This has prompted Alan Hansen, professor of agricultural and biological engineering at the University of Illinois, and his colleagues to develop new technologies to improve these commercially available sensors.

‘Our research is contributing to the development of a sensor that, when placed in the fuel line prior to where the fuel enters a diesel engine, can detect if there are any contaminants in or other problems with the fuel,’ Hansen said. ‘Also, if biodiesel is used, the sensor would determine the quality and quantity of biodiesel entering the engine.’

Biodiesel, a renewable fuel derived from natural oils such as soybean oil, is typically blended in the US at two to five per cent with regular diesel fuel.

‘In some cases, engine manufacturers will support warranties on engines using higher percentages of biodiesel − up to 20 per cent. However, they are reluctant to support engines running too much biodiesel because there is some concern that it would affect the engine in a negative way,’ said Hansen.