Synthetic fuels allow greenhouse gas-neutral operation of conventional gasoline and diesel engines. They can be produced from biomass or organic waste such as used vegetable oil. Electrofuels or e-fuels are synthetic fuels produced using renewable electricity from water and carbon dioxide.
However, they can cause problems as Dr Björn Schmid, director of Material Development at Mann+Hummel, explains: "Synthetic fuels can be aggressive to some types of elastomer seals and can leach plasticisers from the fuel filter sealing ring. As a result, a seal can lose up to 10% of its volume. In the worst case, this can even cause fuel to flow out and the filter to come loose while driving."
Mann+Hummel has already started series production of fuel filters that are compatible with synthetic fuels for various commercial vehicle manufacturers. In the independent automotive aftermarket, for example, the Mann-Filter WK 11 052 is available in original equipment quality for Volvo and Renault trucks. This is just one of the Mann-Filter fuel filters for synthetic fuels, and the range is being continually expanded.
The seal materials in Mann-Filter fuel filters for synthetic fuels according to DIN EN 15940 have been tested, are specially designed for the application, and have the relevant OE approvals. They ensure a permanent hold and a complete seal of the filter.
