The plan to implement biodiesel fuel with a 50 percent blend, or B50, in Indonesia has drawn attention from mining practitioners. The Association of Indonesian Mining Professionals (Perhapi) has issued warnings regarding potential technical constraints that could hinder heavy equipment productivity in the sector.
Chairman of Perhapi, Sudirman Widhy Hartono, revealed that based on evaluations of previous biodiesel blend usage, such as B40, there are indications of engine performance degradation. This is primarily caused by the Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) content, which has different characteristics compared to pure diesel, thereby affecting the power efficiency generated by heavy equipment engines.
One of the main issues is the hygroscopic nature of biodiesel, which easily binds moisture. This condition risks reducing combustion efficiency and triggering corrosion in the combustion chamber. Furthermore, biodiesel, acting as a strong solvent, can dissolve scale deposits in tanks and pipelines, risking premature fuel filter clogging and injector damage.
As an alternative solution, Perhapi urges the government to consider using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a replacement for FAME. Although its production costs are relatively higher, HVO is considered to have a chemical profile similar to fossil diesel because it is produced through a hydrogenation process.
The advantage of HVO lies in its stability, non-hygroscopic nature, and production of pure hydrocarbons. With these characteristics, HVO is viewed as a safer option for engine lifespan while maintaining the performance consistency of heavy equipment in extreme mining terrains.
