At the same time, the number of vehicles running on gas is steadily growing, and supply has started to increase thanks to illegal "barrels" (mobile gas stations), which, although not massively, have begun to reappear on the roads. Experts from the capital's Institute of Consumer Expertise conducted a raid on the largest gas station networks and their illegal counterparts to check the quality of gas sold to motorists, as the winter season is approaching, and the parameters of such fuel must correspond to the cold period. <\/p>
The inspection covered both large gas station networks (BRSM-NAFTA, WOG, KLO, Shell, OKKO, Sun Oil, Glusco, Avias) and large networks in the capital and regions (Marshall, Avantage 7), as well as several "barrels". Special attention was paid to illegal gas stations and the Avantage 7 network, since unusually low prices were recorded there, sometimes 20-30 percent lower than other networks. Experts took samples using a special sampler, after which the samples were delivered to a certified laboratory. As for the sampling procedure itself, both network gas stations and "illegals" readily dispensed fuel for analysis. Moreover, some "barrels" even began issuing fiscal receipts, which was previously extremely rare for them. <\/p>
First of all, experts measured the accuracy of gas dispensing – the most criticized parameter by drivers. Many motorists measure mileage and complain that they are filled with more gas than the cylinder capacity. According to standards, underfilling should not exceed 1%, but achieving such a result at a dispenser is quite difficult. Nevertheless, the results turned out to be excellent – all network gas stations have dispensing accuracy above 97%. The most accurate dispensing was found at BRSM-NAFTA and KLO - 99.0%, and WOG – 98.5 percent, Sun Oil – 98%. On the other end of the scale were "illegals", Marshall, and Avantage 7. Here, underfilling amounted to 10% – 15%. To be fair, it is worth noting that underfilling can also occur without malicious intent – this can happen due to untimely maintenance of dispensers. <\/p>
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In the laboratory, samples were tested for compliance with the requirements of DSTU EN589:2017 according to the "Component Composition" indicator. As is known, automotive gas consists of a mixture of propane and butane, as well as other hydrocarbons (isobutane, propylene, ethane, ethylene, etc.). For different seasons, the quantitative content of the mixture can be different – in summer it is approximately 40:60 (propane to butane), in winter, on the contrary – 60:40. After all, the more propane in the gas, the higher the saturated vapor pressure and the better the starting qualities and operation of fuel equipment in winter operation. Overall, all large networks passed the test, showing good results. However, in some networks the gas was already "ready" for winter, while in others it was not. <\/p>
The best ratio was shown by samples of automotive gas Plus (BRSM-NAFTA), LPG MUSTANG (WOG), and LPG at KLO gas stations – more than 60% propane and less than 40% butane. This ratio ensures the most complete combustion of the mixture, and therefore provides dynamics while maintaining fuel efficiency. <\/p>
But in gas from a "barrel", propane turned out to be record low – 31% with a norm of not less than 50±10%. Slightly better figures were in LPG at the Avantage 7 network - 36% propane. This will not cause significant harm to the car, but the consumption of such gas will be much higher. <\/p>
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One of the main points is also the grade of liquefied gas. There are two main ones – PBA (automotive propane-butane) and SPBT (technical propane-butane mixture). What is the difference? The first grade is purified gas adapted for use in cars, the second is "dirtier", intended for household needs (for example, heating). And here unpleasant surprises were found. <\/p>
The European standard EN 589-2008 in the terms section interprets automotive liquefied gas as one that contains a small amount of unsaturated hydrocarbons (propylene, butenes, and pentanes (pentenes). In the sample taken at an illegal LPG station, there were much more than the norm – over 10%! Based on these data, this fuel cannot be classified as automotive. <\/p>
According to requirements for SPBT, a liquid residue of up to 1.6% is allowed, while for PBA the presence of residue is not allowed. In addition, the permissible maximum sulfur content in PBA is lower than in SPBT (and according to EN 589 requirements – no more than 50 mg\/kg). <\/p>
The presence of liquid residue in SPBT when used in cars leads to the accumulation of residue in tanks, clogging of filters, and malfunctions of fuel equipment. <\/p>
And another important parameter is gas density. The higher it is, the greater, all other things being equal, the mileage on a single fill. In this parameter, the highest indicators were demonstrated by samples from WOG, OKKO, BRSM-NAFTA, and KLO networks. <\/p>
Overall, the situation with the quality of automotive gas showed that small networks and illegal sellers are guilty of selling household gas under the guise of automotive gas. Large networks sell high-quality fuel, of Ukrainian or foreign production. It remains to wish that supplies are rhythmic and the market does not experience shortages. <\/p>
Alexander Babenko. <\/p>
