HVO compatibility

[Charles Jack]

Is anyone aware of any obstacles to the use of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) in tractor engines?

 

[Dave W]

Local fuel merchants sell hvo. (Peak oil)
What exactly is it and what are the benefits?

 

[Frankzy]

HVO is completely pure diesel so there shouldn't be any problems at all.
(it's actually much purer than fossil diesel)

 

[Dave W]

HVO is completely pure diesel so there shouldn't be any problems at all.
(it's actually much purer than fossil diesel)

What's the real world benefit of it?

 

[Frankzy]

What's the real world benefit of it?

Burns even cleaner than fossil diesel and its made out of renewables such as paper mill byproducts.

 

[Dave W]

Burns even cleaner than fossil diesel and its made out of renewables such as paper mill byproducts.

What's the benefit to the driver?
More mpg?
in genuinely curious.

 

[Frankzy]

What's the benefit to the driver?
More mpg?
in genuinely curious.

It does have a bit better energy density and a higher cetane rating so 2-3% better maybe.. It likely wouldn't be noticeable in practice.
Think I remember reading that it has better lubricating properties

 

[Veryfruity]

A possible downside is weight gain.

Years ago I ran a delivery van on vegetable oil, I found there was always the faint whiff of chips.

 

[Frankzy]

HVO doesn't smell of anything other than diesel, and it's a considerably weaker odour than the regular stuff.

 

[deleted user 837354]

HVO is nothing like chip fat. HVO is actually superior to regular diesel and can be used as a drop in replacement in many engines. I think there is a significant HVO content in some road fuels already or there will be by 2030 or something- the government is forcing it in.

 

[Charles Jack]

Thank you for your responses, very helpful.