System-level assessment of the operational reliability of bioethanol-blended gasoline within Ukraine’s fuel infrastructure
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31471/1993-9868-2026-1(45)-28-41Keywords:
base fuel; oxygenate; phase stability; hygroscopicity; evaporative losses; oxygen-containing components.Abstract
The growing use of bioethanol as an oxygenate in motor petrol is a key component of the energy transition and the harmonisation of Ukraine’s fuel market with European standards. The aim of this article is to conduct a systematic analysis of the operational reliability of bioethanol-blended petrol within Ukraine’s fuel infrastructure, with a focus on tank storage and transport processes. The study is based on a review of regulatory requirements, an analysis of the physico-chemical properties of petrol-ethanol fuels, and an assessment of operational factors affecting fuel stability during handling. Particular attention is paid to the hygroscopicity of bioethanol, the mechanisms of water accumulation in tanks, the phase stability of the ‘petrol–bioethanol–water’ system, and the operational consequences of possible phase separation. It is shown that increased moisture content leads to a reduction in fuel quality, increased corrosion activity, and a risk of microbiological contamination of fuel infrastructure components. The influence of bioethanol on the saturated vapour pressure and volatility of petrol is substantiated; under conditions of seasonal temperature fluctuations, this leads to an increase in evaporation losses and the load on tank venting systems. It has been established that the combined effect of these factors creates a systemic risk of reduced operational reliability of Ukraine’s fuel infrastructure, which in many cases is not fully adapted to the use of petrol-ethanol blends. Based on the analysis, practical recommendations have been formulated to reduce operational risks, including stricter control of water content, optimisation of storage conditions, improved equipment sealing, and the advisability of using alternative oxygen-containing components, such as ETBE. The results obtained can be used by fuel sector specialists, oil depot and petrol station operators, and regulatory bodies to improve the reliability of the distribution of petrol blended with bioethanol in Ukraine.
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