PTT to conduct field tests on BHD

PTT PLC expects its biohydrogenated diesel (BHD) pilot project to be ready for field tests this year, said Songkiat Thansamrit, an executive vice-president at PTT. The hydrogenation process transforms vegetable oil from methyl ester to hydrocarbon, making it more suitable for blending at levels higher than 5%. PTT has high hopes that its BHD field test can achieve a 20-40% ratio, which would also serve Energy Ministry policy to create better and cleaner fuels. Laboratory tests of BHD finished at the end of last year. The field test will be carried out in collaboration with the Thailand Automotive Institute for oil quality accreditation, which could be followed by accreditation from leading global automobile manufacturers. (July 22, 2009)