Opal (fuel) facts for kids
Opal is a special type of petrol (gasoline) that was created in 2005 by BP Australia. It's known as "low-aromatic 91 RON petrol." This fuel was developed to help stop the dangerous misuse of regular petrol in some remote Indigenous Australian communities.
Even though Opal fuel costs more to make, the Australian Government helps pay for it. A report in 2006 found that using Opal could save a lot of money, about $27 million each year. This is because it helps avoid the health and social problems that come from misusing petrol.
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What is Opal Fuel?
Opal fuel is a special kind of petrol. It has much less of certain chemicals called "aromatics." These aromatics include substances like toluene and xylene.
How is Opal Different from Regular Petrol?
Regular unleaded petrol usually has about 25% aromatics. But Opal fuel has only about 5% aromatics. This means it has much less of the harmful chemicals that can be dangerous if petrol is misused.
The Australian Government helps pay for Opal fuel. They also limit regular unleaded petrol in some remote areas. BP, the company that makes Opal, says that because Opal has fewer volatile parts, cars using it are less likely to have a problem called "vapour lock." This is when fuel turns into a gas too early and stops the engine.
Why Was Opal Fuel Created?
Opal fuel was made to help protect people in remote communities. Before Opal, some people were misusing regular petrol in a very dangerous way. This caused serious health problems.
The Success of Opal Fuel
A report in 2010 showed that Opal fuel has been very successful. It was introduced in 106 communities across remote and regional Australia. In these places, the dangerous misuse of petrol dropped by 70%. This shows how much Opal fuel has helped make communities safer.
Opal vs. Comgas: A Safer Choice
Before Opal, some communities used a fuel called Comgas. Comgas is a type of aviation fuel (fuel for planes). However, Comgas contains a poisonous substance called tetraethyllead (TEL).
TEL is very harmful. It can damage a car's catalytic converter, which cleans up car exhaust. Because of the dangers of lead, TEL is now banned for use in cars in most parts of the world. Opal fuel does not contain TEL, making it a much safer choice for both people and the environment.
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