FTC Decarbonizer (FPC / FPC-1)
Full Independent Testing & Scientific Evidence
This compendium consolidates known scientific research, independent laboratory testing, standards-based assessments, and documented field trials relating to FTC Decarbonizer (also marketed as FPC / FPC-1). It is intended as a transparent, accurate, and defensible reference for technical, regulatory, procurement, and ESG review.
In addition to controlled laboratory and academic testing, extensive real-world field trials and long-term operational evaluations have been conducted across multiple industries. These real-world results provide contextual support for laboratory findings when assessed under defined test conditions.
Across independent laboratory testing, academic research, and documented field trials, FTC Decarbonizer has been evaluated using combustion-based measurement methods. These assessments report measurable changes in fuel consumption indicators and exhaust emissions under defined test conditions. Outcomes vary by engine type, duty cycle, fuel quality, and operating environment.
Real-World Function
FTC Decarbonizer (also referred to as FPC / FPC-1) is a combustion catalyst added to diesel fuel in very small amounts. Its real-world function is to help diesel fuel burn more completely during normal engine operation.
The additive does not clean engine parts like a detergent, does not alter the base fuel specification, and does not coat or modify engine components.
Instead, when the engine is running, FTC Decarbonizer acts during the combustion process inside the cylinder. It supports more complete burning of fuel droplets, reducing the amount of fuel that leaves the combustion process partially burnt.
When combustion is more complete, engines commonly exhibit reduced carbon residue formation, more stable combustion under load, and measurable changes in fuel consumption and exhaust composition, depending on engine type, duty cycle, and operating conditions.
For this reason, FTC Decarbonizer is evaluated using combustion-based measurement methods such as Carbon Mass Balance (CMB), Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC), smoke opacity, and exhaust gas analysis.
Mechanism of Action & Practical Implications
Independent academic research (University of Western Australia) describes the active component of FTC / FPC as a homogeneous combustion catalyst used at trace concentrations in diesel fuel.
Unlike detergent or deposit-removal additives, a homogeneous combustion catalyst participates directly in the combustion process rather than altering bulk fuel properties or forming deposits within the fuel system or engine.
Laboratory-scale combustion studies, single-cylinder engine tests, and modelling work indicate that the catalyst influences fuel droplet combustion behaviour and reaction kinetics under certain operating conditions.
Reported combustion-related effects
- Improved oxidation of fuel droplets during combustion
- Reduced persistence of unburnt hydrocarbons and carbonaceous residues
- More stable combustion under specific load and duty-cycle conditions
These effects are consistent with outcomes reported in independent laboratory testing and documented field trials, including measured changes in fuel consumption indicators, exhaust composition, smoke opacity, and carbon-related measurements.
Evidence Overview
1) Scientific & Peer-Reviewed Research
Independent academic research has been conducted primarily through the University of Western Australia (UWA) under an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Program. This body of work investigates a homogeneous combustion catalyst (ferrous-picrate based) in diesel fuel.
- ARC Linkage Program LP0989368 – Summary Report (UWA Centre for Energy, 2014)
- Peer-reviewed journal papers (Applied Energy; Fuel)
- PhD Thesis – Mingming Zhu, University of Western Australia (2012)
- Conference papers on homogeneous combustion catalysts
2) Independent Laboratory Fuel Quality & Measurement Testing
Diesel fuel treated with FTC Decarbonizer has undergone independent laboratory analysis using recognised ASTM, Australian Standard, and ISO test methodologies. These tests assess fuel quality, cleanliness, lubricity, and measurement methodology.
Reported test coverage
- ASTM D975 diesel fuel specification compliance
- Full ASTM fuel quality parameter suite
- AS 2077 Carbon Mass Balance (CMB)
- ISO 14067:2018 carbon footprint assessment methodology
3) Independent Laboratory Summary Findings
- Treated diesel fuel met ASTM D975 specifications tested
- No contamination or abnormal microbial activity detected
- Lubricity within ASTM specification limits
- Carbon Mass Balance testing conducted using AS 2077 methodology
- Carbon footprint assessment conducted using ISO 14067 methodology
4) Field Trials & Industry Testing Reports
FTC Decarbonizer / FPC-1 has been evaluated in documented mine-site, fleet, rail, and industrial diesel trials. These reports typically involve baseline vs treated comparisons using defined duty cycles and recognised measurement methods.
- NSW Surface Mine – Final Report (2019)
- Queensland Underground Gold Mine – Final Report (2017)
- Rail, trucking, marine, and fleet studies contained within the FPC-1 Test Report Library
5) FPC-1 Test Report Library
A published test report library containing over 200 industry and fleet reports is available. Reports vary in scope, duration, engine type, and test method, and include Carbon Mass Balance (CMB), Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC), and dynamometer-based evaluations.
Appendix C – Global Aggregated Testing Database Summary
Scope of database
- 48 locations
- 7 industries
- 5 fuel types
- 52 engine manufacturers
- 185 engine types
- 12 test procedures
Aggregate reported results across 210 individual test reports
- 205 Specific Fuel Consumption tests: average improvement 4.040%
- 642 Carbon Mass Balance tests: average improvement 8.132%
- 48 Statistical tests: average improvement 8.875%
- 319 Smoke Spot tests: average improvement 22.616%
- 19 NOx tests: average improvement 6.776%
- 392 CO tests: average improvement 10.728%
- 406 HC tests: average improvement 11.562%
- 424 CO2 tests: average improvement 8.875%
- 37 Wear Metals tests: average improvement 31.189%
- 19 Oil Consumption tests: average improvement 32.389%
- 12 Withdrawal tests: average change −5.642%
- 33 SO2 tests: average improvement 27.952%
Individual reports span field trials, laboratory tests, publications, and testimonials. Results vary by engine condition, duty cycle, baseline cleanliness, fuel quality, and test methodology.
These aggregated values are presented for contextual reference only and should not be interpreted as guaranteed or typical performance outcomes.
References & Source Material
Independent ASTM & Fuel Quality Testing – FTC Decarbonizer
ASTM diesel fuel specification testing and related fuel quality results for FTC Decarbonizer.
View ASTM results page
ASTM D975 – Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils
AS 2077 – Carbon Mass Balance
ISO 14067:2018 – Carbon Footprint of Products
University of Western Australia – PhD Thesis (M. Zhu, 2012)
Peer-reviewed doctoral research on homogeneous combustion catalysts in diesel engines.
UWA repository entry
https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/publications/a-homogeneous-combustion-catalyst-for-fuel-efficiency-improvementsApplied Energy – Peer-Reviewed Journal Article
Effect of a homogeneous combustion catalyst on diesel combustion characteristics.
ScienceDirect article page
FPC-1 Test Report Library
Published historical library of FPC-1 field and laboratory test reports.
FPC-1 test reports