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Fuel Catalysts & Archoil's AR6200 / AR6900-D MAX

by Andy Published on Friday, January 24th, 2014

We regularly receive questions regarding fuel catalyst technologies and how they work. In particular, we receive many questions about Archoil AR6200 and AR6900-D MAX. The existing definition of “burn rate modifier” and the phrase “lowers burn rate by up to 400 degrees” has caused confusion.

In simple terms, a catalyst facilitates a better burn of the fuel. Each fuel type will have a flash point and auto-ignition point, which are determined by temperature and other factors. But these are different from the burn rate.

Both petrol and diesel are composed of carbons and these carbons, or carbon chains, require up to 1200ºF to burn thoroughly. This has nothing to do with the flash point. The flash point is the temperature at which the vapor of the fuel will ignite with the help of an ignition source. The auto-ignition point is the temperature at which the fuel vapor will ignite without an ignition source.

Once the fuel has ignited, it creates an exothermic reaction (heat). This rapid increase in heat burns the fuel (carbons) and establishes the explosion in the combustion chamber, thus resulting in a massive release of energy. This forces the piston downwards and causes the crankshaft to rotate.

If you can reduce the temperature at which the carbons burn, say by up to 400ºF in the case of AR6200, you can improve the burn. This is achieved by increasing the surface area of fuel droplets and starting the burn rate of hydrocarbons at a lower temperature to yield more available BTUs from the combustion process. The fuel becomes more aromatic (a sign of increased chemical stability), and a longer residual burn occurs. By commencing the burn rate lower, the lower-end hydrocarbons are burnt, and the combustion process is more residual and complete. This practically eliminates unburned hydrocarbons and wasted energy in the form of black smoke or emissions.

Altering the burn rate in this way does not directly increase horsepower. It increases the energy released through the explosion, which raises torque output. Burning the fuel more fully will also increase torque and lower emissions, as proven by the AR6200 carbon mass balance tests. This is the same process with all hydrocarbon fuels such as petrol, diesel, ethanol, heating oil, heavy fuel oil, etc.

Now, you might wonder, will AR6200 affect the octane rating of petrol?

We have proven with ASTM D2699 tests that there is no change. Octane is simply a measurement of when gasoline will automatically ignite. Increases in cylinder pressures and temperatures can make the fuel ignite prematurely, thus creating the dreaded engine knock/pinging sound. Octane boosters or anti-knock additives reduce the volatility of fuel so that it ignites as instructed via a source of ignition rather than on its own.

AR6200 only affects the temperature at which the carbons will burn once the fuel has ignited. It does not directly alter the flash or auto-ignition point. However, tests have shown that the improvement in combustion quality and stability means that the propensity of pre-ignition is reduced with AR6200. And this can have the effect of “raising” the octane. However, this cannot be demonstrated with a simple D2699 knock engine.

But isn’t this contradictory? Not really. When fuel is not entirely burned it can leave pockets of fuel that subsequently ignite a second time, again causing engine knock. The improvement in combustion quality from using AR6200 helps eliminate this because all fuel carbons are burned entirely the first time. AR6200 is not altering the auto-ignition point of the fuel but instead correcting another inherent source of engine knock – remaining unburned fuel.

We hope this helps and if you require any advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us; either I or a member of my team will be pleased to assist you.

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58 thoughts on “Fuel Catalysts & Archoil’s AR6200 / AR6900-D MAX”

Alex says:

February 6, 2021 at 11:58 am

Having an older 2009 Peugeot 807 2.0 HDI in my garage, a Euro4 DPF and EGR equipped vehicle that is using a additive tank with automatic additive dosing to the diesel fuel, called EOLYS.

Is it still advisable to use the 6900D-Max combustion catalyst? From what I’ve read the EOLYS is Peugeot’s own catalyst.

I dont want to introduce any unknown side effects.

mileage is at 230.000 miles now, original diesel pump, previous owner was a 2 stroke 200:1 to diesel fuel advocate.

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  February 6, 2021 at 12:43 pm
  
  Yes. AR6400-D will convert standard diesel into premium and better. It will not have any negative impact on the function of the Eolys fluid.
  
  Reply
Dieselfan says:

August 4, 2020 at 3:23 am

Hi,

Im interested in using Archoil AR6915 which is designed for bulk fuel. 3000:1 ratio.

Will it still deliver benefits like AR6900dmax?
I’m worried about ferrocene, could it cause dpf blocking, or injector hole blocking? Any other adverse effects?

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  August 6, 2020 at 10:25 am
  
  It will only deliver one third of what AR6900-D MAX will provide.
  
  Reply
  1. Dieselfan says:
    
    August 17, 2020 at 10:50 am
    
    So what exactly does 6900D-Max better?
    
    The AR6915 you say only does 1/3d of the 6900 DMax?
    
    The 6915 according to its product information sheet has fuel catalyst, lubrication, cleaning and stabilizing as well as water seperation properties.
    
    The 6900 DMax has about the same functions.
    
    AR6915 is mixed at 1:3000, 6900Dmax at 1:1000.
    
    According to the MSDS both products contain 2EHN, Lubrication, Ferrocene (as catalyst?).
    
    The difference is for example that AR6915 has <5% ferrocene, 6900DMax <1% ferrocene.
    
    So it seems to me that both products deliver the same benefits but AR6915 has more active ingredients, for example Xylene, as cleaner I suppose, which 6900 DMax hasn't according to its MSDS.
    
    Not only has AR6915 more ingredients but more concentrated as well, see ferrocene content. So that gives a treatment ratio of 1:1000 for 6900 Dmax vs 1:3000 for AR6915.
    
    AR6915 says its EN590 Compatible as well as compatible with Euro5/6 Diesels.
    
    Both products contain a lot of 2EHN.
    
    So it would be interesting for me to see what is the 2/3 extra that 6900 Dmax does that AR6915 doesn't?
    
    Reply
    1. Andy says:
      
      August 17, 2020 at 7:38 pm
      
      You have made many assumptions that are incorrect. AR6915 is a trade only product designed for bulk fuel for customers looking for convenience and the ability to meet a price point. I know as I designed it. At 3,000:1 there are compromises such as a limit to the amount of 2-EHN so your assumption is incorrect as it delivers less than a 1/3 of that in AR6900. However, this is acceptable to the target market, which is mainly fleet. Also, Xylene is not a cleaner – components are added to aid solubility of functions within the fuel. There is no compromise with AR6900-D and in order to achieve this we need to deliver 1000ppm of active ingredients/functions. It too is fully concentrated with a revised detergent pack and lubricant that is very different in the latest 2020 version.
      
      Reply
      1. Dieselfan says:
        
        August 18, 2020 at 12:14 pm
        
        Well I ordered the AR6915 to trat bulk fuel for a small farm and a Diesel powered boat – and therefore I was interested to see wether the AR6915 is usable for my Euro6 car as well – or if I’m better of with 6900D-Max.
        
        From my point of view – and as you see I’m only a interested end user who has an interest in oil, oil additives and generally everything mechanical, the thing I’m most interested with the Archoil is the combustion catalyst and it’s functions for the DPF.
        
        I recently aquired an Euro6 Diesel car with DPF and AdBlue Nox reduction catalyst, coming from an Euro4 french car.
        
        Now the way I use the car is mostly highway use – but it has to sustain short tripping as well. And therefore, from the experience with my french car which uses Eolys, as far as I’ve researched a cerium oxide additive for lowering regen temps, I ended up with archoil.
        
        Further research it seems that ferrocene is the ingredient in Archoil that does what cerium does in the Eolys. With the french additive DPF I never had a single issue, even with the shortest short tripping – unlike with non additive equipped DPF cars.
        
        Now the 2 EHN and the cleaning are nice side benefits, but for me the ferrocene in combination with the 2EHN is the real deal. Lowering soot burning temperature and aiding passive regen to help maintain DPF performance.
      2. Dieselfan says:
        
        August 27, 2020 at 12:20 am
        
        I have the 5l container. Mostly I’m looking for the Ferrocene performance in aiding the dpf. Not so much for lubrication or cetane boost.
        
        Checked my euro6 dpf today, active regeneration every 90 miles, new car with 700 miles and already had 8 active dpf regens. Unbelievable.
      3. Andy says:
        
        September 14, 2020 at 4:38 pm
        
        Just checking our records and AR6915 is supplied with or without catalyst. You may have a catalyst free version.
    2. Dieselfan says:
      
      February 4, 2021 at 5:58 pm
      
      Is there any way to determine wether I have the AR6915 with or without the catalyst?
      
      Any side effects of combining 6915 with 6900D-Max?
      
      I ordered 6900 D-Max and still have about 4l of 6915 left.
      
      Thanks
      
      Reply
      1. Andy says:
        
        February 5, 2021 at 10:43 am
        
        Hi, please email a picture of the label to support@fueltechexperts.com. They cannot be combined as AR6900-D uses the latest ester lubricant and newer generation detergent pack.
Dan says:

April 26, 2020 at 10:18 pm

AR6200 is absolutely awesome – been using it for 6 years on Z4 3.0si sport coupe straight 6cyl with 53K miles on the clock.

I’ve had an unbelievable 48.3 mpg on a 215 mile trip using standard unleaded + AR6200 + perfect road conditions, although it was a rolling start on the mpg reset at about 15mph. It was reading 48.7 at one point and was hoping to eek out 49mpg on the display – but dropped to 48.3mpg when I turned off the engine. On driving around town at the destination and coming back, it dropped to 45mpg because i occasionally cained it here and there. Driving style on out trip was economy mode, i.e. seldom stopped at roundabouts, lorries overtaking me occasionally but would pass them again… Speed was 50 – 70 mph on motorways. Avg speed was 49mph. Total trip: 458 miles.

Same driving style – and similar conditions before I started using AR6200 – I would get about 41.5mpg – although this is when the car only had 8000 miles on it.

QUESTION: would I be better off changing to AR6900-P, and what differences/ benefits would it give over AR6200? Is there anything that should be factored in for a 3 litre pertrol naturally aspirated injection engine? I currently use AR6200 in my diesel too – can AR6900-P be used in diesel cars or does it absolutely have to be AR6900-D – what’s the difference?

Thanks Dan.

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  April 27, 2020 at 9:27 am
  
  The best way would be to try a 100ml sample bottle and compare the two. AR6900-P delivers a better detergent package and lubricant as well as more catalyst. It may be that AR6200 works better for you on that engine. AR6900-P is NOT suitable for diesel engines. With diesel engines most customers have switched from AR6200 to AR6900-D due to the noticeable improvement from the higher cetane, detergent and lubricity.
  
  Reply
Nigwel says:

October 28, 2019 at 2:04 am

I have a 2.2 Jaguar XF 2013 63 plate. Which is better for it, the AR6200-D or the AR6900-D fuel additive.
Thanks.

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  December 24, 2019 at 9:38 am
  
  AR6900-D as it delivers more benefits.
  
  Reply
  1. Moss says:
    
    February 18, 2020 at 9:08 am
    
    Hi,
    My second comment; but awaiting Moderators ! I have a 2018, Nissan Qashqai 1.5, dci engine, Mileage is just 16,000 miles and it starts and runs nicely. I’m not really interested in better MPG etc… I’m more interested in keeping the engine components clean and healthy i.e. valves -egr – dpf – etc.. I’m thinking of getting Archoil AR6900-D ? do you think this is a good Idea; and what ratio of ar6900d to litres of diesel would you recommend?
    Thanks Moss
    
    Reply
    1. Andy says:
      
      February 18, 2020 at 9:17 am
      
      Again, AR6900-D MAX due to its detergent package and improved combustion quality. Use at 1,000:1 but can also be used at 2,000:1 with reasonable results.
      
      Reply
      1. Moss says:
        
        February 18, 2020 at 7:46 pm
        
        sorry to ask; but is that 1,litre of 6900 D to a to a thousand litres of fuel ?
      2. Andy says:
        
        February 19, 2020 at 5:16 pm
        
        That is correct. Use 1ml of AR6900-D for every 1 litre of diesel so 1L (1000ml) of AR6900-D will treat 1000 litres of diesel.
      3. Moss says:
        
        February 20, 2020 at 10:10 am
        
        Thank you.
        Appreciate your help, I have a Litre of AR6900-D arriving today. BTW I love reading these articles; and the invaluable advice we get from reading them.
        Thank you
Richard Kempton says:

July 7, 2019 at 6:27 pm

I have a Golf GT Sport 2.0 TDi (Stage 1 chipped to ~220 bhp). Have been using an additive called ‘Dipetane’ on which it seems to run well. How does that differ from Archoil AR6900-D and am I likely to see any benefits (economy, performance or emissions improvements) from switching to Archoil AR6900-D??

Thanks

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  July 10, 2019 at 9:25 am
  
  AR6900-D will deliver more cetane and other benefits.
  
  Reply
  1. Richard Kempton says:
    
    August 7, 2019 at 5:34 pm
    
    Thanks for the reply.
    
    What are the “… other benefits ..”??
    
    Reply
Graham Goodhead says:

May 23, 2019 at 9:20 am

Hi,I am soon going to change my S-type jaguar with a 2017 Jaguar XE diesel. I have always used AR 6900 D Max in the S-type and found it to be very beneficial in the car’s overall running. In the XE a product called AdBlue is added to reduce emissions. Can i still use AR 6900-D max each time i refuel.?

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  May 24, 2019 at 9:39 am
  
  Yes, you can still use AR6900-D.
  
  Reply
  1. Graham Goodhead says:
    
    May 24, 2019 at 8:19 pm
    
    Thank you. That’s great.
    
    Reply
Romeo says:

June 8, 2018 at 10:32 am

Hi,
What type of metal-oxide fuel borne catalyst (FBC) used on AR6900-D Max and AR6400-D Max? I’ve read soot on iron-oxide catalyst are difficult to burn which will result in the accumulation of PM at DPF? Could you help clarify on this please?

Many thanks for the help.

Kind regards,

Romeo

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  June 26, 2018 at 11:34 am
  
  It uses a combination catalyst and is proprietary. The depository impact of a nano based catalyst is so small as not to pose any risk. Conventional fuel and oil based carbons will accumulate at least 100x faster than any fuel based catalyst I am aware of.
  
  Reply
Dave Keeley says:

May 16, 2018 at 11:04 pm

Hi I have used Millers Diesel Ecomax for some years now. I am thinking of switching to AR6900 d-max. Can you tell me
1) What extra benefits if any will i get using AR6900 d-ax?
2) What is the difference between Millers and AR6900 d-max?
I am presently using Millers in my 2014 Santa fe 2.2

Thanks

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  May 22, 2018 at 2:04 pm
  
  A stronger detergent and the addition of a combustion catalyst that will improve combustion further.
  
  Reply
2. Bartek says:
  
  December 19, 2018 at 8:48 pm
  
  Hi. Is it better to use AR6200 or AR6900-P MAX in a petrol engine (Honda Prelude 2.2 VTEC)?? Isn’t the AR6200 a better catalyst?
  
  Reply
  1. Andy says:
    
    December 20, 2018 at 11:59 am
    
    AR6900-P will provide the better performance. There is more catalyst in AR6900-P.
    
    Reply
Kevin Taylor says:

March 31, 2018 at 11:39 am

I have Honda CR-V 2.2 diesel. Reg ML62 TYS. It has done 47.5K and I have mostly used Supermarket fuel but have been recently advised to use proprietary fuel and a fuel additive.
Is AR6900D MAX correct for my car and should I use an oil additive?

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  April 3, 2018 at 9:13 am
  
  Yes.
  
  Reply
B James says:

March 20, 2018 at 5:07 pm

I have a supercharged, twin plug 3.2 air cooled 911, 6 lbs boost at 9.0:1 compression, and am wanting to know if regular gas with Archoil AR6200 is a safe substitute for premium fuel?
Our premium here in Canada costs approx $1.00 more per gallon over regular..

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  March 21, 2018 at 8:16 am
  
  Not really. It will improve combustion but not provide the additional octane found in Premium.
  
  Reply
  1. Dean Carcary says:
    
    April 24, 2020 at 9:54 am
    
    Hi, I’m a bit confused by your comment that “AR6200 will not provide the additional octane found in Premium diesel.”
    
    But at the same time in another comment you have stated “No need to use premium diesel if using AR6200.”
    
    I have an audi A4 B9 3.0tdi, is it safe to use AR6200 with regular diesel?
    
    Or do I need to then add AR8500 to compensate for lack of premium diesels benefits?
    
    Or should I use AR6200 and AR8500 with premium diesel?
    
    Thanks.
    
    Reply
    1. Andy says:
      
      April 27, 2020 at 9:30 am
      
      AR6200 was originally designed for treating bulk storage fuels, hence there is only so many functions you can deliver with a 10,000:1 ratio product. The catalyst function would help compensate in lower cetane fuels by improving combustion. However, providing a catalyst function whilst raising cetane makes an even greater difference to performance. There is no AR8500 product?
      
      Reply
      1. Dean Carcary says:
        
        May 5, 2020 at 12:38 am
        
        Sorry I meant AR6850.
        
        Which combination would you recommend?
Michele says:

December 28, 2017 at 7:24 am

Hi there
What Kind of product Do you suggest to use on a RRS 5.0 V8 supercharged (AJ133 engine)?
I stared to use AR6200-EU and compared to pure 98RON pump gas the engine feels more responsive.
Bevor using AR6200 I ran the car on 95RON and now I noticed a black hard carboneous coat on the exhaust tips. Caused from what?

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  January 11, 2018 at 9:01 am
  
  Hybrogen or AR6900-P MAX would be the best product to use. They both improve combustion, which will lower carbon output.
  
  Reply
S Brisco says:

October 10, 2017 at 4:14 pm

Hi,
I’ve been using Millers Diesel Ecomax and am thinking of changing to Archoil AR6200 & AR8500 or AR6900.
Should I leave a whole untreated tank before changing or is it okay just to run the tank nearly empty and then swap over?
Many thanks

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  October 11, 2017 at 9:27 am
  
  It is ok to run the tank to nearly empty. Ecomax is 2-EHN (cetane improver), lubricant and detergent so no compatibility issue.
  
  Reply
Filip says:

May 22, 2017 at 2:29 pm

Hi,
does it make sense to mix AR 6200 and AR6900 d-max ?

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  May 23, 2017 at 9:42 am
  
  Not those two. AR6200 can be mixed with AR6850 or pure 2-EHN though.
  
  Reply
  1. Filip says:
    
    May 30, 2017 at 2:12 pm
    
    I was using AR 6200 for long time. Now I decided to use AR 6900 D-Max. Is it nesesery to “flush” the tank by filling it up (10, 20 or 60) liters of diesel fuel wit no additives ? 10 liters will be enaugh or full tank is needed ?
    
    Reply
    1. Andy says:
      
      May 31, 2017 at 12:45 pm
      
      No need to flush. Just use in following tank of fuel.
      
      Reply
peter morrison says:

March 4, 2017 at 1:52 pm

How can I order the diesel additive (6400D}?

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  March 20, 2017 at 10:00 am
  
  http://www.powerenhancer.co.uk
  
  Reply
Cole Tyler says:

March 10, 2016 at 9:35 pm

Hi I am using AR6200-EU in my 3.0 TDI Audi A6, first of all it’s doing what it says on the tin and I am very impressed. Secondly do I use it all the time as I am on my 3rd tank now at 5000:1 ratio so do I now use it all the time @ 10000:1 or every 2nd/3rd tank? FYI I use a good quality Diesel IE Supreme or V Power so was wondering what’s the best way of using it going forward…..

Kind Regards Cole

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  March 11, 2016 at 10:11 am
  
  Hi, it is designed to be used with every tank of fuel at 10,000:1. No need to use premium diesel if using AR6200.
  
  Reply
Sam Ulrich says:

August 8, 2014 at 12:20 pm

Hallo!

ON PFI I can help cleaning my IVD with your PEA additive and after that with the AR6200 at each tank fill but what can do with the exhaust valves??

Thanks

Reply
Dr Richards says:

August 7, 2014 at 1:27 pm

6% increase on a 3.0 discovery. This is more than I was expecting. I would interested in your recommendation on an oil fortifier?

Reply
1. Andy Archer says:
  
  August 8, 2014 at 8:21 am
  
  Hi, for that engine I would recommend AR9100.
  
  Reply

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