UMS Develops Device to Help Fuel Distribution Run Better

A research team from Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) has successfully secured a Productive Research (Rispro) Inclusive Invitation grant from the Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP) worth Rp3.4 billion. The study, led by Ir. Rois Fatoni, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., focuses on developing a filter clogging monitoring device for fuel transport vehicles owned by Pertamina.

Rois explained that the government’s plan to substitute diesel with biosolar BXX up to B40 (40 percent biodiesel, 60 percent diesel), and even up to B50 next year, poses new challenges to the fuel filtration system. The characteristics of biodiesel, derived from plants, have the potential to cause the accumulation of chemical compounds that can block the diesel filter components or cause filter clogging.

“Our team is working to develop a device that can inform management of the right time to replace the filter, not too early and not too late, as both affect fuel efficiency and distribution,” explained Rois on Tuesday (11/11/2025).

This research involves 19 multidisciplinary researchers from various faculties, including Industrial Engineering, Informatics, Economics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. According to Rois, this collaboration reflects a strong multidisciplinary spirit within UMS.

“This is truly a multidisciplinary study. In the first year, we received Rp2.6 billion in funding, and after evaluation by the LPDP review team, we were recommended to continue into the second year,” he added.

The initial stage of the study involved testing the device using a diesel vehicle simulator, which represents the engine system of Pertamina’s fuel transport fleet. The results were positive, and the device is now ready for field testing in the next phase.

“Our hope is that in the second year, this device can be tested in real field conditions, registered with SNI and the e-catalog, and eventually used widely by Pertamina’s partners,” Rois concluded.

Rois explained that there are around three thousand Pertamina fuel transport trucks nationwide that could potentially implement the results of this research. If applied, this innovation could prevent filter blockages during transport and reduce both social and economic losses caused by fuel distribution delays.

“The research program funded through the LPDP Rispro grant is the first ever received by a UMS research team, and the amount is quite prestigious. Hopefully, this will mark the beginning of stronger innovative research development within UMS,” Rois concluded.

One of the research team members, Ir. Bana Handaga, M.T., Ph.D., explained that the study consists of several key components, including the fuel flow system, chemical composition of B40, engine performance, and internet-based electronic systems.

“My role is in the electronics section developing a system that can detect the health of the fuel filter. This device monitors the filter condition in real time and gives a warning when the filter starts to malfunction due to declining fuel quality,” Bana explained.

He added that the chemistry team in this project is focusing on studying changes in the composition of B40 diesel after repeated use, while the mechanical team examines how fuel flow behavior affects engine performance.

“We work across multiple disciplines, from chemistry, mechanical and electrical engineering, to industrial and economic studies. Each field complements the others so that this research can be applied comprehensively,” he added.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Thamrin Usman, DEA, one of the LPDP reviewers, expressed his appreciation for the achievements of the UMS research team.

“We conducted direct field monitoring and evaluation. Although there are a few minor aspects that need refinement, overall, the progress has been excellent. We agreed to continue this research into the second year so that the results can truly benefit the public,” said Thamrin.

He added that this productive research is expected to generate market-ready innovations and make a tangible contribution to improving the efficiency of Indonesia’s fuel distribution fleet management.

Writer: Fika Annisa Sholihah

Editor: Maysali Sudarwati

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid