Showing papers on "Biodiesel published in 1995"

Use of branched-chain esters to reduce the crystallization temperature of biodiesel.

Abstract: To reduce the tendency of biodiesel to crystallize at low temperatures, branched-chain alcohols were used to esterify various fats and oils, and the crystallization properties of the branched esters were compared with those of methyl esters by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), cloud point, and pour point. Compared with the methyl esters that are commonly used in biodiesel, branched-chain esters greatly reduced the crystallization onset temperature (TCO) of neat esters and their corresponding ester diesel fuel blends. Isopropyl and 2-butyl esters of normal (∼10 wt% palmitate) soybean oil (SBO) crystallized 7–11 and 12–14°C lower, respectively, than the corresponding methyl esters. The benefit of the branched-chain esters in lowering TCO increased when the esters were blended with diesel fuel. Esters made from a low-palmitate (3.8%) SBO crystallized 5–6°C lower than those of normal SBO. Isopropyl esters of lard and tallow had TCO values similar to that of methyl esters of SBO. DSC provided an accurate means of monitoring crystallization, and the DSC results correlated with cloud and pour point measurements.

Storage stability of biodiesel

Abstract: Renewable vegetable fuels are spreading rapidly throughout Europe and North America. Because biodiesel fuel has now acquired an important market share, it is necessary to thoroughly examine aspects of its use not previously considered either at the research stage or when overhauling the production technology. One of these aspects is its medium-term storage. The object of the present work is to study the behavior of biodiesel under controlled storage conditions that simulate those found in reality. Samples of biodiesel were kept in the dark, at two different temperatures (20°C and 40°C), in both glass and iron containers. They were controlled by the parameters that indicate their state of oxidation. Another group of samples was stored in glass and kept under the conditions described above in the presence of increasing quantities of water to determine its influence on the formation of acidity.

Effects of fatty acid derivatives on the ignition quality and cold flow of diesel fuel

Abstract: The biodiesel that is considered as a possible substitute or extender of conventional automotive diesel fuel is commonly composed of fatty acid methyl esters that are prepared from the glycerides in vegetable oils by transesterification with methanol. This form of biodiesel is compatible with diesel fuel but offers no improvement in its ignition quality. This work describes the results of a series of experiments aimed at assessing other common fatty acid derivatives that could provide the desired biofuel component and, at the same time, improve the performance of the fuel. It was found that tertiary fatty amines and amides are significantly more effective than methyl esters in enhancing the ignition quality of the finished diesel fuel without having any negative effect on its cold flow properties.

A low-waste process for the production of biodiesel

Abstract: The acceptance of methylesters (biodiesel) as an alternative fuel has rapidly increased in recent years. This development has been followed by increasing research activities in the field of methylester processes. After listing reasons that supporte arguments for biodiesel and a survey of production methods, a low-waste process for biodiesel is introduced.

Hydrocarbon oil-aqueous fuel and additive compositions

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and additive compositions capable of performing at least one of the following: a) stabilizing asphaltenes flocculated and/or precipitated in a petroleum product (as a crude oil, a residue or a fuel oil), rendering thus possible its blending with other petroleum products or its processing or its combustion; b) reducing fouling in petroleum apparatuses; c) achieving yield increase in petroleum refining and/or petrochemical operations; d) reducing particulate and/or SOx and/or NOx emissions during combustion of fuels; e) reducing fouling and/or coke formation in catalysts; f) favouring cleaning and/or decoking of petroleum apparatuses; g) reducing fouling arising from diesel and biodiesel fuels.

Renewable liquid fuels.

Abstract: This editorial discusses the importance of developing alternative liquid fuels for the United States. It points out both the severe impact to US economy and life-style if liquid fuels were suddenly curtained and the significant benefits of an active alternative liquid fuel program. Biodiesel fuel using seed oils is particularly highlighted.

Conversion of vegetable oils and animal fats into paraffinic cetane enhancers for diesel fuels

Abstract: The two principal methods of producing biodiesel fuels are (a) transesterification of vegetable oils and animal fats with a monohydric alcohol, and (b) direct hydrotreating of tree oils, vegetable oils and animal fats. The patented hydrotreating technology is based on the catalytic processing of biomass oils and fats with hydrogen, under elevated temperature and pressure conditions. The typical mix of hydrotreated products is as follows: 5-15% light distillate (naphta), 40-60% middle distillate (cetane), 5-15% heavy distillate and 5-10% burner gas. The naptha fraction may be used as a gasoline supplement. The middle distillate is designed for use as a cetane booster for diesel fuels. Both heavy distillate and light hydrocarbon gases are usable as power boiler fuels. Typically, the cetane enhancer would be admixed with diesel fuel in the range of 5 to 30% by volume. This new diesel blend meets the essential quality characteristics of the basic diesel fuel, for direct use in diesel engines without any modifications. The basic hydrotreatment technology has been evaluated further in the laboratory on degummed soya oil, yellow grease and animal tallow. The preliminary findings suggest that the technology can provide efficient conversion of these materials into cetane enhancers for diesel fuels.

Autoignition of Biodiesel, Methanol, and a 50:50 Blend in a Simulated Diesel Engine Environment

Abstract: Autoignition delay times of diesel, methanol, biodiesel, and 50 wt%, 25 wt%, and 10 wt% biodiesel in methanol were measured in a constant-volume combustor. The autoignition delay times of biodiesel are similar to diesel and confirm the utility of biodiesel as a direct diesel alternative. While methanol has poor ignition characteristics, the 50 wt% blend performed similar to diesel. The 25 wt% and 10 wt% blends had ignition delay times between those of methanol and biodiesel. Methanol and biodiesel have a synergy in blends where the favorable ignition delay times of biodiesel and lower viscosity and cost of methanol combine to provide a better fuel.

An alternative fuel for urban buses-biodiesel blends

Abstract: Qualitative and quantitative biodiesel fueling performance and operational data have been collected from urban mass transit buses at Bi-State Development Agency in St. Louis Missouri. A total of 10 vehicles were selected for fueling; 5-6V92 TA Detroit Diesel engines have been fueled with a 20/80 biodiesel/diesel fuel blend and 5-6V92 TA Detroit Diesel control vehicles have been fueled on petroleum based low sulfur diesel fuel (LSD). The real-world impact of a biodiesel blend on maintenance, reliability, cost, fuel economy and safety compared to LSD will be presented. In addition, engine exhaust emissions data collected by the University of West Virginia Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored mobile emissions laboratory will be presented. Operational data from Bi-State Development Agency is collected by the University of Missouri and quality control procedures are performed prior to placing the data in the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC). The AFDC is maintained by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. This effort, which enables transit operators to review a real-world comparison of biodiesel and LSD, has been funded by the National Biodiesel Board with funds provided by the United Soybean Board with national checkoff dollars and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

U.S. biodiesel overview

Abstract: Biodiesel is the mono alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from renewable lipid sources. Through research and market development efforts led by the National Biodiesel Board, government agencies, academia, and private industry, biodiesel is moving toward commercialization as regulations take effect in specific diesel markets and as biodiesel becomes recognized as a practical, low-cost alternative fuel option. Environmentally, biodiesel is biodegradable, non-toxic, and reduces most regulated engine exhaust emissions. Operationally, it performs very similar to petroleum based diesel (petrodiesel) in terms of power, torque, and fuel economy. Biodiesel also offers improved lubricity characteristics compared to petrodiesel. Economically, production and use of biodiesel will enhance both rural and urban economic development. Also, biodiesel blends can be utilized in vehicle fleets without modifying engines or infrastructure and competes favorably with other alternative fuels on a life cycle cost basis. Market development activities have been, and will continue to be, targeted specific market segments where the attributes of biodiesel justify the price of a premium fuel. More biodiesel production will come on-line as markets are established.

ESTERFIP, a transesterification process to produce biodiesel from renewable energy source

Abstract: The IFP ESTERFIP process, is based on the catalytic transesterification of fatty oils (rapeseed oil, soybean oil, palm oil, cottonseed oil, etc.): Vegetable Oils (Triglycerides) + Methanol----Esters + Glycerol. The press consists of the following major steps: Transesterification of the vegetable oil (obtained by classical grain trituration and partially refining) by dry methanol in the presence of a basic catalyst; Decantation to completely separate the esters from the glycerine; Water washing and purification of the ester phase to climinate the last traces of catalyst particles; Vacuum evaporation of the ester product to recover traces of remaining alcohol and water; Purification of the glycerine by-product; Environmental advantages of bio-diesel versus conventional diesel fuel are: No sulfur nor aromatics; Presence of oxygen in the molecular composition; Renewable energy; Highly biodegradable. Technical aspects of the Esterfip process as well as diesel fuel applications will be described.

Cummins 5.9L biodiesel fueled engines

Abstract: The Agricultural Engineering Department at the University of Missouri-Columbia has fueled a 1991 and a 1992 Dodge pickup Cummins engine with 100 percent methyl-ester soybean oil (biodiesel) for more than 172,545 km (107,215 mile). The 1991 pickup has been driven 89,888 km (55,854 mile) and the 1992 pickup has been driven approximately 82,658 (51,361 mile). Fueling the 5.9 L (360 in{sup 3}) engines with 100% biodiesel initially increased engine power by 3% (1991 engine) and reduced power by 7% (1992 engine). However, both pickups produced less power while fueled on biodiesel during the last series of chassis dynamometer testing. The pickups averaged 6.9 km/L (16.6 mil/gal). Analysis of engine lubrication oil showed that the engines were wearing at a normal rate. Black exhaust smoke normally observed when a diesel engine accelerates was reduced when the diesel engine was fueled with 100% biodiesel. Increased EPA exhaust emissions requirements for diesel engines have created much interest in the use of biodiesel as a fuel for diesel engines.

Hydrogenated soy ethyl ester (HySEE) from ethanol and waste vegetable oil

Abstract: Biodiesel is gaining recognition in the United States as a renewable fuel which may be used as an alternative to diesel fuel without any modifications to the engine. Currently the cost of this fuel is the factor that limits its use. One way to reduce the cost of biodiesel is to use a less expensive form of vegetable oil such as waste oil from a processing plant. These operations use mainly hydrogenated soybean oil, some tallow and some Canola as their frying oils. It is estimated that there are several million pounds of waste vegetable oil from these operations. Additional waste frying oil is available from smaller processors, off-grade oil seeds and restaurants. This paper reports on developing a process to produce the first 945 liters (250 gallons) of HySEE using recipes developed at the University of Idaho; fuel characterization tests on the HySEE according to the ASAE proposed Engineering Practice for Testing of Fuels from Biological Materials, X552; short term injector coking tests and performance tests in a turbocharged, DI, CI engine; and a 300 hour screening test in a single cylinder, IDI, CI engine.

Recent progress in biodiesel production and testing at the University of Idaho

Abstract: Biodiesel from vegetable oil and animal fats has been studied at the University of Idaho since 1979. Recent research is directed toward developing and demonstrating commercial technologies. During the last year an on-road vehicle was driven coast-to-coast on Biodiesel for a total of 14,068 km (8742 miles). As part of this on-road testing, the vehicle was tested for emissions on a chassis dynamometer at the LA-MTA emissions test facility in Los Angeles, California. Tests included HC, CO, CO{sub 2}, NOx, and PM. The two cycles used in the tests included a modified arterial cycle and the EPA cycle for heavy duty vehicles. Biodiesel research has included producing both methyl and ethyl esters from tallow, canola, soybean oil and rapeseed oil. These eight fuels have been subjected to fuel characterization tests according to the ASAE proposed Engineering Practice, Reporting of Fuel Properties with Testing Diesel Engines and Alternative Fuels Derived from Biological Materials, X552; and short term injector coking tests and performance tests in a turbocharged, DI, CI engine. Two-hundred hour EMA endurance tests in 3-cylinder, DI, CI engines are in progress with each of the fuels.