Showing papers on "Vegetable oil refining published in 2015"

Green diesel synthesis by hydrodeoxygenation of bio-based feedstocks: Strategies for catalyst design and development

Abstract: Green diesel or straight chain hydrocarbons are produced by the hydrodeoxygenation of bio-based feedstocks such as vegetable oils and bio-oils. Usage of green diesel for commercial purpose can be economical to cater the energy demands of the present generation. Traditionally, transition metal sulfides have been used for hydrotreating reactions and more recently usage of transition metallic carbide, nitride, boride and phosphide catalysts are gaining importance. In this comprehensive review, it is intended to focus on some major developments in catalyst design methodology pertaining to hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reaction systems. The details related to the different catalysts used for the hydrodeoxygenation reaction are also discussed. Most of the research works have been carried out using model compounds such as guaiacol and phenol using moderately-highly acidic supports such as Al2O3, ZrO2 and TiO2 and active metals such as palladium, platinum, nickel and molybdenum. Factors to be considered for the choice of feed stock, selection of support material, active metals, promoters and their influence on the hydrodeoxygenation reaction, catalyst design procedure, catalyst preparation method and the influence of the catalyst treatment methods on the morphology of catalyst and their performance are discussed in this review paper. Most research works have focused on usage of acidic support materials and focus on basic support materials is scarce. Choice is promoters is highly dependent on the promoter–support interaction and it is essential to ensure minimum promoter–support interaction for the efficient performance of the catalyst.

An overview on glycerol-free processes for the production of renewable liquid biofuels, applicable in diesel engines

Abstract: Biodiesel is a biofuel obtained from vegetable oils or animal fats by transesterification with methanol, so that it offers a very promising alternative respect to diesel fuel, since it is able to provide a suitable substitute for the fossil diesel in unmodified internal combustion engines, pure or in blends. However, a major barrier exists to consolidate this conventional biodiesel, as the more suitable biofuel for the replacement of fossil fuel. This drawback is related to the significant amount of glycerol obtained as a byproduct in the transesterification process, which exceeds at least 10% by weight of oil used as raw material. Thus, future widespread use of biofuels depends on developing new process technologies to produce high quality transportation fuels from biologically derived feedstocks, which avoid this key handicap. These new biofuels, like the biodiesel, need to be also compatible with the fossil fuel as well as with existing transportation infrastructures to be economically feasible. In this respect, various alternative methods are currently under development to convert vegetable oils into a high quality diesel fuel, fully compatible with petroleum derived diesel fuel but avoiding the existing glycerol glut. The present review aims to explore the current state of available technologies and recent information in research, production practices and engineering developed to produce alternative high-quality diesel fuel from vegetable oils, by hydrotreating of triglycerides in conventional oil refineries (green diesel) as well as those novel biofuels that integrate glycerol into their composition ( Gliperol®, DMC-Biod® and Ecodiesel®) and the respective technologies for their productions. These very recent biofuels obtained from oils and fats, seek to achieve greater atom efficiency (ideally 100%) because nor glycerol neither other byproduct is generated, avoiding any purification treatment, so that the overall production process of the biofuel is in large extension simplified.

Deoxygenation of Waste Chicken Fats to Green Diesel over Ni/Al2O3: Effect of Water and Free Fatty Acid Content

Abstract: The deoxygenation of waste chicken fat containing a high degree of free fatty acids (FFAs) and water has been implemented to produce a green diesel, known as biohydrogenated diesel (BHD). The effect of the water and free fatty acid content in the chicken fat on the conversion, BHD yield, and liquid/gas product distribution was investigated over a Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst in a trickle-bed reactor. The major reaction pathway was decarbonylation/decarboxylation (DCO/DCO2), whereas hydrodeoxygenation was minor. Methane from methanation of the resultant CO/CO2 and propane cracking was a major gaseous product. The FFA and water content improved the BHD yield and the overall contribution of the DCO/DCO2. The presence of water accelerated the breakdown of the triglyceride molecules into FFAs. Therefore, waste chicken fat from food industries containing a high degree of FFAs and water content can be used as a low-cost feedstock for renewable diesel production without requirement of a pretreatment process.

Technoeconomic analysis of jet fuel production from hydrolysis, decarboxylation, and reforming of camelina oil

Abstract: The commercial production of jet fuel from camelina oil via hydrolysis, decarboxylation, and reforming was simulated. The refinery was modeled as being close to the farms for reduced camelina transport cost. A refinery with annual nameplate capacity of 76,000 cubic meters hydrocarbons was modeled. Assuming average camelina production conditions and oil extraction modeling from the literature, the cost of oil was 0.31 $ kg−1. To accommodate one harvest per year, a refinery with 1 year oil storage capacity was designed, with the total refinery costing 283 million dollars in 2014 USD. Assuming co-products are sold at predicted values, the jet fuel break-even selling price was 0.80 $ kg−1. The model presents baseline technoeconomic data that can be used for more comprehensive financial and risk modeling of camelina jet fuel production. Decarboxylation was compared to the commercially proven hydrotreating process. The model illustrated the importance of refinery location relative to farms and hydrogen production site.

Emulsification of animal fats and vegetable oils for their use as a diesel engine fuel: An overview

Abstract: Vegetable oils and animal fats represent promising alternatives to diesel engine fuel because they can be obtained from different feedstocks and renewable sources; also their properties are close to diesel fuel The direct use of these biofuels as a diesel engine fuel can cause several problems in engine performance and emissions In order to obtain a more engine-friendly fuel, it is necessary to change the biofuels’ properties for which different methods have been used One of the possibilities is using emulsification techniques in order to obtain emulsified biofuels (emulsions or microemulsions); through this method it is possible to lower viscosity and improve the atomization However, emulsification techniques applied to vegetable oils and animal fats have not been studied thoroughly For this reason, this paper presents an overview on the formulation and characterization of the emulsified biofuels using vegetable oils and animal fats, as well as the main experimental results reported about its use as a diesel engine fuel in the scientific literature

Evaluation of Presulfided NiMo/γ-Al2O3 for Hydrodeoxygenation of Microalgae Oil To Produce Green Diesel

Abstract: In the present work, reduced presulfided NiMo/γ-Al2O3, the conventional hydrotreating catalyst, was evaluated for green diesel production via hydrodeoxygenation of unrefined microalgae oil in a microreactor, mimicking the single channel of a monolithic reactor. The effect of reactor inner diameter on space-time yield of hydrocarbon and microalgae oil conversion was studied first to confirm the superiority of the microreactor for three-phase reactions. Based on the external and internal mass transfer limitation analyses, a range of process conditions without mass transfer limitation was determined for catalyst evaluation. The results showed that NiMo/γ-Al2O3 is deactivated due to the accumulation of produced oxygenated intermediates in hydrodeoxygenation reaction, and its selectivity to even-numbered carbon hydrocarbon produced from hydrodehydration correlates with the catalyst activity. The catalyst activity and life can be preserved by increasing hydrogen to oil ratio, residence time, reaction temperatur...

Application of Waste Plastic Pyrolysis Oil in a Direct Injection Diesel Engine: For a Small Scale Non-Grid Electrification

Abstract: Waste plastic can be transformed to oil by the pyrolysis and it may be applicable as a fuel for diesel engines. The pyrolysis oil property varies depending on the raw waste plastic and the pyrolysis condition, which is different from that of diesel and gasoline. Considering the thermal efficiency, the running stability and the reliability, diesel engines are the most promising energy converter to generate electricity by using the pyrolysis oil. In this research, plastics from municipal wastes were converted into oil through the pyrolysis and the catalytic reforming process in a commercial facility. Compared with diesel fuel, the raw pyrolysis oil showed slightly lower kinematic viscosity than the minimum level of diesel fuel and almost the same heating value. Its carbon class differed from diesel, gasoline and kerosene and is mainly composed of naphethenes and olefins which have poor self-ignition quality. A single cylinder direct injection diesel engine was used for the test to show the compatibility of the pyrolysis oil to diesel fuel. The pyrolysis oil was blended with diesel fuel with different mixing ratios. The full load performance, the exhaust emission and the thermal efficiency were investigated from the view point of the compatibility to diesel based on the US EPA regulation mode.

Determination of the Hansen Solubility Parameters of Vegetable Oils, Biodiesel, Diesel, and Biodiesel–Diesel Blends

Abstract: The search for alternative fuels has been gaining attention in recent decades. The replacement of fossil fuels is driven by environmental, economic, and social factors, since the whole of society is dependent on their usage; and in this context, one alternative that has been highlighted is the use of biodiesel. Biodiesel represents a renewable, biodegradable, non-inflammable, and low toxicity alternative to diesel. In this study, the Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs) and the interaction radii (R 0) were determined for the following materials: used frying oil, coconut oil, palm oil, biodiesel from used frying oil, diesel, and biodiesel–diesel blends (B10 and B20), using 45 solvents and solvent mixtures. The values found for the solubility parameters of the used frying oil and coconut oil were very close to those found for the biodiesel; however, the biofuel showed higher solubility in polar solvents. The values of solubility parameters of diesel, B10, and B20 were similar, increasing values according to the amount (by volume) of biodiesel added to diesel fuel.

Performance and Emission Characteristics of Biodiesel Fuelled Diesel Engines

Abstract: Rapid industrialisation and growth in population has resulted in the rapid increase in energy demand. Indiscriminate use of fossil fuels has led to extinction of petroleum sources. Pollutant emissions from diesel engines has caused major impacts in disturbing the ecological system. To overcome these problems, focus is towards alternative sources. Biodiesel, derived from vegetable oils, animal fats and algae is the future prospect. The paper reviews the research on impact of biodiesel on performance and emission characteristics of diesel engine. Higher viscosity is found as the major problem in use of vegetable oil directly in engine that is removed by converting it into biodiesel by transesterification reaction. Fuel properties like calorific value, flash point and cetane value of biodiesel and biodiesel–diesel blends were found comparable petroleum diesel. Performance results reveal that most of the biodiesel, give higher brake thermal efficiency and lower brake-specific fuel consumption. Emission results showed that in most cases, NOx is increased, and HC, CO, and PM emissions are decreased. B 20 blend of biodiesel with diesel was found the best suitable blend for engine. Biodiesel is an appropriate inherent source for alternative fuel, with environmental benefits.

Good practices of harvest and processing provide high quality Macauba pulp oil

Abstract: Macauba or macaw palm (Acrocomia aculeata) has great potential for oil production in tropical American biomes. This work aimed to describe a full set of procedures to obtain high quality crude and refined pulp oil. Crude oil was extracted by forced pressing of dried, mechanically pulped fruits that were collected directly from the bunch at ripening stage. The preliminary refining process sequentially encompassed degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization. Identity and quality parameters (fatty acid composition, peroxide value, molar absorptivity at 232 and 270 nm, moisture, refractive index, saponification index, unsaponifiable matter, color, total carotenoids, and solid fat content) were determined in all steps. Crude and refined oils presented about 64% of monounsaturated acids (oleic acid) and 26% saturated acids (mostly palmitic acid). Oil composition and physicochemical characteristics were maintained after refining, rendering high quality oil, suitable for multipurpose employments, such as food processing and biodiesel production. Practical applications: Macauba palm is a widespread and high-yield oil bearing fruit from tropical America that is being domesticated in Brazil. A whole processing of the pulp oil, including fruits from harvest and postharvest, was developed at lab scale to render suitable oil for food and biofuels usages. Going forward, the procedures could be scaled up and the cost effectiveness must be evaluated. The rendered crude and refined oils showed low acidity implying that the synthesis of biodiesel by the traditional and most used alkaline transesterification route is suitable for this raw material. Macauba pulp oil features a high amount of oleic acid, which is a desirable characteristic for the food and biofuel sectors because of the stability against oxidation provided by the monounsaturated fatty acids. The composition of fatty acids, potentially allows the generation of two fractions, olein and stearin, which broads its usages. Good practices of harvesting, processing fruits, and refining, resulted in high oleic quality macauba pulp oil that complies with most standard requirements for crude and refined edible oils.

Performance and emissions characteristics of crude jatropha oil biodiesel blends in a diesel engine

Abstract: Biofuels based on vegetable oils offer the advantages of being sustainable, annually renewable sources of automobile fuel. Despite many years of improvement, use of vegetable-oil-based fuels still has issues, such as oxidation, the stoichiometric point, bio-fuel composition, antioxidants on degradation and the volume of oxygen compared to diesel. Thus, improvements in the emissions from diesel engines fueled by a blend of crude jatropha oil with diesel could be the requirement to meet the reduced emissions regulations in the future. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects on the vehicle’s performance and exhaust emissions of the combustion process of blended crude jatropha oil and palm oil with different ratios. The engine speed was varied from 1500~3000 rpm, the load test condition was varied from 0~100% using a Dynapack chassis dynamometer and crude jatropha oil with a diesel blending ratio from 5~15vol% (CJO5~CJO15) was used. A decrease in HC emissions was found in the combustion process as the ratio of the blend of crude jatropha oil with diesel was increased and also with nearly equal engine performance. The increase in the jatropha oil biodiesel blending ratio promoted the reduction of HC, CO and CO2 emissions in the range 10vol% to 15vol% of the blends. The improvement in the combustion process with the higher blending ratio is expected to be strongly influenced by the oxygen contained in the blended crude jatropha oil.

A Non-sulfided flower-like Ni-PTA Catalyst that Enhances the Hydrotreatment Efficiency of Plant Oil to Produce Green Diesel.

Abstract: The development of a novel non-sulfided catalyst with high activity for the hydrotreatment processing of plant oils, is of high interest as a way to improve the efficient production of renewable diesel. To attempt to develop such a catalyst, we first synthesized a high activity flower-like Ni-PTA catalyst used in the hydrotreatment processes of plant oils. The obtained catalyst was characterized with SEM, EDX, HRTEM, BET, XRD, H2-TPR, XPS and TGA. A probable formation mechanism of flower-like Ni(OH)2 is proposed on the basis of a range of contrasting experiments. The results of GC showed that the conversion yield of Jatropha oil was 98.95%, and the selectivity of C11-C18 alkanes was 70.93% at 360 °C, 3 MPa, and 15 h(-1). The activity of this flower-like Ni-PTA catalyst was more than 15 times higher than those of the conventional Ni-PTA/Al2O3 catalysts. Additionally, the flower-like Ni-PTA catalyst exhibited good stability during the process of plant oil hydrotreatment.

Hydroprocessing of Jatropha Oil for Production of Green Diesel over Non-sulfided Ni-PTA/Al2O3 Catalyst.

Abstract: Hydroprocessing of Jatropha Oil for Production of Green Diesel over Non-sulfided Ni-PTA/Al 2 O 3 Catalyst

Physical Properties of Methyl Esters Made from Alkali-based Transesterification and Conventional Diesel Fuel

Abstract: Biodiesel, also known as a biofuel usually produced from vegetable oil, has a potential to replace petroleum biodiesel partially or totally. Currently, a question is being raised whether biodiesel has the properties like diesel fuel and if it is well nominated for diesel replacement. This study intends to compare the properties of methyl ester (biodiesel) of soy bean, sunflower, corn, rice bran, olive, and grape seed together and with petroleum-based diesel fuel in order to investigate whether biodiesels with different vegetable oil origins are good candidates for diesel replacement in the near future. In this study, biodiesels are made through alkali-based transesterification with methanol and potassium hydroxide. Properties, such as specific gravity, viscosity, gross heating value, Cetane number, and flash point, are obtained with distinct ASTM standards. Results state that, except for viscosity, other properties of biodiesels and diesel fuel are comparable to each other.

Green Diesel from Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil Process Design Study

Abstract: A systematic approach was applied to study the process of hydrotreating vegetable oils. During the three phases of conceptual, detailed, and final design, unit operations were designed and sized. Modeling of the process was performed with UniSim Design®. Producing green diesel and jet fuel from vegetable oils was found to be technically possible via a flexible process of hydrotreatment. The resulting mass and energy balances indicated high carbon atom and energy yield. An economic evaluation proved that the operational expenses mainly depend on the cost of raw materials. Currently, the margin between crude palm oil and the retail diesel price is too low to operate an economically viable process. However, production and utilization of biofuels is required by international regulations.