Functional Properties and Microbiological Stability of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) under Different Storage Conditions

Małgorzata Hawrot-Paw,Adam Koniuszy,Daria Seń,Paweł Sędłak

doi:10.3390/en13215632

Małgorzata Hawrot-Paw, Adam Koniuszy + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/en13215632

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Journal: Energies	Publication Date: Oct 28, 2020
Citations: 5	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: West Pomeranian University of Technology

Abstract

Biofuels used as biocomponents for transport fuels should meet quality requirements. Their properties have a significant impact on the proper functioning of the engine supply system and the wear of its components. Changes in the performance of biofuel functionality may already occur during storage. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate changes in selected rheological and tribological parameters of higher fatty acid esters depending on the time and method of their storage by considering different types of substrates used for their production. The presence of possible microbiological contamination, which may affect the examined parameters of biofuels, was also analyzed. The dynamic viscosity of the biofuels tested changed depending on the substrate used. The biofuel produced from waste oil had the highest viscosity. Tribological studies show that both the linear wear of samples and the friction moment were higher after the storage period. The acid number of the esters did not exceed the permissible value recommended by the standard. The type of raw material used for the production of biodiesel and the conditions of its storage affected biodeterioration, proved by the growth of microorganisms. The highest number of microorganisms was recorded in biofuels prepared from waste oil.

Highlights

With the increase in energy demand, currently met mainly by fossil fuels, carbon dioxide emissions have significantly increased [1]
The esters of higher fatty acids contain fewer carbon and hydrogen atoms and approximately 12% more oxygen, which can promote the development of microorganisms and cause a change in the parameters of biofuel [26]
The present study demonstrated changes in the selected rheological and tribological parameters of higher fatty acid esters depending on the time and method of their storage

Summary

Introduction

With the increase in energy demand, currently met mainly by fossil fuels, carbon dioxide emissions have significantly increased [1]. One of them is the production of bioenergy, i.e., renewable energy from biomass [2]. The main stage of energy use of biomass is its conversion to heat, electricity or biofuels [3]. Much focus has been given to transport biofuels, the production of which could enable sustainable use of biomass on a large scale [4]; the use of bioethanol or biodiesel allows us to reduce the use of conventional fuels. Biodiesel is composed of monoalkyl esters of long-chain fatty acids derived from renewable fatty compounds [5]. Biodiesel is produced by diluting oils with solvents, microemulsion, pyrolysis or transesterification [13], resulting in fatty acid esters (Figure 1). The esters produced in this process have a high cetane value, low viscosity, and an appropriate calorific value [14]

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Conclusion