Abstract
The alcohols ethanol and 1-butanol are interesting options as blending components for renewable fuels. We studied whether it is possible to mix these alcohols with a little refined material, rapeseed oil, to obtain stable fuel samples. At room temperature, the stable samples consisted of rapeseed oil blended with butanol at 5 vol-%, 10 vol-%, 20 vol-%, 30 vol-% and one sample of rapeseed oil with 5 vol-% of ethanol. The samples’ fuel properties analysed were kinematic viscosity (at 40 °C), density (at 15 °C) and surface tension. Cold filter plugging point was measured for rapeseed oil with 20 vol-% and 30 vol-% of butanol. Stability of butanol or ethanol and rapeseed oil blends can be achieved at the studied volumes. The density of neat rapeseed oil and all the alcohol–rapeseed oil blends met the requirements set for residual marine fuels. The 30 vol-% butanol–rapeseed oil blend met the requirements for distillate marine oil for density, and almost for kinematic viscosity. The blends appeared most suitable for power plants and marine engines. More detailed analyses of their properties are needed before recommendations for use can be given.
Highlights
The need to develop alternative, renewable fuels is a response to the challenges set by climate change, expected depletion of fossil fuel sources, mankind’s steadily increasing energy demand and a growing world population
This study tested a set of rapeseed oil-alcohol blends, evaluating their stability and some key fuel properties: kinematic viscosity, density, surface tension and cold filter plugging point
The results were compared with fuel standards ISO 8217 [33], SFS-EN 590 [12] and SFS-EN 14214 [32]
Summary
The need to develop alternative, renewable fuels is a response to the challenges set by climate change, expected depletion of fossil fuel sources, mankind’s steadily increasing energy demand and a growing world population. Development of fuels from renewable resources is urgently sought to reduce carbon emissions. Climate change and the expected depletion of fossil fuel sources make it imperative to research alternative fuels [3]. The value of alternative fuels might soon change due to diminishing availability of fossil resources. Development of renewable, locally produced and cost-effective fuels could help increase self-sufficiency of energy generation. This would support goals of sustainable development and equal opportunities for all people [6]
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