B20 Fuels Research Articles

Biodegradation of rhamnolipids in liquid cultures: Effect of biosurfactant dissipation on diesel fuel/B20 blend biodegradation efficiency and bacterial community composition

Bacterial utilization of rhamnolipids during biosurfactant-supplemented biodegradation of diesel and B20 (20% biodiesel and 80% diesel v/v) fuels was evaluated under conditions with full aeration or with nitrate and nitrite as electron acceptors. Rhamnolipid-induced changes in community dynamics were assessed by employing real-time PCR and the ddCt method for relative quantification.The experiments with rhamnolipids at 150mg/l, approx. double critical micelle concentration (CMC) and diesel oil confirmed that rhamnolipids were readily degraded by a soil-isolated consortium of hydrocarbon degraders in all samples, under both aerobic and nitrate-reducing conditions. The presence of rhamnolipids increased the dissipation rates for B20 constituents under aerobic conditions, but did not influence the biodegradation rate of pure diesel. No effect was observed under nitrate-reducing conditions. The biodegradation of rhamnolipids did not favor the growth of any specific consortium member, which proved that the employed biosurfactant did not interfere with the microbial equilibrium during diesel/biodiesel biodegradation.

VOC composition of current motor vehicle fuels and vapors, and collinearity analyses for receptor modeling

The formulation of motor vehicle fuels can alter the magnitude and composition of evaporative and exhaust emissions occurring throughout the fuel cycle. Information regarding the volatile organic compound (VOC) composition of motor fuels other than gasoline is scarce, especially for bioethanol and biodiesel blends. This study examines the liquid and vapor (headspace) composition of four contemporary and commercially available fuels: gasoline (<10% ethanol), E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), and B20 (20% soy-biodiesel and 80% ULSD). The composition of gasoline and E85 in both neat fuel and headspace vapor was dominated by aromatics and n-heptane. Despite its low gasoline content, E85 vapor contained higher concentrations of several VOCs than those in gasoline vapor, likely due to adjustments in its formulation. Temperature changes produced greater changes in the partial pressures of 17 VOCs in E85 than in gasoline, and large shifts in the VOC composition. B20 and ULSD were dominated by C9 to C16n-alkanes and low levels of the aromatics, and the two fuels had similar headspace vapor composition and concentrations. While the headspace composition predicted using vapor–liquid equilibrium theory was closely correlated to measurements, E85 vapor concentrations were underpredicted. Based on variance decomposition analyses, gasoline and diesel fuels and their vapors VOC were distinct, but B20 and ULSD fuels and vapors were highly collinear. These results can be used to estimate fuel related emissions and exposures, particularly in receptor models that apportion emission sources, and the collinearity analysis suggests that gasoline- and diesel-related emissions can be distinguished.

Analyzing the Changes in Dynamic Viscosities of Hazelnut Oil and Hazelnut Oil Methyl Ester with Respect to Temperature

In this study, dynamic viscosities of fuels of raw hazelnut oil and raw hazelnut oil methyl ester are measured in the interval of 0–100°C with 10°C intervals using a Brookfield Engineering Co., USA DV-II+ Pro rotary viscosity-meter. The experiments are conducted under 20°C ambient temperature. Viscosity measurements are performed at 50 rpm constant speed by using a RVII spindle. Data are recorded in 5 sec intervals using Brookfield Engineering Co., Wingather software. Dynamic viscosities of fuels of raw hazelnut and raw hazelnut methyl ester have obtained a decrease by increasing temperature and diesel concentration. Using the dynamic viscosities of raw hazelnut oil methyl ester and diesel fuel, dynamic viscosities of B50, B20, and B5 fuels with respect to temperature are estimated by using Arrhenius mixture equation. In addition to this, using a modified Andrade equation, regression analyses are conducted in MATLAB® software and R2, absolute error, and error percentages are determined in the interval of 0–100°C with 10°C intervals.

Effects of biodiesel blend fuel on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from diesel engine exhaust

Abstract Biodiesel has been increasingly used due to its property similarities with diesel and several other favorable characteristics with respect to exhaust emissions and biodegradation. For better understanding of biodiesel, this study examines the effects of the biodiesel blend fuel on VOC emissions from diesel engine exhausts in comparison with those from diesel fuel. Exhaust emission tests were performed several times for each fuel under the US transient cycle protocol from mileages of 0–80,000 km. VOC samples were collected from diluted exhaust by using thermal desorption tubes, then analyzed by a GC/MS system. Twenty-two and forty-seven chemicals are identified and quantified in B20 and diesel fuels respectively. Total VOC emissions are in the range of 32.4–71.6 mg kW h −1 for B20 fuel, and 49.6–183.7 mg kW h −1 for diesel fuel. Individual VOC emissions are in the ranges of 0.1–29.8 mg kW h −1 for B20 fuel and 0.1–93.6 mg kW h −1 for diesel fuel. Individual VOC health risks in terms of hazard quotients are in the ranges of 0.01–1.13, and 0.01–22.79 for B20 and diesel fuels, respectively. B20 has much lower total VOC emissions, decreasing by 61.2% on average; correspondingly, lower total ozone potentials of VOC reduce by 64.0%. The reductions in health risks are also shown in B20 fuel. As a result, use of biodiesel in diesel engines has beneficial effects in terms of VOC emissions.

Performance and emissions of a diesel tractor engine fueled with marine diesel and soybean methyl ester

Abstract Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that is cleaner than petrodiesel. Biodiesel can be used directly as fuel for a diesel engine without having to modify the engine system. It has the major advantages of having high biodegradability, excellent lubricity and no sulfur content. This paper presents the results of investigations carried out in studying the fuel properties of soybean methyl ester (SME) and its blend with marine diesel fuel from 5%, 20% and 50% blends by volume and in running a diesel engine with these fuels. The results indicate that the use of biodiesel produces lower smoke opacity (up to 74%), but higher brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) (up to 12%) compared to marine fuel (MF). The measured carbon monoxide (CO) emissions of B5 and B100 fuels were found to be 3% and 52% lower than that of the MF, respectively.

Effect of Different B20 Fuels on Laboratory-Aged Engine Oil Properties

Effect of Different B20 Fuels on Laboratory-Aged Engine Oil Properties

Biodiesel from safflower oil and its application in a diesel engine

Safflower seed oil was chemically treated by the transesterification reaction in methyl alcohol environment with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to produce biodiesel. The produced biodiesel was blended with diesel fuel by 5% (B5), 20% (B20) and 50% (B50) volumetrically. Some of important physical and chemical fuel properties of blend fuels, pure biodiesel and diesel fuel were determined. Performance and emission tests were carried out on a single cylinder diesel engine to compare biodiesel blends with petroleum diesel fuel. Average performance reductions were found as 2.2%, 6.3% and 11.2% for B5, B20 and B50 fuels, respectively, in comparison to diesel fuel. These reductions are low and can be compensated by a slight increase in brake specific fuel consumption (Bsfc). For blends, Bsfcs were increased by 2.8%, 3.9% and 7.8% as average for B5, B20 and B50, respectively. Considerable reductions were recorded in PM and smoke emissions with the use of biodiesel. CO emissions also decreased for biodiesel blends while NOx and HC emissions increased. But the increases in HC emissions can be neglected as they have very low amounts for all test fuels. It can be concluded that the use of safflower oil biodiesel has beneficial effects both in terms of emission reductions and alternative petroleum diesel fuel.

Effects of biodiesel on a DI diesel engine performance, emission and combustion characteristics

Experimental tests were investigated to evaluate the performance, emission and combustion of a diesel engine using neat rapeseed oil and its blends of 5%, 20% and 70%, and standard diesel fuel separately. The results indicate that the use of biodiesel produces lower smoke opacity (up to 60%), and higher brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) (up to 11%) compared to diesel fuel. The measured CO emissions of B5 and B100 fuels were found to be 9% and 32% lower than that of the diesel fuel, respectively. The BSFC of biodiesel at the maximum torque and rated power conditions were found to be 8.5% and 8% higher than that of the diesel fuel, respectively. From the combustion analysis, it was found that ignition delay was shorter for neat rapeseed oil and its blends tested compared to that of standard diesel. The combustion characteristics of rapeseed oil and its diesel blends closely followed those of standard diesel.

Effects of B20 versus ULSD Fuel on Diesel Engine PM Emissions and Aftertreatment Performance

Effects of B20 versus ULSD Fuel on Diesel Engine PM Emissions and Aftertreatment Performance

Corrosion characteristics of copper and leaded bronze in palm biodiesel

Biodiesel has become more attractive as alternative fuel for automobiles because of its environmental benefits and the fact that it is made from renewable sources. However, corrosion of metals in biodiesel is one of the concerns related to biodiesel compatibility issues. This study aims to characterize the corrosion behavior of commercial pure copper and leaded bronze commonly encountered in the automotive fuel system in diesel engine. Static immersion tests in B0, B50 and B100 fuels were carried out at room temperature for 2640 h. Similar immersion tests in B0, B100 and B100 (oxidized) fuels were also conducted at 60 °C for 840 h. At the end of the test, corrosion behavior was investigated by weight loss measurements and changes in surface morphology. Fuels were analyzed by using TAN analyzer, FTIR, MOA (multi-element oil analyzer) to investigate acid concentration, oxidation level with water content and corrosive impurities respectively. Results showed that under the experimental conditions, pure copper was more susceptible to corrosion in biodiesel as compared to leaded bronze.

Effect of SME biodiesel blends on PM 2.5 emission from a heavy-duty engine

To explore the effect of biodiesel and sulfur content on PM 2.5 emissions, engine dynamometer tests were performed on a Euro II engine to compare the PM 2.5 emissions from four fuels: two petroleum diesel fuels with sulfur contents of 50 and 100 ppm respectively, and two B20 fuels in which soy methyl ester (SME) biodiesel was added to each of the above mentioned petroleum diesel fuels (v/v: 80%/20% for petroleum diesel and SME respectively). Gaseous pollutants and PM 2.5 emissions were sampled with an AVL AMA4000 and Model 130 High-Flow Impactor (MSP Corp). Measurements were made of the PM 2.5 mass, organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC) and the water-soluble ion distribution. The results showed that PM 2.5 emissions decreased with lower sulfur content or blending with SME biodiesel, and the decrease would be more by applying both two methods together. Particles of approximately 0.13 μm contributed 48–83% of PM 2.5 emissions. The impact of sulfur content on this percentage was different for low and high engine speed. The majority of PM 2.5 was comprised of OC and EC, and the carbon emission rate had the same trend as PM 2.5. Since the EC abatement of B20 was larger than OC, the OC/EC ratio of B20 was always larger than that of petroleum diesel. For petroleum diesel, the OC/EC increased with sulfur content, which was not the case for B20. The SO 4 2− had highest emission rate in the water-soluble ions of PM.

Quantitative Evaluation of an On-Highway Trucking Fleet to Compare #2ULSD and B20 Fuels and their Impact on Overall Fleet Performance

A study was performed on 20 Class-8 trucks paired by make, model, mileage, and drive cycles. Ten trucks were operated using #2 Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel and 10 using a 20% soy methyl ester blend (B20). All trucks were equipped with data collection units that monitored engine information including fuel consumption, idle time, truck speed, engine load, and engine speed. Data collection occurred over a continuous span of 12 months. In addition to operating data, laboratory-based fuel and engine oil testing was performed to quantify the analytical differences between the two fuel types. Cetane number, energy content, density, kinematic viscosity, and lubricity was measured for both fuels and at every oil service interval engine oil samples were evaluated based on fuel dilution, soot content, wear metals, contaminant metals, viscosity, oxidation, and acid/base number. Operational and maintenance issues such as cold start reliability, fuel filter service intervals, and general engine maintenance was also analyzed for each fleet. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant differences in the performance of engines on these #2ULSD and B20 fuels. At the conclusion of the study minimal differences were found with most comparisons, the exceptions primarily found in differences between the engine oil samples based on the two fuel types used in the study. These differences included viscosity, acid/base number, oxidation, and lead wear which indicated slightly higher oil degradation levels with B20 use.

Characterization of particle size distribution from diesel engines fueled with palm-biodiesel blends and paraffinic fuel blends

Biodiesels are promoted as alternative fuels and their applications in diesel engines have been investigated by many researchers. However, the particle size distribution emitted from heavy-duty diesel engines fueled with palm-biodiesel blended with premium diesel fuel and paraffinic fuel blended with palm-biodiesel has seldom been addressed. Thus, five test fuels were used in this work to study the particle size distribution: D100 (premium diesel fuel), B100 (100% palm-biodiesel), B20 (20 vol% palm-biodiesel+80 vol% D100), BP9505 (95 vol% paraffinic fuel+5 vol% palm-biodiesel) and BP8020 (80 vol% paraffinic fuel+20 vol% palm-biodiesel). A Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor (MOUDI) equipped with aluminum filters was used to collect size-resolved samples. Experimental results indicated that palm-biodiesel blends and paraffinic fuel blends could improve combustion efficiency in diesel engines, but pure palm-biodiesel could cause incomplete combustion. Adding palm-biodiesel to diesel fuel would slightly increase particles with diameter <0.31 μm but paraffinic fuel blends could decrease particles with diameter <1 μm. The mass median diameter of overall particles (MMD o) and σ g,o are 0.439 μm and 3.88 for D100; 0.380 μm and 3.24 for B20; 0.465 μm and 4.22 for B100; 1.40 μm and 4.92 for BP9505; 1.46 μm and 2.25 for BP8020. There are more particles with low aerodynamic diameters (diameter <0.31 μm) in the exhaust of D100, B20 and B100 fuels. On the other hand, a greater fraction of particulate matter of BP9505 and BP8020 existed in coarse particles (diameter: 2.5–10 μm). Energy efficiency also increases significantly by 12.3–15.1% with the introduction of paraffinic fuel blends into the engine. Nevertheless, paraffinic fuel blends also reduce the emission of particulate matters by 36.0–38.4%. Carbon monoxide was decreased by 36.8–48.5%. Total hydrocarbon is 39.6–41.7% less than diesel fuel combustion. Nitrogen oxides emission is about 5% lower for paraffinic fuel. These results show that paraffinic fuel can be very competitive and replaced diesel fuels in the future.

Effects of the biodiesel blend fuel on aldehyde emissions from diesel engine exhaust

Interest in use of biodiesel fuels derived from vegetable oils or animal fats as alternative fuels for petroleum-based diesels has increased due to biodiesels having similar properties of those of diesels, and characteristics of renewability, biodegradability and potential beneficial effects on exhaust emissions. Generally, exhaust emissions of regulated pollutants are widely studied and the results favor biodiesels on CO, HC and particulate emissions; however, limited and inconsistent data are showed for unregulated pollutants, such as carbonyl compounds, which are also important indicators for evaluating available vehicle fuels. For better understanding biodiesel, this study examines the effects of the biodiesel blend fuel on aldehyde chemical emissions from diesel engine exhausts in comparison with those from the diesel fuel. Test engines (Mitsubishi 4M40-2AT1) with four cylinders, a total displacement of 2.84 L, maximum horsepower of 80.9 kW at 3700 rpm, and maximum torque of 217.6 N m at 2000 rpm, were mounted and operated on a Schenck DyNAS 335 dynamometer. Exhaust emission tests were performed several times for each fuel under the US transient cycle protocol from mileages of 0–80,000 km with an interval of 20,000 km, and two additional measurements were carried out at 40,000 and 80,000 km after maintenance, respectively. Aldehyde samples were collected from diluted exhaust by using a constant volume sampling system. Samples were extracted and analyzed by the HPLC/UV system. Dominant aldehydes of both fuels’ exhausts are formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. These compounds together account for over 75% of total aldehyde emissions. Total aldehyde emissions for B20 (20% waste cooking oil biodiesel and 80% diesel) and diesel fuels are in the ranges of 15.4–26.9 mg bhp-h −1 and 21.3–28.6 mg bhp-h −1, respectively. The effects of increasing mileages and maintenance practice on aldehyde emissions are insignificant for both fuels. B20 generates slightly less emission than diesel does. Major difference in both fuels is formaldehyde emission which drops by 23% on the average. Lower aldehyde emissions found in B20 correspond to lower ozone formation potentials. As a result, use of biodiesel in diesel engines has the beneficial effect in terms of aldehyde emissions.

Fuel properties and nitrogen oxide emission levels of biodiesel produced from animal fats

AbstractFAME of lard, beef tallow, and chicken fat were prepared by base‐catalyzed transesterification for use as biodiesel fuels. Selected fuel properties of the neat fat‐derived methyl esters (B100) were determined and found to meet ASTM specifications. The cold‐flow properties, lubricity, and oxidative stability of the B100 fat‐derived fuels also were measured. In general, the cold‐flow properties of the fat‐based fuels were less desirable than those of soy‐based biodiesel, but the lubricity and oxidative stability of the fat‐based biodiesels were comparable to or better than soy‐based biodiesel. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission tests also were conducted with the animal fat‐derived esters and compared with soybean oil biodiesel as 20 vol% blends (B20) in petroleum diesel. The data indicated that the three animal fat‐based B20 fuels had lower NOx emission levels (3.2–6.2%) than did the soy‐based B20 fuel.