Cold Flow Properties Research Articles

Properties investigation and performance analysis of a diesel engine fuelled with Jatropha, Soybean, Palm and Cottonseed biodiesel using Ethanol as an additive

Biodiesel is world widely recognized as an alternative fuel to conventional diesel fuel in compression ignition engines. It has many advantages including reduction of exhaust gases emissions such as CO, SOx, NOx, and hydrocarbon, higher cetane number, reduced toxicity, safety, and improved CO2 lifecycle. But the poor cold flow properties and higher viscosity of biodiesel limits there usage in the field of transportation sector. Biodiesel derived from different raw feedstock of plant based oils or animal fats contained a significant amount of saturated free fatty acids which increases viscosity, cloud point and pour point of biodiesel. These properties can be enhanced by adding an ethanol as an additive in the blends of biodiesel with diesel which can be further able to enhance the engine performance and reduce harmful exhaust emissions. In the present experimental investigation, an ethanol is added to Jatropha, Soybean, Palm, and Cottonseed biodiesel with diesel as an additive by 5% volume. Properties are investigated as per IS 1448 standards. Investigation reported that addition of ethanol as an additive reduces the kinematic viscosity, cloud point and pour point of blends of biodiesel. The test fuels B20E5 (20% biodiesel + 75% diesel + 5% ethanol) of Jatropha, Soybean, Palm, and Cottonseed biodiesel are tested on single cylinder,four stroke,VCR (Variable Compression Ratio) electric start diesel engine connected to eddy current dynamometer for various load conditions to evaluate performance analysis of the engine. The performance analysis of investigation shows that there is an improved BP (Brake Power), increased BSFC (Brake Specific Fuel Consumption) and increased BTE (Brake Thermal Efficiency) for various loads on engine for Jatropha, Soybean, Palm and Cottonseed biodiesel- diesel blend with ethanol as an additive

Engine Performance Using Waste Cooking Biodiesel and Its Blends with Kerosene and Ethanol

The Waste cooking oil is popular source for biodiesel production and it can be developed as substitute to diesel. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the fuel properties and investigate the impact on engine performance using waste cooking biodiesel and its blend with diesel, kerosene and ethanol. The result of investigation show that cold flow properties of waste cooking biodiesel blend with ethanol and kerosene are much better than waste cooking biodiesel and its blends with diesel. The blends were also tested on diesel engine to evaluate the engine performance and the result shows that Brake Specific fuel consumption for waste cooking biodiesel blend with ethanol and kerosene are higher as compared to waste cooking biodiesel and it blends with diesel. This is due to lower calorific value for ethanol and kerosene. The brake thermal efficiency for waste cooking biodiesel blend with diesel is higher as compared to other blends of waste cooking biodiesel with ethanol and kerosene. The result shows that waste cooking biodiesel blend with ethanol and kerosene can be recommended for cold climatic conditions while WCB20 can be developed as an alternative to diesel.

Comparative Physicochemical Evaluation of Starch Extracted from Cajanus Cajan Seeds Grown in Sudan as a Pharmaceutical Excipient Against Maize Starch

The objective of this work was to extract and to investigate the physicochemical properties of Cajanus cajan starch (CCS) for use as pharmaceutical excipient and to compare its properties with official maize starch. Cajanus cajan seeds yielded 32.6 % starch on dry weight basis and several physicochemical characteristics of the extracted CCS and maize starch were evaluated such as: pH, moisture content, cold water solubility, swelling capacity, hydration capacity, moisture uptake, Amylose/Amylopectin ratio, flow properties and bulk and tapped densities. Also, the microphotograph and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) had been taken for both starch samples. The physicochemical properties of CCS compared favorably with those of maize starch, suggesting that CCS can be used as tablet excipient in pharmaceutical industries.

Variation of solid fraction with cold flow properties of biodiesel produced from waste frying oil

Biodiesel sample utilized in the study was produced from waste frying oil by a base catalyzed one step transesterification reaction. The feedstock oil and the samples produced were tested in accordance with the standards designated by European Committee for Standardization and also by American Society for Testing and Materials. Cold Flow Properties (CFP), namely Cloud Point (CP), Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) and Pour Point (PP) were determined. Since the three CFP should occur at specific solid fractions during freezing, the objective was to examine in details the whole solidification history to estimate the corresponding solid fractions at these temperatures. The so-called computer-aided cooling curve analysis employed in metal casting industry was modified and applied to the current biodiesel sample. Indications of CP, CFPP and PP were noted as slope changes on the cooling curve and also on its first derivative curve. The Newtonian thermal analysis was utilized to estimate the solid fractions in the solid-liquid mixture at CP, CFPP and PP during solidification. The fraction of the solidified biodiesel in the mixture jumped from 0.18 to 0.39 when the CFPP temperature was reached. The visual observations were in agreement with the calculations.

Effects of aromatic fluids on properties and stability of alternative marine diesels

Hydroprocessed renewable diesel (HRD-76) and synthesized isoparaffin (SIP-76) have been produced in sufficient quantity for testing by the US Navy, and demonstrated as compatible replacements or blend stock with marine diesel (NATO F-76). Operational limitations with respect to the lubricity, seal swell and cold-flow properties, however, need to be addressed before using 100% HRD-76 or SIP-76. Aromatics are known to improve seal swell and low-temperature characteristics. In this study, three commercial aromatic fluids (Aromatic 100, 150 and 200) produced from petroleum refining were added to HRD-76 and SIP-76 at various concentrations to investigate their impacts on the properties of the biofuel blend. The composition, hydrogen content and physicochemical properties of these aromatic fluids were determined according to ASTM methods and compared with that of biofuels and F-76. The seal-swell capability of the aromatic fluids and biofuel blends was investigated using nitrile O-rings, while the effects of aromatic fluids on fuel low-temperature quality were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry. In addition, ASTM D5304 and D2274 tests were conducted to investigate the impacts of adding aromatics to biofuels on long-term storage and oxidative stabilities. Although the composition and characteristics of these three aromatics fluids varied, all were capable of inducing o-ring seal swell and adjusting the density of biofuels without significantly affecting the biofuels’ stabilities. HRD-76 and aromatic fluid blends also exhibited liquid to solid phase transitions at lower temperatures and greater hydrophilicity than neat HRD-76.

Evaluating the usability of 19 effluents for heterotrophic cultivation of microalgal consortia as biodiesel feedstock

A key reason inhibiting commercialization of algal oil as biodiesel feedstock, is cultivation cost. For this reason, the usability of 19 readily available industrial effluents (autoclaved and non-autoclaved) to support heterotrophic growth and lipid accumulation was evaluated using six mixed algal cultures. Autoclaved whey effluent was the best with 14.32 g biomass L−1, 13.23% lipids, resulting in a lipid production of 1.91 g lipids L−1. Biomass production and lipid accumulation were in many cases inverse, e.g. mixed algal culture termed TUT4 accumulating 84.25% lipids on autoclaved acid mine drainage, with very little biomass produced. Biomass production was dependent on the effluent type, whereas the lipid accumulation was influenced mostly by the specific mixed algal cultures. The fatty acid composition of the algal oil (fish cannery and whey effluents) showed high saturation, leading to acceptable cetane numbers, kinematic viscosity, good oxidative stability, but poor cold flow properties.

COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF REACTION PARAMETERS ON COLD FLOW PROPERTIES OF BIODIESEL

Biodiesel is biodegradable, renewable and nontoxic fuel source instead of petroleum fuel. Biodiesel has bad cold flow properties. The aim was to specify the optimum reaction parameters and obtain minimum cold flow properties. Transesterification method was preferred as the biodiesel production method. Reaction of transesterification is affected by diverse reaction parameters like as catalyst amount, molar ratio of alcohol to oil, time of reaction and temperature of reaction. In this experimental study, the impacts of operation parameters on cold flow properties of linseed oil biodiesel was compared. In production process potassium hydroxide (KOH) was chosen as catalyst and ethanol was used as alcohol. The impacts of catalyst amount (0.3-1.1 wt%), molar ratio of ethanol to oil (4:1-8:1), reaction time (45-105 min) and reaction temperature (50-65 oC) was investigated. The minimum cold flow property values were obtained at 0.5% catalyst concentration, 7:1 molar ratio of ethyl alcohol to oil, 90 min of reaction time, 65oC of reaction temperature. The lowest pour point, cloud point and cold filter plugging point of linseed biodiesel were found -10 oC, -3 oC, and -8 oC, respectively at optimum reaction parameters. Article DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.20319/mijst.2017.33.6271 This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.

COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF REACTION PARAMETERS ON COLD FLOW PROPERTIES OF BIODIESEL

Biodiesel is biodegradable, renewable and nontoxic fuel source instead of petroleum fuel. Biodiesel has bad cold flow properties. The aim was to specify the optimum reaction parameters and obtain minimum cold flow properties. Transesterification method was preferred as the biodiesel production method. Reaction of transesterification is affected by diverse reaction parameters like as catalyst amount, molar ratio of alcohol to oil, time of reaction and temperature of reaction. In this experimental study, the impacts of operation parameters on cold flow properties of linseed oil biodiesel was compared. In production process potassium hydroxide (KOH) was chosen as catalyst and ethanol was used as alcohol. The impacts of catalyst amount (0.3-1.1 wt%), molar ratio of ethanol to oil (4:1-8:1), reaction time (45-105 min) and reaction temperature (50-65 ºC) was investigated. The minimum cold flow property values were obtained at 0.5% catalyst concentration, 7:1 molar ratio of ethyl alcohol to oil, 90 min of reaction time, 65ºC of reaction temperature. The lowest pour point, cloud point and cold filter plugging point of linseed biodiesel were found -10 ºC, -3 ºC, and -8 ºC, respectively at optimum reaction parameters.

Effects of triglyceride gasoline blends on combustion and emissions in a common rail direct injection diesel engine

This study presents the combustion and emission results using a blend of unrefined triglycerides (straight vegetable oils) and regular unleaded gasoline in a compression ignition engine typically used in farming machinery. Most farm equipment is powered by diesel engines. A sizable cost of producing a crop on a farm can be attributed to fuel—diesel in such cases. Farmers and researchers have been interested in the use of alternative fuels, especially triglycerides, which could potentially bring down the fuel cost portion of the farm input costs. One of the major drawbacks of using unrefined triglycerides is poor cold flow properties due to high density and viscosity. To overcome this, the triglycerides can be blended with gasoline to lower the density and viscosity. This blend has been used in existing diesel engines without the need for any modification to the engine or its control system. The experiments were conducted on a 4.5-L Tier 3 engine. The fuel used was a blend of unrefined canola triglyceride and regular unleaded gasoline (10% by volume). Measurements include mass fraction burned combustion pressure, fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. The fuel consumption of TGB10 was lower than most straight vegetable oils found in the literature, but higher than diesel. The peak pressure of TGB10 was slightly higher than diesel and occurred earlier than diesel. The brake-specific NOx was lower than diesel at lower and no load points. Particulate matter emissions of TGB10 were higher than diesel at rated speed. Total hydrocarbon emissions were generally higher than diesel. CO emissions were lower than diesel except at low or no load points where they were significantly higher.

The impact of different antifreeze agents on the thermal properties of ethylene vinyl acetate emulsion

The application of pour point depressants in the form of emulsions provides an alternative to overcoming the problem of handling during applications in cold climate environments. The incorporation of antifreeze agents to these emulsions helps to improve their cold flow properties, without sacrificing much of the other properties. This study considered the effect of the incorporation of different antifreeze agents into ethylene vinyl acetate emulsions that are used as pour point depressants. The results obtained revealed that the ethylene glycol (EG) emulsion system gave the lowest freezing temperature of −45°C, while the propylene glycol emulsion system provided the lowest vitrification temperature of −64°C. The size of the particles in the emulsion was significantly reduced from 359.1 nm to 207.4 to 216.4 nm when an antifreeze agent was used in the emulsion compared to the control sample (pure water). As for the selection of the most suitable antifreeze for the emulsion system, the vitrification performance was a factor that was taken into consideration in the decision to select the EG system due to the fact that this system offered an adequate performance in terms of vitrification efficiency at around −59°C, although it was not as excellent as the vitrification efficiency portrayed in the propylene glycol system. However, the EG emulsion system was the most suitable system for the ethylene vinyl acetate emulsion, as it delivered the best protection against freezing and, at the same time, produced a decent particle size distribution.

Meat processing dissolved air flotation sludge as a potential biodiesel feedstock in New Zealand: A predictive analysis of the biodiesel product properties

This paper examines the potential of utilising dissolved air flotation sludge obtained from a local meat processing plant in New Zealand as a viable biodiesel feedstock. In this study the dissolved air flotation sludge was characterised and the physicochemical properties of the lipid extract were assessed. The fatty acids present in the lipid extract were explored as a precursor to the estimation of the fuel properties of the biodiesel produced. This study has demonstrated the insufficiency of the traditional alkaline catalysed transesterification biodiesel pathway when meat processing dissolved air flotation sludge is utilised as a biodiesel feedstock. Therefore an alternative integrated hydrolysis and esterification production process has been proposed. The fluid behaviour (Newtonian or non-Newtonian) of the lipid extract was investigated to facilitate an improved understanding of the nature and physical state of the extract. Using a thermodynamic model and experimental data from the literature, the fuel properties, viscosity, density, oxidative stability, heating value and cetane number, of the produced biodiesel as a function of the fatty acid methyl ester profile were estimated. These properties satisfy the existing biodiesel fuel property standards. A preliminary economic assessment of the biodiesel production process using the dissolved air flotation sludge as the feedstock was also conducted. The initial favourable financial results provided a compelling basis for further investigations into the techno-economic feasibility of the production process. The poor cold flow properties of the produced biodiesel were however identified as significant considerations that may limit the utilisation of the dissolved air flotation sludge as a biodiesel feedstock in a temperate climate region like New Zealand. Possible solutions to this problem were initially discussed. In addition, health and safety concerns with the utilisation of this feedstock were identified. Approaches to limit the harmful effects of possible pathogenic content and unpleasant smell of this feedstock were also explored.

Upgrading of palm oil renewable diesel through hydroisomerization and formulation of an optimal blend

Renewable diesel is the best alternative to replace biodiesel due to its improved properties, but like biodiesel, renewable diesel has poor cold-flow properties. The hydroisomerization process improves the pour and cloud points of renewable diesel, but it worsens the cetane number and the flame point, both are regulated by international standards. In this work, desoxygenated palm oil (HDO) was produced in high yield (82wt%) using a sulphided NiMo/Al2O3 catalyst. Then, HDO was hydroisomerized at 50bar and 350°C, under hydrogen, with a Pt/SAPO11 catalyst, obtaining an isomer yield of 81%. TPR and TPO analyses showed that this catalyst can be reversibly reduced/oxidized at 155–160°C, therefore, it was completely reduced at the reaction conditions. Characterization of the isomerized product (i-HDO) showed a beneficial effect on cold-flow properties but an adverse effect on flash point, distillation range and cetane index due to light hydrocarbons formed during hydroisomerization. Light hydrocarbons (<C14, 7vol%) in i-HDO were distilled off at 180°C to tune the flash point and the distillation range. The hydroisomerized and distilled product (i-HDOd) was blended with HDO to determine the required hydroisomerization level to meet the cold-flow regulations. The optimal blend consisted of 71% i-HDOd and 29% HDO and it has a cetane index of 92.4, pour point of 2.8°C, flash point of 82°C, distillation range of 225–321°C and heating value of 47.3MJ/kg.

Differential Scanning Calorimetry Studies on the Cold Flow Properties of Fuel Mixtures from Bio-Oil, Crude Glycerol, Methanol, and/or Biochar

Differential scanning calorimetry is employed to investigate the cold flow property of a series of fuel mixtures prepared from fast pyrolysis bio-oil, crude glycerol, methanol, and/or biochar. Bio-oil alone has a melting peak temperature (TMP) of −21.9 °C that may lead to difficulties in practical applications under extreme cold weather conditions. Bio-oil water-soluble fraction (WSF) is even more problematic as its TMP is −8.7 °C. The results show that these problems can be alleviated or even eliminated by mixing various formulated crude glycerols (FCGs) with bio-oil or WSF. The TMP of FCG/methanol/bio-oil (FCGMB) blends significantly decreased from −21.9 to −38.1 °C. Similar phenomena were also seen for the FCG/WSF (FCGWSF) blends, with decreases in TMP from −8.7 to −32.0 °C. Water can worsen the cold flow properties of FCGMB and FCGWSF blends. However, other components in FCGs can lower the TMP and hence improve the cold flow properties of these fuel mixtures (with the effectiveness in the order of NaC...

Thermo-analytical characterizations of biodiesel produced from edible and non-edible oils

The work aims at evaluating the thermo-analytical aspects and rheological behavior of methyl esters derived from transesterification of both edible (Mustard and Flaxseed oils) and non-edible (Mahua and Karanja oils) crude oils. Edible oils were transesterified using one stage transesterification reaction however due to the high content of free fatty acids (>3%) in non-edible oils, two-stage transesterification was employed. The non-isothermal DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) studies at five different heating rates βi, i.e., 5, 7.5, 10, 15 and 20°C/min was employed for oxidative stability evaluation of samples. Due to more saturated components, the oxidative stability of non-edible oil esters was found to be superior to edible oil esters. The presence of more saturated components in non-edible oils results in inferior cold flow property as compared to edible oil esters. The viscosity study at 30°C revealed that the viscosity of methyl esters is less than that of raw vegetable oils.

Mg–Al Hydrotalcite as Heterogeneous Catalyst for Transesterification of Jatropha Curcas Oil: Theoretical and Experimental Analysis

Background: Jatropha curcas oil is a potential feedstock in biodiesel (fatty acid alkyl esters) production due to low acidity, good oxidation stability and excellent cold flow properties. Mg-Al hydrotalcites are potentially interesting for the transesterification, given its characteristics as anion exchangers, solid base catalyst and adsorbents. In this paper, a theoretical and experimental study of the mechanism and the kinetics of the transesterification of Jatropha curcas oil using Mg-Al hydrotalcite is presented. Keywords: DFT calculations, experimental design, Jatropha curcas oil, Mg-Al hydrotalcite, reaction mechanism, transesterification.

Optimization and characterization of biodiesel production from rohu (Labeo rohita) processing waste

Optimization and characterization of biodiesel production from fish oil extracted from rohu (Labeo rohita) processing waste were investigated in the present study. Wet reduction method showed highest oil yield (95.2%, v/v), compared to other methods (P < 0.05). Physicochemical properties of the oils were investigated before preparing biodiesel through transesterification reaction. Various alcohols, catalysts, reaction temperature and reaction time were evaluated for optimal biodiesel conversion of oil. The maximum yield of biodiesel (95.9%) was obtained with 0.75% KOH as catalyst, 1:0.5 (v/v) oil to methanol ratio and a reaction temperature of 55 °C for 60 min. TLC, FTIR and GC analysis suggested the triglycerides in the RPW oil have completely converted into biodiesel, which contained palmitic acid methyl ester and α-linolenic acid methyl ester as the dominant esters. Physicochemical characteristics of biodiesel were evaluated and the results suggested that quality of biodiesel were feasible. DSC study demonstrated the melting temperature of biodiesel were ranged from −52.56–4.11 °C, indicated the better cold flow property. Moreover, the oxidative stability of biodiesel was improved by adding BHT at 300 mg/kg. Therefore, extracted oil from rohu processing waste could well be used as an alternative source of low-cost feedstock for biodiesel production.

Influence of polymethyl acrylate additive on the formation of particulate matter and NOX emission of a biodiesel-diesel-fueled engine.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the polymethyl acrylate (PMA) additive on the formation of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOX) emission from a diesel coconut and/or Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel-fueled engine. The physicochemical properties of 20% of coconut and/or C. inophyllum biodiesel-diesel blend (B20), 0.03wt% of PMA with B20 (B20P), and diesel fuel were measured and compared to ASTM D6751, D7467, and EN 14214 standard. The test results showed that the addition of PMA additive with B20 significantly improves the cold-flow properties such as pour point (PP), cloud point (CP), and cold filter plugging point (CFPP). The addition of PMA additives reduced the engine's brake-specific energy consumption of all tested fuels. Engine emission results showed that the additive-added fuel reduce PM concentration than B20 and diesel, whereas the PM size and NOX emission both increased than B20 fuel and baseline diesel fuel. Also, the effect of adding PMA into B20 reduced Carbon (C), Aluminum (Al), Potassium (K), and volatile materials in the soot, whereas it increased Oxygen (O), Fluorine (F), Zinc (Zn), Barium (Ba), Chlorine (Cl), Sodium (Na), and fixed carbon. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) results for B20P showed the lower agglomeration than B20 and diesel fuel. Therefore, B20P fuel can be used as an alternative to diesel fuel in diesel engines to lower the harmful emissions without compromising the fuel quality.

Enhancement of cold flow property of coconut oil by alkali esterification process and development of a bio-lubricant oil

The low cold flow property of the coconut oil restricts its tribological applications as a lubricant. The flow property at low temperature was improved by removing the glycerol molecules from the oil thereby converting the fatty acids into esters by the process of alkali esterification. Free movement of these fatty acid esters have improved the cold flow properties of the oil from 26.8 ℃ to −4.5 ℃, but have an inverse effect of reduction on the tribological properties when compared to crude coconut oil. Additives such as tricresyl phosphate, oleic acid, and ethylene vinyl acetate were used to improve the anti-wear, anti-friction properties, and viscosity, respectively. The combined action of the additives have further improved the flow property to −6.9 ℃ and other tribological properties such as coefficient of friction and wear was reduced up to 12.8% and 2.3% respectively when compared to commercial two-stroke engine oil. Environmental hazards due to the exposure of newly formulated two-stroke engine oil were studied using bacteria ( B cereus and E coli). These results establish that the newly formulated oil is nontoxic and have comparable tribological properties to that of commercial two-stroke engine oil.

Chemical, Physical and Tribological Investigation of Polymercaptanized Soybean Oil

Polymercaptanized soybean oil (PMSO) was investigated for its chemical, physical and tribological properties relative to soybean oil (SO) and also as a potential multi-functional lubricant additive in high oleic sunflower oil (HOSuO). Analytical investigations showed that PMSO is obtained by conversion of 76% of double bonds in SO into thiol (–SH) and sulfide (R–S–R′) groups. PMSO product mixture comprised 70% monomer and 30% oligomers, versus 99.6 and 0.4%, respectively, for SO. Relative to SO, PMSO displayed higher density, viscosity and oxidation stability; similar cold flow properties; and lower viscosity index. PMSO displayed good solubility in HOSuO (>10% w/w), but poor solubility in polyalpha olefin-6 (<1% w/w). Investigation of PMSO as a lubricant additive in HOSuO showed that it had multi-functional properties. Thus, blending of PMSO in HOSuO resulted in improved oxidation stability; improved friction and wear in 4-ball anti-wear tests; improved extreme pressure (EP) properties in 4-ball EP tests; and no effect on cold flow properties.

Influence of Different Vinyl Acetate Contents on the Properties of the Copolymer of Ethylene and Vinyl Acetate/Modified Nano-SiO2 Composite Pour-Point Depressant

Nanohybrid pour-point depressants (PPDs) were prepared by organically modified nano-SiO2 in copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate (EVA) with various vinyl acetate contents. The effects of nanohybrid PPDs on the cold-flow properties of 25 wt % wax model oil were evaluated. The crystallization behavior and crystal morphology of the model oil at low temperatures were also observed using polarized optical microscopy. The results indicated that the co-crystallization and dispersion effects of EVA on wax crystals are the key factors in determining the heterogeneous nucleation effect of the nanohybrid PPDs. The vinyl acetate content in EVA strongly affects the compatibility between the modified nanosilica and EVA. As a result, the selection of an appropriate EVA according to the oils used and the compatibility factor is important. In this work, EVA (VA = 32%)/modified nano-SiO2 composite PPD [N-SiPPD(32)] provided the best cold-flow improvement for the model oil when doped at 500 ppm. The pour point of the mo...