First-generation Biodiesel Research Articles

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation with methanol over Pt/C catalyst for synergistic hydrothermal hydrogenation of palmitic acid

Achieving hydrothermal hydrogenation and deoxygenation of bio-oil with high water content such as microalgae-based bio-oil still faces significant challenges. Traditional upgrading processes require a large amount of H2. The objective of current research uses methanol and formic acid as a hydrogen donor to achieve the hydrothermal hydrodeoxygenation of palmitic acid (a model of microalgae-based bio-oil) to prepare pentadecane over Pt/C catalyst without the need for additional H2 supply. The research findings have shown that the H2 supply mechanism of methanol and formic acid in synergy with palmitic acid hydrothermal hydrodeoxygenation is obviously different. Formic acid is directly decomposed to produce H2, while methanol undergoes aqueous steam reforming to produce H2 in synergy with palmitic acid hydrodeoxygenation. More importantly, methyl palmitate, a typical model compound of the first-generation biodiesel, achieved efficient deoxygenation without the addition of H2 and hydrogen donors. At 300 °C, the yield of pentadecane reached 91.25 % within 150 min. The hydrothermal stability test shows that the decrease in Pt content and specific surface area (SBET), as well as the destruction of pore structure, are the main reasons for the decrease in activity of the Pt/C catalyst after cycling. The H2 production efficiency of hydrogen donors possesses a significant impact on the hydrodeoxygenation of palmitic acid and therefore more efficient catalysts need to be developed.

Research on the Performance Parameters of a Compression-Ignition Engine Fueled by Blends of Diesel Fuel, Rapeseed Methyl Ester and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil

This research compares the air pollution (CO, CO2, HC, NOx, smoke), energy (brake-specific fuel consumption, thermal efficiency) and noise indicators of a compression ignition engine fueled by first-generation biodiesel (rapeseed methyl ester (RME)) and second-generation biodiesel (hydrogenated vegetable oils (HVO)), or conventional (fossil) diesel fuel blends. The concentration of first- and second-generation biodiesel in two-component blends with diesel fuel was up to 15% and 30% (RME15, RME30, HVO15, and HVO30); for comparison, the three-component blend of diesel fuel, HVO and RME (RME15–HVO15) was considered. The fuels’ physical and chemical properties were tested in a specialized laboratory, and the engine load conditions were ensured by the engine brake stand. Referring to ship power plants with constant-speed engines, detailed research was carried out in one speed mode (n = 2000 rpm). Studies have shown that two-component fuel blends with HVO are superior to conventional diesel fuel and two-component blends with RME in almost all cases. The HVO in fuel blends reduced fuel consumption up to 1.8%, while the thermal efficiency was close to that of fossil diesel fuel. In addition, a reduction in pollutants was observed: CO by ~12.5–25.0%; HC by ~5.0–12.0%; NOx by ~6.5%; smokiness by ~11–18% (two-component blend) and up to ~29% (three-component blend). The CO2 and noise characteristics were close to those of fossil diesel fuel; however, the trend of reduced smoke emission was clearly seen. A fundamental obstacle to the wide use of HVO can be seen, however, which is the price, which is 25–90% (depending on the EU country) higher than the price of conventional (fossil) diesel fuel.

Determination of the Effect of the Addition of Second-Generation Biodiesel BBuE to Diesel Fuel on Selected Parameters of “B” Fuels

Progressive and increasingly noticeable climate change is forcing the search for new energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide. One way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is by gradually replacing fossil fuels with biofuels. The authors of this work addressed the production of second-generation biofuel. The purpose of this study was to produce second-generation biodiesel from babassu palm oil (BBuE) and first-generation biodiesel from rapeseed oil (RME), to study their properties, and to determine the effect of the addition of these biodiesels to diesel fuel on selected properties of “B” fuels that affect the fuel–air mixture formation process and the combustion process. Biodiesel from babassu oil was produced because it is non-edible and has a different composition than canola oil. Then, fuels were prepared that were mixtures of diesel oil and biodiesel containing from 10 to 40% (v/v) BBuE or RME (B10, B20, B30, and B40).Tests were conducted on selected physicochemical properties of the obtained fuels. “B” fuels prepared with BBuE and DF were shown to have more favorable fuel properties than those obtained from RME and DF. Fuels that are blends of BBuE and DF have slightly higher heating values, higher cetane number values, a more favorable distillation curve, lower dynamic viscosity values as a function of temperature, and marginally lower flash point values compared to the corresponding blends of RME and DF. Esters with shorter molecules have been shown to have more favorable fuel properties.

Sustainability assessment of the valorization scheme of used cooking oils (UCOs): the case study of Bogotá, Colombia

AbstractHarnessing of second-generation feedstocks via circular economy approaches is generally considered as environmentally friendly. Nonetheless, different potential impacts can be caused during collection and transformation of such feedstocks, affecting overall sustainability. Assessment of such impacts is of particular importance when producing waste-based biofuels. In this regard, this work’s aim was to carry out a sustainability assessment of the existing reclaiming and exploitation strategy of used cooking oil (UCO) in Bogota, Colombia. Currently, UCO is collected, pretreated, and mostly exported to Europe for biodiesel production. Based upon literature data and a life cycle assessment (LCA), several sustainability criteria were derived, measured, and interpreted within the framework of the integrative concept of sustainability (ICoS). As a reference system, results were compared with those obtained from assessing current production of first-generation palm-oil-based biodiesel. Results from LCA indicate that, per ton of UCO-based biodiesel, emissions of 1.06 kg PM2.5-eq, 2.54 kg NOx-eq, 607.6 kg CO2-eq, 2.81 kg SO2-eq, and 0.09 kg P-eq are generated and that there is use of 9.1 m3 water, and 259 kg oil-eq. UCO transportation and biodiesel production stages were the larger contributors to such impacts, and surprisingly, equivalent emissions of CO2 and fossil fuel consumption were higher than those of first-generation biodiesel. Nevertheless, UCO valorization displayed a better overall performance with respect to the reference system in terms of health, safety, environmental, economic, and social indicators. All impacts were reduced by 30 to 50% under a scenario of local production and consumption of biodiesel.

Http://journal.insat.org.ua/?page_id=5149&lang=uk

The purpose of the work was to identify environmental climatic impacts resulting from the biodiesel fuel use for vehicles (Vs). The methods are based on computation of natural resource consumption and toxic substances emission with the help of environmental footprint calculator being a software program. The results of integral assessment of the environmental impact (namely, consumption of water, pow basic traction trucks as VOLVO FM, FH, FE, and FL) were computed for biodiesel fuel types В0, В7, В30, В100 depending upon different standards of EURO propellants. Both positive and negative environmental impact factors have been determined for consuming biofuels during full lifecycle of Vs. It has been defined that minor decrease in СО2 emission owing to the use of standard modern biodiesel fuel was followed by significant increase in NOx emission, as well as power and water consumption in terms of first-generation biodiesel fuel utilization. Similar tendencies were recognized. Moreover, opportunity to apply biodiesel fuels along with other measures decreasing СО2 emission was analyzed. Originality it is stipulated by the use of the integrated assessment of impact of vehicles on climate change, as well as the use of natural resources while applying biodiesel fuel for vehicles. Keywords: greenhouse effect, biodiesel fuel, life cycle of Vs, nitrogen oxides.

Second-generation biodiesel in Brazil: an analysis of research on animal fats through social and complex networks

The production of second-generation biodiesel is seen as more sustainable than first-generation biodiesel as it is produced from residues such as animal fats, a by-product of the meat industry. In Brazil, the biodiesel sector has become the main market for animal fats, absorbing around 712 thousand tons in 2018, equivalent to 38% of the fat produced. In order to reach this level, research and development were carried out supported by the Brazilian government through the Brazilian Biodiesel Technology and Innovation Network. The objective of this study is to map the scientific networks formed by Brazilian organizations that have collaborated to solve research problems regarding animal fats for biodiesel production through Social Networks Analysis and The Theory of Complex Networks. An exploratory-descriptive study was conducted in the main collection of Web of Science (WoS). It was observed that research started in 2008 and involved more than 80 institutions. The institutional network formed was of a small-world type, composed of 20 clusters. The research was indexed in 19 knowledge areas, with an emphasis on Chemistry, Energy and Fuels, and Engineering and 70% of them received some type of funding to conduct the research.

Comparison of the Combustion Process Parameters in a Diesel Engine Powered by Second-Generation Biodiesel Compared to the First-Generation Biodiesel

The use of biofuels to power compression–ignition engines makes it possible to reduce emissions of certain harmful components of exhaust gases. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of second-generation biofuels on the course of indicator graphs and heat release characteristics of the Perkins 1104D-44TA compression–ignition engine. For comparative purposes, the same tests were carried out by feeding the engine with first-generation biofuel and diesel fuel. Babassu butyl esters (BBuE) were used as the second-generation biofuel. The second fuel was a first-generation biofuel—rapeseed oil methyl esters (RME). Analysis of the results made it possible to draw conclusions about the effect of using 2nd and 1st generation biofuels on the parameters of the combustion process. When the DF engine was powered, the lowest fuel dose per work cycle was obtained. In the case of RME and BBuE fuels, it depends on the engine load. For low loads, higher consumption is for RME, and for higher loads, fuel consumption for BBuE in-creases most often. This is due to the lower calorific value of the esters. The results of these tests indicate that feeding the engine with BBuE and RME fuel in most loads resulted in higher maximum combustion pressures compared to feeding the engine with DF which may be directly related to the higher cetane number of these fuels compared to DF and the oxygen content of these fuels. Feeding the engine with BBuE and RME esters compared to DF did not result in large differences in the maximum heat release rates HRmax. However, the values of the first and second maximum heat release rates x1max and x2max, in addition to the type of fuel, are strongly influenced by the operating conditions, especially the engine load. Analyzing the combustion angles of 5, 10, 50, and 90% of the fuel dose, it can be seen that feeding the engine with BBuE and RME esters for most measurement points results in faster combustion of the fuel dose compared to DF.

Biodiesel production over sodium carbonate and bicarbonate catalysts

Biodiesel, a mixture of alkyl esters (FAME), is viewed as a feasible renewable fuel to substitute fossil diesel. The first-generation biodiesel raises several sustainability issues and new production processes using low-grade fats and heterogeneous catalysts are envisaged. Biodiesel from alimentary grade oil and waste frying oil was produced by methanolysis (oil/methanol = 12 M ratio), at 67 °C, using anhydrous sodium carbonate and bicarbonate, commercial materials as catalysts (5% by oil weight) in a batch reactor at atmospheric pressure. Sodium carbonate had a higher catalytic activity for the methanolysis of the fresh oil (97% of FAME after 90 min) than for the frying oil (12% of FAME after 90 min), which can be attributed to the greater acidity of the fried oil, which promotes the partial neutralization of the catalyst. Sodium bicarbonate, less active than sodium carbonate, showed similar catalytic activities for both fats (84–85% of FAME after 180 min), appearing to be less sensitive to the acidity of the raw material, which may derive from its lower basicity. Both catalysts suffer crystallographic changes during reaction being both converted into similar mixtures of hydrated carbonate/bicarbonate slats, like trona. The methanol solubility of sodium carbonate seems to have a null homogeneous contribution to the catalytic process since the co-produced glycerin presented a pale-yellow color which is characteristic of heterogeneous catalyzed methanolysis processes. Such result was corroborated by thermogravimetric analysis of glycerin which showed small residual masses due to minor solubilization of catalyst. FTIR spectra of glycerin showed low contamination with MONG (Matter Organic Non-Glycerin), thus the contribution of homogeneous catalysis was not meaningful.

Environmental life cycle assessment of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil: A systematic review

Waste cooking oil (WCO) disposal in landfills or discharge into sewer systems could cause severe environmental challenges. Therefore, extensive efforts are made to develop strategies for its effective management, aligned with circular bioeconomy and zero-discharge principles and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Among existing strategies, converting WCO into biodiesel is promising; however, biodiesel production from this waste stream could induce many direct and indirect environmental impacts, which should be scrutinized using advanced sustainability assessment tools. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a powerful tool that can be applied to assess the environmental sustainability of WCO biodiesel production in comparison with diesel and first-generation biodiesel production. Accordingly, the present review aims to scrutinize the existing literature on the LCA analysis of WCO biodiesel production to shed light on the state-of-the-art of the application of this methodology in this domain, identify research gaps, and introduce future research opportunities. Although environmental assessment of biodiesel production by LCA is well-established, several limitations and concerns still exist. Overall, system boundaries have generally been clearly defined in the published literature; however, some studies have ignored waste management; for example, disposal of soap and other solid residues has usually been removed from the analysis. Furthermore, the “zero-burden assumption” applied to WCO (as biodiesel feedstock) in the published literature might not be a valid hypothesis since this waste stream could be a raw material for some other applications. At the inventory level, the inadequacy of the data, particularly information associated with the production of novel catalysts (including enzymes) and materials used for product purification, is also a problematic issue for the current and under development technologies used in WCO biodiesel production. Therefore, future studies should focus on decreasing the existing uncertainties mentioned throughout the present work. Moreover, efforts should be put into assessing the environmental impacts of WCO biodiesel production systems by employing innovative techniques, e.g., hydrodynamic cavitation reactors, integrating other renewable energy resources, and using green catalysts in the production and combustion stages of WCO biodiesel.

Comparative assessment of waste cooking, chicken waste and waste tire biodiesel blends on performance and emission characteristics

A comparative study and experimental tests were conducted by using second generation biodiesel. Owing to problems being faced in the production of first-generation biodiesel using edible sources, the switch over to another reliable source is much more important. A plenty of research has been going on to mend and produce biodiesel from waste sources. Each experimental tests were conducted in a single cylinder, four stroke diesel engines. The fuels taken for comparison were all derived from non-edible and waste sources such as waste cooking oil, waste chicken fat and waste tire oil. The diesel and blends were mixed in the proportion of 9:1 as 90% diesel and 10% blends. The taken fuel blends were WC10 (Waste cooking oil 10%+ Diesel 90%), WCF10 (Waste Chicken Fat oil 10%+ Diesel 90%) and WT10 (Waste Tire oil 10%+ Diesel 90%). Tests were conducted at four loading conditions with 25% interval as 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. These biofuel blends results were compared with neat diesel (D100). The performance, emission and combustion qualities were measured. Among the all tried fuels, the better fuel order was D100, WC10, WCF10 and WT10. However, all blended fuels were in the category of oxygenated biofuel derived from not usable products, waste cooking oil biodiesel showed higher Exhaust gas temperature and Bake Power with lower Bake specific fuel consumption than the waste chicken fat and waste tire bio-oil fuels. On comparing the blended fuel excluding the diesel, the WC10, the WT10 proved to be more efficient than WCF10.

Catalytic methanotreating of vegetable oil: A pathway to Second-generation biodiesel

Vegetable oil is one of the most commonly used feedstocks for the production of biodiesel, while the first-generation biodiesel suffers from the disadvantages of considerable instability and corrosivity. Developing second-generation biodiesel is momentous for the sustainable development of global energy, which overcomes the shortcomings of first-generation biodiesel. The methanotreating of vegetable oil is a potential new route for the production of second-generation biodiesel, which is comprehensively investigated in this study. Throughout the screening of the catalysts, Ga-Ce/TS-1 demonstrates the best overall performances in this methane-incorporated process, leading to 84.23 % of liquid yield, 0.95 % of methane conversion, 72.8 % of oxygen content reduction, and 71% of light hydrocarbon distillates yield. The participation of methane promotes deoxygenation performance, optimizes the composition of paraffinic and olefinic hydrocarbons, as well as suppresses coke formation. The catalytic methanotreating of vegetable oil is confirmed to be a promising pathway to second-generation biodiesel.

Determination of the Potential Biodiesel Volume of Soybean used as the First-Generation Biodiesel Feedstock in the United States

In the United States (U.S), biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, recycled restaurant oil, and waste oil. Soybean oil has been by far the most widely used feedstock for U.S biodiesel production, accounting for more than half of the nation's biodiesel feedstock. This study aimed to determine the potential biodiesel volume of the soybean plant, which is the most cultivated product as a first-generation biodiesel feedstock in the U.S. The potential biodiesel volume of the soybean plant, which was grown on an area of 30 352 150 hectares in the U.S in 2019, was calculated as 1 020 749 343 liters. Knowing the potential of oilseed plants used as feedstocks in first-generation biodiesel production will accelerate efforts to identify products that should be used in second-generation biodiesel production and expand their cultivation. Studies should be planned to remove the threat on the food sector by replacing the first-generation biodiesel production feedstocks, which are mainly used as oil feedstocks in the food sector, with the second-generation inedible oil feedstocks that are not used in the food sector.

Simultaneous analysis of 21 bioactive compounds in biorefinery oil: Multivariate optimization of a method based on liquid chromatography, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and tandem mass spectrometry

A HPLC method coupled to atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and tandem MS was optimized for the analysis of tocotrienols, tocopherols, retinol, squalene, phytosterols and carotenoids in lipid matrices. The aim of the research was to obtain a specific, rapid and robust method for bioactive compounds in by-products from the agri-food industry, in order to discover new high added-value products.The separation of 21 analytes, by non-aqueous reverse phase (NARP) liquid chromatography, was optimized by using design of experiments and response surface methodology. The best compromise among peak resolution and rapidity consisted in a run of 25 min. The problem of coelution of some substances was overcome thanks to the mass detection in multiple reaction monitoring mode, which also allowed maximization of sensitivity. The instrumental method was characterized by calibration curves with R2 of 0.989–0.999, limits of detection in the range 0.6–27 µg L-1, relative standard deviation always <20% and excellent specificity (4 identification points for each compound). The method was applied, with minimal sample pre-treatment, to vegetable oil mixtures and processed products from a first-generation biodiesel plant. Negligible matrix effect and accuracy of 80–90% were observed for most analytes, thanks to the use of APCI and dilution factors ranging from 500 to 7500 (volume to mass ratio). The most concentrated species were phytosterols, squalene and tocopherols, which showed levels of 10–30 mg g−1 in some samples, indicating the possibility of exploiting these by-products for the recovery of high-value chemicals.

A multi-criteria sustainability assessment for biodiesel alternatives in Spain: Life cycle assessment normalization and weighting

The bioenergy sector in the European Union has undergone strong growth in line with the legislative framework, with environmental, economic and social implications at global scale. In Spain, almost 100% of biodiesel is produced from food and feed crops feedstocks. First-generation biodiesel will go on being a key partial rapid solution to replace fossil fuel in transport sector. However, impacts differ significantly among the type of agricultural system, the raw materials used and their life cycle. The aim of this study is to identify the best first-generation biodiesel alternative to replace petrodiesel in transport sector in the short term in Spain. Life Cycle Assessment normalization and weighting can facilitate decision making in situations where trade-offs among impact category results do not allow choosing one preferable solution among the alternatives. A panel weighting impact approach based on expert opinions was used to assess the sustainability of three biodiesel production systems. The results indicate that, according to expert’s opinion, the rapeseed-based biodiesel produced entirely in Spain is the most sustainable alternative of biodiesel, with higher normalized weight (0.398), over soybean-based biodiesel produced in Argentina (0.291) or in Spain (0.312) using soybean oil imported from Argentina, because it could significatively increase job creation and gross value added.

Used-cooking-oil biodiesel: Life cycle assessment and comparison with first- and third-generation biofuel

The environmental sustainability of second-generation biodiesel (used-cooking-oil) was examined, at industrial-scale, in Greece. The total carbon and environmental footprint per tonne of biodiesel production was ∼0.55t CO2eq (i.e. ∼14g CO2eq/MJ) and 58.37 Pt, respectively. This is ∼40% lower compared to first-generation biodiesel, an order of magnitude lower than the third-generation (microalgae), since the latter is not a fully-fledged technology yet. A threefold reduction in environmental impacts was observed compared to petrodiesel. Environmental hotspots include energy inputs to drive the process, followed by methanol (CH3OH) and potassium methoxide (CH3KO) consumption. Glycerol (C3H8O3) and potassium sulfate (K2SO4), both process co-products, resulted to avoided environmental burdens. Furthermore, used-cooking-oil valorisation for biodiesel production can address water pollution concerns from its disposal to the sewage system. The total distance and means of transport were found to influence the system’s environmental sustainability. Strong incentives for used-cooking-oil recycling, widespread collection systems, and biodiesel supply chain optimization are still pending in Greece, Europe, and further afield. Given its overall low environmental footprint and capability to be produced at commercial scales, the second-generation biodiesel, which currently represents 15% of the biodiesel market in Greece, could act as a stepping-stone in decarbonizing Europe’s transport sector and improving supply and energy security.

Thymelaea hirsuta and Echinops spinosus: Xerophytic Plants with High Potential for First-Generation Biodiesel Production

The negative impacts of fossil fuel on the environment should be replaced by clean and sustainable energy sources worldwide. Therefore, the use of biodiesel as a clean energy source is crucial. Biodiesel is produced from various natural resources through a transesterification process. Considering the importance of this topic, this study focuses on the assessment of oil properties of Thymelaea hirsuta and Echinops spinosus as primary sources for biodiesel production. The two investigated plants were collected from the Western Desert of Egypt. The results showed that the lignocellulosic content was about 57.3 and 79.8 g/100 g in E. spinosus and 59.1 and 82.8 g/100 g in T. hirsuta, respectively. The two investigated samples showed variable lipid contents (30.2–76.1%). The GC-MS fatty acid profile characterized seven FAs in E. spinosus and twelf FAs in T. hirsuta. The greatest CN was calculated in T. hirsuta (379.2) compared to the lowest in E. spinosus (229.9). Furthermore, the values of saponification number (SN) were 27.9 in E. spinosus and 16.07 in T. hirsuta. The value of higher heating value (HHV) was about 47.5 MJ/kg in E. spinosus and 48.3 MJ/kg in T. hirsuta. Meanwhile, T. hirsuta exhibited a higher induction period (IP) value (19.3 h) comparable to that of E. spinosus (4.3 h). The results revealed that both plants are potential sources for biodiesel production according to various international standards for biodiesel production, and this work appears to be one of the first reports regarding such wild xerophytic plants as promising new primary sources for biodiesel production in Egypt.

Influence of diesel vehicles on the biosphere

Purpose. To identify environmental climatic impacts resulting from the biodiesel fuel use for vehicles (Vs). Methodology. The methods are based on computation of natural resource consumption and toxic emission with the help of environmental footprint calculator being a software program. Findings. The results of integral assessment of the environmental impact (namely, consumption of water, power, natural resources, and emission of greenhouse gases 2, and NOx in terms of such base traction trucks as VOLVO FM, FH, FE, and FL) were computed for biodiesel fuel types 0, 7, 30, 100 depending upon different standards of EURO propellants. Both positive and negative environmental impact factors have been determined for consuming biofuels during full lifecycle of Vs. It has been defined that minor decrease in 2 emission owing to the use of standard modern biodiesel fuel is followed by significant increase in NOx emission as well as power and water consumption in terms of first-generation biodiesel fuel utilization. VOLVO F Vs were applied for comparative analysis of environmental impact by first-generation biodiesel fuel (i.e. 7, 30, 100) and second-generation fuel being hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). Similar tendencies were recognized. Moreover, opportunity to apply biodiesel fuels along with other measures decreasing 2 emission was analyzed. Originality. Originality is stipulated by the use of the integrated assessment of impact of vehicles on climate change as well as use of natural resources while applying biodiesel fuel for vehicles. Practical value. It is possible to forecast environmental consequences resulting from the use of various biodiesel fuels for Vs.

Prediction of Properties, Engine Performance and Emissions of Compression Ignition Engines Fuelled with Waste Cooking Oil Methyl Ester - A Review of Numerical Approaches

Given the challenges of renewability, affordability, and sustainability that ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel and first-generation biodiesel currently face, a niche clearly exists for biodiesel sourced from waste cooking oil. Exploring these potentials requires insights into a range of properties as well as performance and emission characteristics. Real-time experimental determination of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) properties, engine performance and emissions of compression ignition (CI) engines fuelled with unblended FAME is technical, time-consuming, expensive, and requires sophisticated laboratory infrastructure, unlike numerical prediction techniques. Emerging trends and consensus indicate that utilization of numerical simulation and prediction techniques are cost-effective, less laborious, innovative, and flexible. Although FAME properties, engine performance, and emissions have been accurately predicted via various numerical techniques in the recent past, important gaps such as using numerical approaches to determine the optimal FAME mix still exist. The objective of this study was to review the numerical techniques employed in predicting FAME properties, engine performance and emissions of CI engine and investigate whether an optimal FAME candidate can be unearthed through these numerical prediction techniques. This review reports that the outcomes of these numerical predictions agree with experimental data and fall within acceptable average relative deviation but a precise approach to determining an optimal FAME candidate was not achieved. The use of numerical tools like MATLAB and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in amalgamation with some new measurement techniques including high-speed cameras to accurately predict FAME properties, engine performance, emission characteristics and gain access to the activities in the combustion chambers, were highlighted. These high capacity modeling tools, high-speed cameras, and techniques can be used to accurately forecast an optimal FAME mix to improve engine performance, meet emission benchmarks and advanced engine research, if well harmonized.

Biodisel dari Mangrove Jenis Nyamplung (Callophylum inophyllum) sebagai Alternatif Pengganti Bahan Bakar Minyak Fosil

Resources of fossil fuel continue to decrease and cannot be renewed so that replacement alternative is needed. Biofuels (biodiesel) become one of the alternatives because it can be renewed and environmentally friendly. First-generation biodiesel from food sources and second generation of food waste can disrupt the availability of food. Those are inefficient because it requires extensive land for its provider. Seed of nyamplung (Callophylum inophyllum) is very potential as biodiesel raw material because of its oil content 40-70% is high compared to other types of plants, such as jatropha range of 40-60% and palm of 46-54%, raw materials saving and having twice of fuel as much as kerosene. The general purpose of this research is to produce third generation biodiesel from nyamplung as material to overcome fossil fuel crisis especially for fishermen and farmers in coastal area of Brebes Regency and surrounding areas. To be able to achieve the goal / general target is done by assessing oil content in nyamplung seed, biodiesel synthesis, intensive culture techniques and models of development of mass culture. The biodiesel yield produced from nyamplung seed oil in this study was 82.87%, in the range of biodiesel yields of previous researchers through a single stage transesterification of 79.03-91,00%. Cetana number and alkyl ester figures in the resulting biodiesel respectively 79.5 and 99.71% have met the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). The resulting density was 893.1 kg / m3, fog point was 20oC and total glycerol was 0.26%, was approaching the SNI by an insignificant difference, while the acid number generated was 1.86 mg KOH/gr of biodiesel and the biodiesel viscosity was 15.7 mm2 /s has not fulfilled the SNI significantly. To improve the number of acids and viscosity is still needed refinement biodiesel synthesis process through the diversification of the number of esterification stages, alternative types and catalytic levels or optimization of transesterification reaction temperature.

The interaction between EU biofuel policy and first- and second-generation biodiesel production

We build a tractable partial equilibrium model to study the interactions between the EU biofuel policies (mandate and double-counting of second-generation biofuels) and first- and second-generation biodiesel production. We find that increasing the biodiesel mandate results in a higher share of first-generation biodiesel in total diesel fuel, but leads to a lower share of second-generation biodiesel. The double-counting policy supports the production of second-generation biodiesel at the expense of a lower share of first-generation biodiesel, and increases the consumption of fossil diesel as compared to treating first- and second-generation biodiesel equally. Finally, improved collection of used cooking oil reduces the price of oilseeds and oils thereof, the prices of both biofuel types, and negligibly also the consumer fuel price.