Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester Research Articles

Synthesis and Tribological Studies of Branched Alcohol Derived Epoxidized Biodiesel.

The optimization and kinetics of the ring-opening reaction of an epoxidized biodiesel (epoxidized rapeseed oil methyl ester) (EBD) with 2-ethyl hexanol (2-EH) were studied. The determined optimum conditions were 4:1 2-EH/oil molar ratio, 90 °C, 18 h, and 7 wt % of Amberlyst D001 (dry) catalyst; the product’s oxirane oxygen content was 0.081% with 38.32 mm2/s viscosity at 40 °C. The catalyst retained its high catalytic power after recycling five times. Furthermore, the determined non-catalyzed activation energy was 76 kJ·mol−1 and 54 kJ·mol−1 with the D001 resin catalyst. The product’s chemical structure was investigated through FT-IR and 1H NMR. The viscosity, flash point, pour point, and anti-wear properties of the product were improved compared with those of epoxidized biodiesel.

Characterization and Reduction of NO during the Combustion of Biodiesel in a Semi-industrial Boiler

This paper aims to characterize and reduce the level of nitrogen monoxide (NO) during the combustion of rapeseed oil methyl ester (ROME) in a semi-industrial boiler. First, the formation of NO is characterized during transitional and steady-state operation of boiler; the influence of combustion pressure, excess air, exhaust gas temperature, spray cone angle, and combustion air swirl angle on the level of NO is evaluated, suitable burner operating points for control of NO are recognized, and contributions of thermal and prompt NO to the total level of NO are obtained. At the next level, the potential of air-staging technique (injection of extra air) in the reduction of NO is studied. Results reveal that the level of NO rises significantly in the post-flame zone 10 cm after the tail of the flame, where only the formation of thermal NO is probable in the chamber. Staged air is able to reduce the level of NO up to 10% without any negative impact on the operation of the boiler. Results also reveal that fuel sp...

Role of Alternative Fuels on Particulate Matter (PM) Characteristics and Influence of the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst.

The influence of a platinum:palladium (Pt:Pd)-based diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) on the engine-out particulate matter (PM) emissions morphology and structure from the combustion of alternative fuels (including alcohol-diesel blends and rapeseed oil methyl ester (RME) biodiesel) was studied. PM size distribution was measured using a scanning mobility particulate spectrometer (SMPS), and the PM morphology and microstructure (including size distribution, fractal geometry, and number of primary particles) was obtained using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is concluded that the DOC does not modify the size or the microstructural parameters of the primary particulates that make up the soot agglomerates. The PM reduction seen in the DOC is due to the trapping effect, and oxidation of the PM's volatile components. The DOC performance in reducing gaseous (e.g., carbon monoxide (CO) and unburnt hydrocarbons (HCs)) and PM emissions at low exhaust temperatures was improved from the combustion of alternative fuels due to the reduced level of engine-out pollutants.

Temperature Dependence Viscosity and Density of Different Biodiesel Blends

The main goal of this paper is to assess the effect of rapeseed oil methyl ester (RME) concentration in diesel fuel on its viscosity and density behaviour. The density and dynamic viscosity were observed at various mixing ratios of RME and diesel fuel. All measurements were performed at constant temperature of 40 °C. Increasing ratio of RME in diesel fuel was reflected in increased density value and dynamic viscosity of the blend. In case of pure RME, pure diesel fuel, and a blend of both (B30), temperature dependence of dynamic viscosity and density was examined. Temperature range in the experiment was −10 °C to 80 °C. Considerable temperature dependence of dynamic viscosity and density was found and demonstrated for all three samples. This finding is in accordance with theoretical assumptions and reference data. Mathematical models were developed and tested. Temperature dependence of dynamic viscosity was modeled using a polynomial 3rd polynomial degree. Correlation coefficients R −0.796, −0.948, and −0.974 between measured and calculated values were found. Temperature dependence of density was modeled using a 2nd polynomial degree. Correlation coefficients R −0.994, −0.979, and −0.976 between measured and calculated values were acquired. The proposed models can be used for flow behaviour prediction of RME, diesel fuel, and their blends.

Combustion phenomenon, performance and emissions of a diesel engine with aviation turbine JP-8 fuel and rapeseed biodiesel blends

The article presents the test results of an engine operating with diesel fuel (B5), turbine type JP-8 fuel and its 5vol%, 10vol%, 20vol%, and 30vol% blends with rapeseed oil methyl ester (RME). Additional fuel blend B10 was prepared by pouring 10vol% of RME to diesel fuel to extend interpretation of the test results. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of using jet-biodiesel fuel blends J5, J10, J20, J30, and B10 on the start of injection, ignition delay, combustion history, heat release, engine performance, and exhaust emissions. The engine performance parameters were examined at light 15% (1400rpm) and 10% (2200rpm), medium 50%, and high 100% loads and the two speeds: 1400rpm at which maximum torque occurs and a rated speed of 2200rpm.The autoignition delay and maximum heat release rate decreased, maximum cylinder pressure, and pressure gradients increased, whereas brake specific fuel consumption changed little and brake thermal efficiency was 1.0–3.6% higher when running with fuel blends J5 to J30 at rated speed compared with the data measured with neat jet fuel. The NOx emissions increased slightly, but the CO, THC emissions, and smoke opacity boosted up significantly when using jet fuel blend J10 with a smooth reduction of unburned hydrocarbons for jet-biodiesel fuel blends with higher CN ratings. Operation at a full (100%) load with fuel blend J10 produced more CO and exhaust smoke, whereas the combustion of identical fuel blend B10 showed the reverse trends reducing both pollutants at both engine speeds.

Comparative analyses of n-butanol–rapeseed oil–diesel blend with biodiesel, diesel and biodiesel–diesel fuels in a turbocharged direct injection diesel engine

The purpose of this work is to understand the effects of a diesel–rapeseed oil–n-butanol (70–20–10% in vol, DRSOnB) blend on engine performance characteristics and exhaust gas emissions for a four-cylinder, four-stroke, turbocharged, direct injection diesel engine as a function of engine speed, and to compare the results to those of rapeseed oil methyl ester (B100), rapeseed oil methyl ester–diesel blend (20–80% in vol, B20) and diesel fuel. Transesterification and microemulsion methods were used to produce rapeseed oil methyl ester and diesel–rapeseed oil–n-butanol blends, respectively. The engine performance and exhaust emission tests were conducted employing each of DRSOnB, B100, B20 and diesel fuel, with the engine operating at full load and eight different engine speeds between 1800 and 4400 rpm. As compared to diesel fuel, the test fuels decreased torque, brake power and exhaust gas temperature and increased brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC). While B20 and DRSOnB blends increased carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, B100 decreased it compared to diesel fuel. All the test fuels reduced hydrocarbon (HC) emissions while increasing nitrogen oxides (NOx) formation.

Influence of Biofuel Additions on the Ignition Delay of Single Diesel Fuel Drops

The behavior of single drops of two- and three-component mineral diesel fuel blends with ethanol and rapeseed oil methyl ester in a heated atmosphere has been investigated. With the use of the known quasi-stationary approach, the influence of the thermal properties of fuel blend components and their composition on the ignition delay time of the drop has been investigated. It has been established that under inert heating conditions of the drop, additions of low-boiling ethanol to diesel fuel should shorten the duration of the preignition period, and additions of rapeseed oil methyl ester should, on the contrary, prolong it. Analysis of the obtained data has made it possible to determine the optimal composition of the fuel blend for the most economical operation of the diesel. The prognostic estimates made are confirmed by laboratory experiments and bench tests of fuel blends.

Effect of the Rapeseed Oil Methyl Ester Component on Conventional Diesel Fuel Properties

Abstract The effect of the rapeseed oil methyl ester (RME) component in diesel fuel was assessed. Dynamic viscosity and density of blends were particularly observed. Measurements were performed at standard constant temperature. Increasing ratio of RME in diesel fuel was reflected in increased density value and dynamic viscosity of the blend. In the case of pure RME, pure diesel fuel, and the blend of both, temperature dependence of dynamic viscosity and density was examined. Considerable temperature dependence of dynamic viscosity and density was found out and demonstrated for all three samples. This finding is in accordance with theoretical assumptions and literature data sources. Mathematical models were developed and tested. Temperature dependence of dynamic viscosity was modelled using the 3rd degree polynomial. Temperature dependence of density was modelled using the 2nd degree polynomial. The proposed models can be used for flow behaviour prediction of RME, diesel fuel, and their blends.

An experimental apparatus for testing biodiesels based on a CFR engine—setup and validation with different methyl ester blends

ABSTRACTA cooperative fuel research (CFR) engine was modified and instrumented in order to control operating conditions and to measure engine parameters and in-cylinder pressure diagrams. Aiming at the comparison of different alternative fuels, an experimental procedure was defined, including cetane number (CN) evaluation and the definition of engine operating quantities in different working points, for fixed levels of compression ratio (CR) and injection advance. An investigation was made considering several blends of methyl-esters of rapeseed oil (RME) and of a mix of vegetable oils (VOME) with conventional diesel oil. The defined experimental procedure was applied to assess CN, engine brake thermal efficiency (bte) and exhaust emissions. Results show that the biodiesel content has a positive influence on soot emissions, with strong reduction, while thermal efficiency and NOX emissions are negatively affected, which can be justified taking into account fuel properties and changes in combustion process. As observed outcomes are generally in line with those presented in literature, the facility proved to be a suitable tool for basic investigations on alternative fuels to be used in specific applications.

ENGINE TESTING OF RME ADDITIVES

Reducing the emission of pollutants emitted motor vehicles, and now also in greenhouse gas emissions, is a result of European Union policy. Vehicle design changes are just one way of reducing emissions of harmful substances and greenhouse gases. The second way is to change the type of fuel, by which the vehicle's engine is powered, that is the substitution of conventional fossil fuels derived crude oil, such as gasoline or diesel fuel by so-called renewable fuels, for which the CO2 emissions are measured not only in the engine exhaust system, but also by analysis from the source to the wheel WTW (Well-to-wheel) - is much smaller. As part of this task the Directive 2009/28/EC introduced for all Member States to the use of renewable energy, biofuels, alternative fuels to a certain extent share of the energy and conventional fuel by 2020. This paper presents the results of measurements of emissions on the dynamometer with a diesel engine powered by six kinds of mixtures of diesel oil and rapeseed oil methyl ester (RME) – with esters containing 0 (clean diesel), 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 (pure rapeseed oil methyl esters)% in the fuel. We analysed the reasons for the impact of changes in fuel composition on selected limited exhaust components. We found, that the addition of esters of rapeseed oil to the diesel fuel can be a reason of reducing the emissions of CO, CO2, and THC in the exhaust gases of tested engine and increased emissions of NOx and PM.

Possibilities for improving the cold flow properties of biodiesel fuel by blending with butanol

This report includes an assessment of comparative studies of the cold flow properties of fuel mixtures containing mineral diesel fuel (D), rapeseed oil methyl (RME) or butyl (RBE) esters and butanol (B). The dependence of CP and CFPP on the mixture composition was presented in phase equilibrium diagrams. These experiments established that mixtures in which RME is replaced with RBE have better cold flow properties. Mixtures of any composition meet the requirements for diesel fuel used in the summer period. The concentration of rapeseed oil butyl esters in fuel used in the transitional period may be up to 78%, while for blends containing rapeseed oil methyl esters, the rapeseed oil methyl ester content may only be up to 45%. In the Arctic zone, it is possible to use fuel blends containing up to 10–14% rapeseed methyl esters and up to 18% rapeseed butyl esters.

PROPERTIES OF MULTICOMPONENT BIOFUEL BLENDS, CONTAINING RAPESEED OIL BUTYL ESTERS, BIOBUTANOL AND FOSSIL DIESEL FUEL

Chemical and physical properties (density, kinematic viscosity, flash point, copper strip corrosion, calorific value) of multicomponent biofuel blends, containing rapeseed oil butyl or methyl esters, biobutanol and fossil diesel fuel are discussed in this paper. Ester, water and partial glycerides contents were determinated in multicomponent biofuel blends. These properties were compared with the same properties of pure biodiesel (rapeseed oil butyl and methyl esters) and pure diesel fuel. As there are no standards for blends fuel, containing more than 7  of biocomponents, that is why, density and viscosity were evaluated according standards EN 14214 and EN 590.It is determined that the addition of butanol and rapeseed oil butyl esters should improve the cold flow properties, such as cloud point and cold filter plugging point.As rapeseed oil butyl esters were produced from high acidity rapeseed oil (4%), much attention was deviated for oxidation stability and acidity of pure rapeseed oil butylesters and it blends with butanol and diesel fuel.

Quantitation of Aging Products Formed in Biodiesel during the Rancimat Accelerated Oxidation Test

Biodiesel (rapeseed oil methyl ester) was aged in a Rancimat device at a temperature of 110 °C and an air flow of 10 L/h. Time-resolved analyses applying gas chromatography–flame ionization detection, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and ion-exchange chromatography on the formation of aging products were performed. Formic and acetic acid, fatty acids with chain lengths from 5 to 18 carbon atoms, fatty acid methyl esters, and epoxides were quantified. After 12 h of aging, the concentrations of formic and acetic acid were 5600 ± 80 and 1360 ± 80 mg/kg, respectively. Fatty acid concentrations were in the range of <18–4200 mg/kg after 18 h of aging. Linoleic acid methyl ester and linolenic acid methyl ester (19 and 9.1 mass % of the non-aged fuel) were shown to be fully decomposed after 24 and 18 h of aging, respectively. After 51 h of aging, the concentration of oleic acid methyl ester (63 mass % of the non-aged fuel) decreased to 2.2 mass % and trans-epoxy stearic acid methyl ester and cis-epoxy stearic acid methyl ester reached concetrations of 5.9 and 0.7 mass %, respectively. The fuel composition shows only minor changes in early stages of aging, and a strong timely correlation of the formation of aging products with the end of the induction period of fuel was observed.

ATTEMPTS TO REDUCE BIODIESEL BLENDS NOX POLLUTANT EMISSIONS BY ULTRASONIC CONDITIONING

The conditions imposed by the renewable energy Directive 2009/28/EC make it mandatory for EU member countries to ensure that by 2020 fossil fuels used in the transport sector contain a 10% component of biofuel. The 10% limit is based on results of experiments conducted by engine manufacturers and researchers in the biofuels domain, which show that this percentage can be used in IC engines without major technical changes to equipment and engine systems. Taking into account that increasing the percentage of biodiesel in blends results in significant reductions of CO2 emissions, an immediate way to surpass the 10% limit is to carry out external and/or internal processes that will act on the physico-chemical properties of those biofuels. This paper presents data and results from experiments examining the process of ultrasonic irradiation of rapeseed oil methyl ester type biodiesel. The results show the effects of the irradiation process on biodiesel physical parameters such as density, kinematic viscosity, speed of sound through the medium, and isentropic bulk modulus. The values of these parameters directly influence the operation, performance and pollutant emissions of diesel engines. Primary results obtained demonstrate the possibilities of using what we call here the B25 blend with low-cost procedures and without major technical intervention in the equipment used to construct diesel engines. Two parameters important for the injection process (kinematic viscosity and density) show equal values for B25Us_irr ultrasonically irradiated for 350 seconds and diesel fuel ultrasonically irradiated for 420 seconds. The range of the achieved NOx pollutant emission reduction was between 18.2% for the ultrasonically irradiated blend B25Us_irr (no load) and 1.4% for the ultrasonically irradiated blend B100Us_irr (100% load), when compared with untreated basic biodiesel.

Ignition of monohydric alcohols single droplets and methyl esters of vegetable oils

Evolution of monohydric alcohols (ethanol, butanol) single droplets and methyl esters of vegetable oils (RME) in a heated air within the temperature range (950 ÷ 1100 К) and normal atmospheric pressure is investigated. Within the quasitationary approach framework, mathematical expression for droplet ignition delay time is proposed, which allows to estimate the main problem parameters influence degree on the preignition period length, with reasonable for situation analysis certainty. Obtained prognostic evaluations showed that under single droplet ignition experimental methodology conditions, ignition delay time τign of less volatile rapeseed oil methyl ester should exceed the analogous parameter ofsimilar size ethanol and butanol droplets. Calculation results are compared with mineral diesel fuel droplets ignition data.

G0710405 ココナッツ油メチルエステル/低カロリーガスによる二元燃料ディーゼル機関の燃焼特性([G071-04]エンジンシステム部門一般セッション(4):「燃焼と反応」)

The combustion characteristics and exhaust emissions of the dual fuel diesel engine fueling with coconut oil methylester (CME) and low calorie bio-gas (LCG) are investigated by comparing to the CME/CNG, RME(Rapeseed oil methyl ester)/CNG, RME/LCG, GasOil/LCG, GasOil/CNG dual fuels. The results show that the operable condition of CME/LCG is almost the same as that of the other dual fuels. The thermal efficiency of CME/LCG is almost the same as that of the other dual fuels. LCG dual fuels have lower NOx and Smoke emissions compared with the other test dual fuels. It is concluded that CME/LCG is best among the test dual fuels.

G0710201 直接噴射式ディーゼル機関のバイオディーゼル燃焼に及ぼす過給の影響([G071-02]エンジンシステム部門一般セッション(2):「ディーゼルエンジン」)

The present study investigated the effect of supercharging in the operation of a small single cylinder DI diesel engine equipped with a conventional jerk type injection system. The experiments used three kinds of fuels: rapeseed oil methyl ester, soybean oil methyl ester, and JIS No.2 diesel fuel, and the boost pressure was from 100 to 140 kPa (absolute pressure) changed with a Roots blower. The influence of the boost pressures on the engine performance, combustion characteristics, and exhaust emissions were examined. The results showed that at high loads, the brake thermal efficiency increased with increasing boost pressures while the smoke and CO emissions decreased significantly. It was established that compared with ordinary diesel fuel, all of the investigated biodiesel emission characteristics other than the NOx emissions were superior.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SELECTED LUBRICATING PROPERTIES OF BIOFUELS

The paper presents the research results of lubricity of selected vegetable oils, rapeseed oil methyl esters, and esters with addition of oleic acid. Higher wear of samples during lubrication by rapeseed oil methyl esters in comparison to the tested vegetable oils was obtained. The addition of oleic acid to esters resulted in the improvement of their lubricating properties.

Performance and emission characteristics of diesel fuel containing microalgae oil methyl esters

This report includes assessments of comparative studies on the physical, chemical, and motor properties of diesel fuels containing 30% (vol.) algae oil methyl esters (AME).The properties of this biofuel were compared with the properties of fossil diesel fuel and those of diesel fuel mixtures containing 30% conventional diesel fuel – standardized rapeseed oil methyl esters (RME).Motor studies were performed on a VALMET 320 DMG diesel generator onboard a ship while using fuel blends consisting of 30% AME (B30AME) or RME (B30RME) and 70% fossil diesel fuel. The B30AME’s environmental and energy indicators were compared with indicators related to the B30RME and fossil diesel fuel (D). The experiments allowed the researchers to establish that the quality of the algae oil methyl esters and their mixing with the fossil diesel fuel complied with standard requirements. After measuring the emission of hazardous components, it was found that the main improvement to environmental indicators was related to a 10–75% reduction in the smokiness of the exhaust gas and a 5–25% reduction of hydrocarbons (HC) emissions compared to those of D. The smokiness of the exhaust gas when the engine was running at capacities close to the maximum was approximately 10% lower for B30RME compared to B30AME.

Comparative Study of Diesel Oil and Biodiesel Spray Combustion Based on Detailed Chemical Mechanisms

In the present work, a semidetailed combustion mechanism for biodiesel fuel was validated against the measured autoignition delay times and subsequently implemented in the fortÉ cfd engine simulation package (Reaction Design Inc., 2010, “fortÉ, FOR-UG-40102-1009-UG-1b,” Reaction Design Inc., San Diego, CA) to investigate the spray characteristics (e.g., the liquid penetration and flame lift-off distances of rapeseed oil methyl ester (RME) fuel in a constant-volume combustion chamber). The modeling results were compared with the experimental data. Engine simulations were performed for a Volvo D12C heavy-duty diesel engine fueled by RME on a 72 deg sector mesh. Predictions were validated against measured in-cylinder parameters and exhaust emission concentrations. The semidetailed mechanism was shown to be an efficient and accurate representation of actual biodiesel combustion phases. Meanwhile, as a comparative study, the simulations based on a detailed diesel oil surrogate mechanism were performed for diesel oil under the same conditions.