Replace Petroleum Fuels Research Articles

Zirconia Incorporated Aluminum Phosphate Molecular Sieves as Efficient Microporous Nano Catalysts for the Selective Dehydration of Methanol into Dimethyl Ether

Annually, a growing demand was noted for replacing petroleum fuels with second-generation eco-friendly fuels like dimethyl ether (DME). Methanol dehydration into DME process has been considered as one of the potential pathways for the manufacture of a clean fuel. However, stable, and active catalyst is exceedingly requisite for generation of DME particularly at reasonably low temperature. In the current study, zirconia incorporated AlPO4 tridymite microporous molecular sieve catalysts were fabricated by a hydrothermal method in the presence of triethylamine (TEA) as a structure directing agent. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and N2-sorption assessments. Catalysts’ acidity was estimated by decomposition of isopropanol, pyridine and dimethyl pyridine chemisorption, and pyridine-TPD. Results revealed that catalysts surfaces composed acid sites of Brønsted nature and of weak and medium strengths. Activity results showed that 1 wt% H2SO4 modified zirconia incorporated AlPO4-TRI catalyst calcined at 400 °C presented the best activity with a conversion of 89% and a 100% selectivity into DME at 250 °C. The significant catalytic activity is well-connected to the variation in BET-surface area, acidity, and activation energy of methanol dehydration. The catalysts offered long-term stability for 120 h and could be regenerated with almost the same activity and selectivity.Graphical

Inoculation with Azorhizobium caulinodans ORS571 enhances plant growth and salt tolerance of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) seedlings

BackgroundSwitchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is an important biofuel crop that may contribute to replacing petroleum fuels. However, slow seedling growth and soil salinization affect the growth and development of switchgrass. An increasing number of studies have shown that beneficial microorganisms promote plant growth and increase tolerance to salinity stress. However, the feasibility of inoculating switchgrass with Azorhizobium caulinodans ORS571 to enhance the growth and salt tolerance of its seedlings is unclear. Our previous study showed that A. caulinodans ORS571 could colonize wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and thereby promote its growth and development and regulate the gene expression levels of microRNAs (miRNAs).ResultsIn this study, we systematically studied the impact of A. caulinodans ORS571 on switchgrass growth and development and the response to salinity stress; we also studied the underlying mechanisms during these biological processes. Inoculation with A. caulinodans ORS571 significantly alleviated the effect of salt stress on seedling growth. Under normal conditions, A. caulinodans ORS571 significantly increased fresh plant weight, chlorophyll a content, protein content, and peroxidase (POD) activity in switchgrass seedlings. Under salt stress, the fresh weight, dry weight, shoot and root lengths, and chlorophyll contents were all significantly increased, and some of these parameters even recovered to normal levels after inoculation with A. caulinodans ORS571. Soluble sugar and protein contents and POD and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were also significantly increased, contrary to the results for proline. Additionally, A. caulinodans ORS571 may alleviate salt stress by regulating miRNAs. Twelve selected miRNAs were all upregulated to different degrees under salt stress in switchgrass seedlings. However, the levels of miR169, miR171, miR319, miR393, miR535, and miR854 were decreased significantly after inoculation with A. caulinodans ORS571 under salt stress, in contrast to the expression level of miR399.ConclusionThis study revealed that A. caulinodans ORS571 increased the salt tolerance of switchgrass seedlings by increasing their water content, photosynthetic efficiency, osmotic pressure maintenance, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging abilities and regulating miRNA expression. This work provides a new, creative idea for improving the salt tolerance of switchgrass seedlings.

Study of the working process of a dual-fuel hydrogen engine

The relevance of the article is due to the need to replace petroleum fuels with motor fuels obtained from alternative raw materials. Hydrogen is considered as a promising alternative fuel. The use of hydrogen as a motor fuel makes it possible to solve the problem of a cardinal reduction in carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Using the DIESEL-RK software package, computational studies of the effect of hydrogen supply on the working process of the gas-diesel engine D-245 were carried out. The diesel cycle of the engine and its gas-diesel cycle were calculated with hydrogen supplies equal to 5, 10, 20, 40, 60 and 80% (taking into account the difference in the heat of combustion of the studied fuels). The maximum effective efficiency of a diesel engine is achieved when 40% hydrogen is supplied to the combustion chamber. In this case, compared to operation only on petroleum diesel fuel, the effective efficiency of the diesel engine increased by 7%.

Use of heterogeneous catalysis in sustainable biofuel production

Abstract Biofuel is a sustainable energy source that may use to replace fossil-based carbon dioxide and mitigate the adverse effects of exhaust emissions. Nowadays, we need to replace petroleum fuels with alternatives from environmentally sustainable sources of increasing importance. Biofuels derived from biomass have gained considerable attention, and thus most of the traditional methods that harm the environment and humans have retreated. Developing an active and stable heterogeneous catalyst is a step of utmost importance in the renewable liquid fuel technology. Thus, there is a great interest in developing methods for producing liquid fuels from non-edible sources. It may also be from dry plant tissues such as agricultural waste. Lignocellulosic biomass can be a sustainable source for producing renewable fuels and chemicals, as well as the replacement of petroleum products. Hence, the researchers aspired to synthesize new catalysts using a cheap technology developed to hydrolyze cellulose and then produce bioethanol without needing expensive enzymes, which may ultimately lead to a lower fuel price. In this paper, we will focus on the recent technologies used to produce sustainable biofuels through inexpensive incentives and innocuous to the environment.

Study of indicators of the working process of tractor diesel when working on ethanol and rapeseed oil

The use of alternative fuels derived from natural gas, coal, and renewable energy sources in tractor diesel engines (TDE) will solve the problem of replacing petroleum fuels, significantly expand the raw material base for obtaining motor fuels, and reduce the negative impact of motor vehicles on the environment. The use of alternative oxygenate fuels, such as ethanol (E), in diesel engines is particularly promising. As a result of the analysis of the conducted studies, it was found that it is possible to organize the working process in the cylinder of a TDE when it operates on E and rapeseed oil (RO), with their separate supply directly to the cylinders and ignition from the ignition fuel (pilot) with a high cetane number. As a starting fuel, it is possible to use RO, which is capable of self-ignition due to its physical and chemical properties. At the same time, it is expected to improve the performance of the working process, environmental and efficient performance of the TDE with the complete replacement of diesel fuel (DF).

Study on Bio-Diesel as Alternate Fuel Used in I.C. Engines

One of the major incentives for expanding the production and use of bio-fuels worldwide is the potential environmental benefit that can be obtained from replacing petroleum fuels with fuels derived from renewable biomass resources. The use of vegetable oil in diesel engines is one of the available alternatives, but its use in existing vehicles usually requires modification of engine or fuel system components. The increased viscosity, low volatility, and poor cold flow properties of vegetable oils lead to severe engine deposits, injector coking, and piston ring sticking. The paper presents a literature review on vegetable oils as alternative bio-fuel for diesel engines.

Dimethyl ether (DME) as potential environmental friendly fuel

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in replacing petroleum fuels with so-called second generation environmental friendly fuels. Compared to traditional petroleum fuels dimethyl ether (DME) could be used as a clean high-efficiency compression ignition fuel with reduced particulate matter (PM), sulfur oxides (SOx), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) as well as combustion noise. Compared to some of the other leading alternative fuel candidates i.e., methane, methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas, DME appears to have the largest potential impact on society including well-to-wheel greenhouse gas emissions, non-petroleum feedstocks, well-to-wheel efficiencies, fuel versatility, infrastructure, availability, economics, and safety and should be considered as the fuel of choice for eliminating the dependency on petroleum. This paper reviews the properties and the DME combustion effects on environmental and they were compared to diesel characteristic as well as the effect of blending DME with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), conventional diesel fuel and biodiesel were discussed.

Thermochemical Characterization of Casamance Biomass Residues for Production of Combustibles Briquettes

The development of alternatives energies illustrates the common interest of all countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Thermochemical treatment of municipal solid waste, agricultural and forestry wastes is a major challenge for this XXIst century to replace petroleum fuels. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) makes it possible to elucidate the thermal behavior of Casamance (Senegal) biomass residues, mass losses and decomposition rate, under inert (N2) atmosphere and oxidizing (O2) atmosphere. Carbonization and briquetting techniques of these various residues encountered in this part of Senegal country, by densification in order to produce fuel briquettes (call biochars) will be used to improve stoves for cooking. Samples used in this study are peanuts shells (PNS), cashew nut shells (CNS), palm nut shells (PLS) and millet stems (MS). Elemental and approximate analyses make it possible to determine the CHNSO* composition, volatile matter, fixed carbon and ashes content of the samples used. Higher heating values (HHV) of the former residues are ranging from 28.60 MJ·kg-1, 26.51 MJ·kg-1, 29.69 MJ·kg-1 and 24.93 MJ·kg-1 respectively. The chars are obtained by slow pyrolysis with a heating rate of 5°C·min-1 from ambient temperature up to 800°C under inert atmosphere. The morphology of the samples is different for the four biomasses studied, from biomass in the form of wood fibers to a more compact biomass. The parietal composition of different samples presented was determined by Van Soest method using neutral detergents (NDS), acid detergent (ADS) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4, 72%); to solubilize successively extractable, hemicellulose and cellulose respectively; lignin was obtained by balance (Table 2). The samples show a high level of cellulose, this pseudo-component is very rich in carbon directly linked to the calorific value, whose values vary from 32.35%; 24.20%; 34.94% and 39.67% for PNS, PLS, CNS and MS respectively.

A Comprehensive Review on Influence of Biodiesel and Additives on Performance and Emission of Diesel Engine

The depleting natural energy resources and emissions from diesel engine caused by petroleum fuels attract a need for alternative fuels such as biodiesel which will be renewable and demotes the emission. Biodiesels are world’s future energy needs which expected to deflate the dependence on imported petroleum and revitalize the economy by increasing demand and prices for agricultural products. The recent research has been made in biofuels to extract biodiesel from vegetable oil and animal oil at an economical cost. In this present review, the need of biodiesel in present scenario and the influence of biodiesel and additives from different feedstock based on properties, combustion, performance, and emission characteristics fuelled in CI engine under different operating conditions are illustrated. It is reported that the oxygenating properties of biodiesel increase brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and consequently brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and considerably reduce hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) emission. In biodiesel blends, BSFC increases with a decrease in BTE. Biodiesel shows slightly subservient performance than diesel. However, biodiesels are endowed with some disadvantages like lower calorific value, cold flow problems and higher density. To overcome these problems different additives are blended in biodiesels. It enhances the properties of biodiesels, improves the diesel engine performance, reduces the emissions and ultimately suits international fuel and emission standards. It is reported that all emissions except oxide of nitrogen (NOx) are reduced with the addition of additives. This paper proposes certain biodiesel fuels with additives to replace petroleum fuels in comparison of performance and emission.

Determination of Physicochemical Properties and Emissions for Different Blends of Biodiesel from Watermelon(Citrullus lanatus L.) Seeds and Diesel Fuel

Across the world the fossil fuels are depleting and countries are forced to find an alternative source to reduce green house gases and replace petroleum fuels. Depending of the raw material sources, vegetable oils, animal fats or algae, biodiesel offers a solution for a clean-burning diesel fuel. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) seed were collected and the oil was extracted. The oil was transformed into fatty acid methyl esters through a transesterification process and blended in various proportions with diesel fuel. The physico-chemical properties of fuels were determined. Results obtained showed that the biodiesel has a density (0.870 g/cm3), kinematic viscosity 40�C (3.1 mm2/s), flash point (128�C), saponification index (150 mgKOH/g), iodine index (108 mgI2/100g), peroxide index (3.7 mEqO2/Kg) and oxidation stability (6 hours) in the range of UE specifications. The engine tests were conducted on a Deutz F4L912 diesel engine, 51 kW, 4-stroke, air cooled, direct injection diesel engine. From the test performed was observed that the CO and HC emissions were reduced due to high content of oxygen in biodiesel blends.

Sustainable alternative fuels in aviation

Abstract In recent years, renewable energy resources have become more important due to the limited number of regions for production of petroleum-based fuels, which are continuously depleting. The aviation sector in terms of commercial and cargo transportation has an increasing need for conventional, as well as, alternative fuels. Derivatives of petroleum fuels used in aviation have negative impacts on air quality. Factors causing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the aviation sector must be reduced. However, such fuels used in the aviation sector are not sustainable. Biofuels which have the potential to replace petroleum fuels and help with emissions are heavily investigated in developed countries for independency, creating a better environment and sustainability. Biofuels which are already used for ground vehicles could also be implemented in the aviation sector to reduce fuel cost and emissions. Overall, aviation fuels made of sustainable resources would also support social and economic development. Numerous industrial initiatives have emerged to find alternative ways to attain bio-aviation fuels. Therefore, there is an increasing level of research with regards to alternative aviation fuels made of biomass in recent years. It is important to obtain basic feedstocks and to develop biofuel production processes in a cost-effective way. This study examines the necessity and the types of biofuels in the aviation sector. By designing unique fuel systems for air vehicles, it is possible to formulate biofuels which can be used for both air and ground vehicle applications. This type of consensus would help with sustainability and a better environment.

Thermal catalytic cracking of crude palm oil at pilot scale: Effect of the percentage of Na2CO3 on the quality of biofuels

In this study, the influence of catalyst content on the physical–chemical properties, yield, and chemical composition of organic liquid products (OLP) obtained by thermal catalytic cracking of palm oil (Elaeis guineensis, Jacq.) was studied at a pilot scale. The experiments were carried out in a reactor of 143L, running in batch mode at 450°C and 1 atm, using 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% (w/w) Na2CO3 as the catalyst. Physical–chemical characterization of OLP was conducted for acid value, saponification value, specific gravity, refractive index, kinematic viscosity, copper strip corrosion, and flash point. The chemical composition of OLP was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). As the catalyst content increased, the kinematic viscosity of OLP decreased from 6.59 to 3.63mm2s−1 and the acid value from 51.56 to 1.26mg KOH/g. The GC–MS analysis showed that OLP comprise hydrocarbons (normal paraffin, olefin, and naphthenic) and oxygenated compounds (carboxylic acids, alcohols, ketones, and esters), with a high dependency on the catalyst level. As the catalyst content increased, the concentration of hydrocarbons increased, whereas the concentration of oxygenates decreased. The optimal sodium carbonate catalyst level was found to be 15% (w/w). This gave the highest rate of conversion into biofuel, of which around 60% was OLP, and produced biofuels with the lowest acid values. The physical–chemical properties were within the limits fixed by ANP No. 65 (Diesel S10 specification) due to their high hydrocarbon content (92.84%) and low oxygenate content (7.16%). The hydrocarbons produced had characteristics similar to those of petroleum diesel, offering the potential to replace petroleum fuels without requiring deacidification or deoxygenation pretreatment.

Experimental Protocol for Biodiesel Production with Isolation of Alkenones as Coproducts from Commercial <em>Isochrysis</em> Algal Biomass

The need to replace petroleum fuels with alternatives from renewable and more environmentally sustainable sources is of growing importance. Biomass-derived biofuels have gained considerable attention in this regard, however first generation biofuels from edible crops like corn ethanol or soybean biodiesel have generally fallen out of favor. There is thus great interest in the development of methods for the production of liquid fuels from domestic and superior non-edible sources. Here we describe a detailed procedure for the production of a purified biodiesel from the marine microalgae Isochrysis. Additionally, a unique suite of lipids known as polyunsaturated long-chain alkenones are isolated in parallel as potentially valuable coproducts to offset the cost of biodiesel production. Multi-kilogram quantities of Isochrysis are purchased from two commercial sources, one as a wet paste (80% water) that is first dried prior to processing, and the other a dry milled powder (95% dry). Lipids are extracted with hexanes in a Soxhlet apparatus to produce an algal oil ("hexane algal oil") containing both traditional fats (i.e., triglycerides, 46-60% w/w) and alkenones (16-25% w/w). Saponification of the triglycerides in the algal oil allows for separation of the resulting free fatty acids (FFAs) from alkenone-containing neutral lipids. FFAs are then converted to biodiesel (i.e., fatty acid methyl esters, FAMEs) by acid-catalyzed esterification while alkenones are isolated and purified from the neutral lipids by crystallization. We demonstrate that biodiesel from both commercial Isochrysis biomasses have similar but not identical FAME profiles, characterized by elevated polyunsaturated fatty acid contents (approximately 40% w/w). Yields of biodiesel were consistently higher when starting from the Isochrysis wet paste (12% w/w vs. 7% w/w), which can be traced to lower amounts of hexane algal oil obtained from the powdered Isochrysis product.

Experimental Protocol for Biodiesel Production with Isolation of Alkenones as Coproducts from Commercial Isochrysis Algal Biomass.

The need to replace petroleum fuels with alternatives from renewable and more environmentally sustainable sources is of growing importance. Biomass-derived biofuels have gained considerable attention in this regard, however first generation biofuels from edible crops like corn ethanol or soybean biodiesel have generally fallen out of favor. There is thus great interest in the development of methods for the production of liquid fuels from domestic and superior non-edible sources. Here we describe a detailed procedure for the production of a purified biodiesel from the marine microalgae Isochrysis. Additionally, a unique suite of lipids known as polyunsaturated long-chain alkenones are isolated in parallel as potentially valuable coproducts to offset the cost of biodiesel production. Multi-kilogram quantities of Isochrysis are purchased from two commercial sources, one as a wet paste (80% water) that is first dried prior to processing, and the other a dry milled powder (95% dry). Lipids are extracted with hexanes in a Soxhlet apparatus to produce an algal oil ("hexane algal oil") containing both traditional fats (i.e., triglycerides, 46-60% w/w) and alkenones (16-25% w/w). Saponification of the triglycerides in the algal oil allows for separation of the resulting free fatty acids (FFAs) from alkenone-containing neutral lipids. FFAs are then converted to biodiesel (i.e., fatty acid methyl esters, FAMEs) by acid-catalyzed esterification while alkenones are isolated and purified from the neutral lipids by crystallization. We demonstrate that biodiesel from both commercial Isochrysis biomasses have similar but not identical FAME profiles, characterized by elevated polyunsaturated fatty acid contents (approximately 40% w/w). Yields of biodiesel were consistently higher when starting from the Isochrysis wet paste (12% w/w vs. 7% w/w), which can be traced to lower amounts of hexane algal oil obtained from the powdered Isochrysis product.

Omics in Chlamydomonas for Biofuel Production.

In response to demands for sustainable domestic fuel sources, research into biofuels has become increasingly important. Many challenges face biofuels in their effort to replace petroleum fuels, but rational strain engineering of algae and photosynthetic organisms offers a great deal of promise. For decades, mutations and stress responses in photosynthetic microbiota were seen to result in production of exciting high-energy fuel molecules, giving hope but minor capability for design. However, '-omics' techniques for visualizing entire cell processing has clarified biosynthesis and regulatory networks. Investigation into the promising production behaviors of the model organism C. reinhardtii and its mutants with these powerful techniques has improved predictability and understanding of the diverse, complex interactions within photosynthetic organisms. This new equipment has created an exciting new frontier for high-throughput, predictable engineering of photosynthetically produced carbon-neutral biofuels.

Bioethanol production from rice bran with optimization of parameters by Bacillus cereus strain McR-3

The potential environmental benefits that can be obtained from replacing petroleum fuels with biofuels derived from renewable biomass sources are the main driving forces for promoting the production and use of biofuels. Due to depletion of fossil fuels, ethanol, which can be obtained via the bioconversion of renewable feedstock, is widely regarded as an efficient alternative for gasoline as transportation fuel. Biomass energy can play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Rice bran is a by-product of milling process of rice, and due to its carbohydrate contents, it may serve as good source for bioethanol production. The present study deals with bioethanol production from rice bran and screening of bioethanol-producing bacteria from rice bran. In the screening process, three fermentative bacteria were obtained; they were studied on the basis of morphology, biochemical characteristics and maximum bioethanol production. The maximum bioethanol-producing bacteria was identified by sequencing method. The bacteria thus identified as Bacillus cereus strain McR-3 is a novel bacteria reported in bioethanol production from rice bran substrate. Different parameters like temperature and pH also affects the production of bioethanol. It was observed that optimum temperature and pH for maximum bioethanol production was 37 °C and 5, respectively.

Environment-enhancing algal biofuel production using wastewaters

The potential of algae-based biofuels to replace petroleum fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas production through microalgal photosynthesis has long been recognized. However, currently there are no commercial algae-to-fuels technologies that can overcome techno-economic barriers and address serious sustainability concerns. Coupling microalgae cultivation with wastewater treatment is considered as one of the most promising routes to produce bio-energy and bio-based byproducts in an economically viable and environmentally friendly way. This paper critically reviews the current status of this specific niche research area covering utilization of different types of wastewaters as media for algae cultivation, microalgae selection, bioreactor type, cultivation mode, environmental factors and operational parameters as well as harvesting techniques and production of a broad spectrum of biofuels and byproducts through various conversion pathways. Future development of practical solutions to key problems and integration of advanced algae cultivation and wastewater treatment, and system analysis approach to the evaluation of economic feasibility and sustainability of wastewater-based algal biofuel production are also discussed in depth.

Biodiesel Oxidation Monitored by Ambient Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Biodiesel is a renewable source of global interest and one of the most attractive alternatives to partially replace petroleum fuels. Because of its chemical nature, however, biodiesel quality may be more rapidly degraded (than hydrocarbon-based fossil fuels) because of oxidation particularly during long or inappropriate storage. Herein, we show that a direct, rapid, and easy to implement and perform technique, that is, easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI–MS), can be successfully applied to monitor biodiesel oxidation. Soybean biodiesel stored under different conditions has been monitored by EASI–MS, and markers of oxidation have been identified. A new oxidation index (Iox) rapidly and easily determined via EASI–MS was proposed.

Chemistry and combustion of fit-for-purpose biofuels

From the inception of internal combustion engines, biologically derived fuels (biofuels) have played a role. Nicolaus Otto ran a predecessor to today's spark-ignition engine with an ethanol fuel blend in 1860. At the 1900 Paris world's fair, Rudolf Diesel ran his engine on peanut oil. Over 100 years of petroleum production has led to consistency and reliability of engines that demand standardized fuels. New biofuels can displace petroleum-based fuels and produce positive impacts on the environment, the economy, and the use of local energy sources. This review discusses the combustion, performance and other requirements of biofuels that will impact their near-term and long-term ability to replace petroleum fuels in transportation applications.

Instrumental Analysis of Biodiesel Content in Commercial Diesel Blends: An Experiment for Undergraduate Analytical Chemistry

The potential of replacing petroleum fuels with renewable biofuels has drawn significant public interest. Many states have imposed biodiesel mandates or incentives to use commercial biodiesel blends. We present an inquiry-driven experiment where students are given the tasks to gather samples, develop analytical methods using various instrumental methods, such as HPLC, 1H-NMR, and ATR-FTIR, make measurements, and analyze the results to determine the volume percent of biodiesel in commercial diesel blends. The project develops students’ appreciation of the usefulness of chemistry by working with “real” samples from their daily lives, and skills to critically compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of various instrumental techniques for quantitative analysis.