More
- Biofuel impact on food prices index and land use change
AbstractFull Article Download CitationDuffield, James A.; Shrestha, Dev S.; Staab, Brenden D. 2017. Biofuel impact on food prices index and land use change. 2017 ASABE Annual International Meeting. 1
Biofuel (ethanol and biodiesel) has played a major role in developing cleaner alternative fuel. However, some papers, mostly based on economic model, have been published that question the use of biofuels, claiming that biofuels cause more land to be diverted to crop production and cause food prices to increase. With over a decade‘s worth of data since the biofuel boom in the early 2000s, the model predictions were compared with the data and statistical analysis was performed to compare between before and after biofuel era to study the impact of biofuel on food prices and land use change. Agricultural Census data shows that agriculture land in the United States has decreased each year since the 1950s. Total cropland decreased by 88 million acres from 1950 to 2012. The Energy Independence and Security Act strictly limits the amount of land that can be used for biofuel crop production. Furthermore, papers arguing that biofuels have caused dramatic land use change, based the argument from satellite data, which has been shown inaccurate. In terms of food prices, U.S. food price index in increasing at 2.6% per year linearly with R2 of 0.91 from 1991 to 2015, fully encompassing the biofuel boom. Comparatively, the inflation rate from 1981 to 1991 was 3.8% per year, and the rate from 1973 to 1981 was 8.3% per year. From this research, we have found that biofuels have not had a significant impact on land use change or food prices. - Life-cycle energy, GHG and cost comparison of camelina-based biodiesel and biojet fuel
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationDangol, Namrata; Shrestha, Dev S.; Duffield, James A. 2017. Life-cycle energy, GHG and cost comparison of camelina-based biodiesel and biojet fuel. Biofuels. 1-9
- Biodiesel Performance with Modern Engines
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationMcCormick, Robert L. 2016. Biodiesel Performance with Modern Engines. . (NREL/TP-5400-66158)
- Biodiesel Production from Green Microalgae Schizochytrium limacinum via in Situ Transesterification
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationBi, Z. T.; He, B. B.; McDonald, A. G. 2015. Biodiesel Production from Green Microalgae Schizochytrium limacinum via in Situ Transesterification. Energy & Fuels. 29(8) 5018-5027
Microalgae are considered as one of the most promising feedstocks for biofuel production because of their environmental and social benefits. However, challenges exist in converting microalgal lipids into algal biofuels because of the unique characteristics of microalgae and the technologies for processing them. This study aims at exploring an alternative sub-/supercritical methanol (subCM/SCM) process technology that combines lipid extraction from whole microalgae and lipid esterification/transesterification in a single step or in situ transesterification. A high lipid content microalgal strain, Schizochytrium limacinum, was used for in situ transesterification in a batch reactor. Temperature (170, 210, 250, and 290 degrees C), reaction time (30, 60, 90, and 120 min), and lipid/methanol molar ratio (sRatio; 1:50, 1:75, and 1:100) were investigated for their effects on the conversion efficiency. The temperature appeared as a most positive influential factor. Additionally, the operating temperature over 250 degrees C caused degradation of the lipids and/or algal biomass and, thus, led to the decline of the ester yield. The combination of the reaction time and temperature had a significant impact on the in situ transesterification reaction. The sRatio had a statistically significant impact on the product yield and purity, and both these two response factors reached the maximum levels after the sRatio reached 1:75. It was observed that the highest product purity (37.5 wt %) occurred at sRatio of 1:75, 211.6 degrees C, and 120 min, with a product yield of 58.4 mol %. This study shows that the in situ transesterification of microalgae bears some advantages over the traditional two-step processes and has the potential to be applied to large-scale processing for biodiesel production. - Life Cycle Analysis and Production Potential of Camelina Biodiesel in the Pacific Northwest
AbstractFull Article Download CitationDangol, N.; Shrestha, D. S.; Duffield, J. A. 2015. Life Cycle Analysis and Production Potential of Camelina Biodiesel in the Pacific Northwest. Transactions of the ASABE. 58(2) 465-475
Camelina sativa could be a potential feedstock to help meet the U.S. biodiesel production goal of 36 billion gallons by 2022, as set forth by Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. This research is focused on assessing the energy balance and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of camelina biodiesel production in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) region of the U.S. Field data were collected from a camelina farm in the region, and crushing and transesterification data were measured using facilities at the University of Idaho. It was estimated that use of camelina biodiesel reduces GHG emissions by 69% compared to 2005 baseline diesel. However, camelina biodiesel does not meet the ASTM D6751 specification for oxidative stability without an additive. Camelina has a smaller seed size compared to canola and required 23% more energy for crushing. The net energy ratio for camelina biodiesel was found to be 3.6, and the fossil energy ratio was found to be 4.2. From an agronomic standpoint, camelina can be incorporated into low rainfall areas of the PNW as a rotational crop. Wheat areas of the PNW with annual rainfall of 19 to 38 cm that currently incorporate fallow into their rotations were considered as potential areas for camelina production. There were 846,500 ha (2.1 million acres) of land meeting the criteria in the region that could potentially produce 443.0 million L of biodiesel (117.1 million gal) and 1.2 billion kg of meal per year. This is 12.1% of the approved amount of camelina meal that could be used in livestock feed within the PNW. It was concluded that camelina biodiesel qualifies as an advanced biofuel, and camelina meal has potential to be consumed locally as a feed mix for livestock. - Phospholipid transesterification in sub-/super-critical methanol with the presence of free fatty acids
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationBi, Zheting B.; He, Brian 2015. Phospholipid transesterification in sub-/super-critical methanol with the presence of free fatty acids. .
Phospholipids and free fatty acids (FFA), along with triglycerides, are naturally formed constituents in unrefined vegetable oils and other plant lipids. Presence of phospholipids and FFA in such oils can cause processing difficulties, such as saponification and decrease in catalytic efficiency, thus lead to an adverse process efficiency in the transesterification of such oils for biodiesel production. This phenomenon was also observed in our previous study on converting microalgal lipids to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) via in situ transesterification. This study aimed at further exploring the transesterification of phospholipids and investigating the effects of FFA presence and other processing conditions in biodiesel production from plant oils in sub-and/or super-critical methanol (SubCM/SCM). Experiements were carried out in a batch reactor in SubCM/SCM under various conditions without addition of catalysts. Pure chemicals of lecithin and stearic acid were used as the model compounds for phospholipids and FFA, respectively. The product yield (FAME in mol%) of the phospholipids after transesterification, as affected by the presecnce of FFA under different conditions, was selected as the respond factor to determine the process efficiency. Experimental results showed that phospholipids can be converted into FAME in such a process. Transesterification of phospholipids is largely affected by the interactive effect of operating temperature and reaction time. The maximum product yield of 68.1 mol% was achieved at 250 °C and 120 min without the presence of FFA. The product yield started to level off once the system reached the SCM state. When temperature was held at 290 °C for 30 min, the product yield dropped to 33.6 mol%. Another phenomenon observed is that the presence of FFA enhances considerably the lipid conversion. The study revealed that phospholipids can be converted to FAME with a highest product yield of 93.9 mol% at 250 °C for 120 min in SCM without catalysts and with the presence of FFA. However, the FFA enchancement became less significant when the system was operated for a longer period of time than 120 min. - Characterization of Microalgae for the Purpose of Biofuel Production
AbstractFull Article Download CitationBi, Z.; He, B. B. 2013. Characterization of Microalgae for the Purpose of Biofuel Production. Transactions of the Asabe. 56(4) 1529-1539
It is now widely accepted that microalgae are promising candidate feedstocks for biofuel production, especially for biodiesel. Microalgae consist of a vast number of species that contain complex chemical constituents and physical structures. The purpose of this study is to understand the physical and chemical properties of selected microalgae, which is critical to the design of appropriate processes for commercial biofuel production. ASTM standard methods were implemented to examine the microalgae properties, including proximate and ultimate analyses. Among the microalgae studied, green microalgae have more volatile matter than brown microalgae, while the latter contain much higher ash content (as high as 43.4%wt +/- 0.20%wt dry basis). The lowest ash content was found in the samples of green microalgae (14.3%wt +/- 0.10%wt dry basis). Ultimate analysis showed that brown microalgae have less carbon content (approx. 25%wt dry basis) as compared to green microalgae (49%wt to 58%wt dry basis). All samples of microalgae were high in sulfur content (0.4%wt to 1.0%wt dry basis). Mineral contents of all microalgal samples were similar to those commonly present in other biomass. Brown microalgae contain significantly higher amounts of carbohydrates (72.9%wt to 75.5%wt dry basis) than green microalgae. On the other hand, green microalgae contain more crude fat (17.1%wt to 27.8%wt dry basis) than brown microalgae. The fatty acid profiles show that the primary fatty acids in microalgal lipids are similar to those of vegetable oils such as soybean oil. However, there are also many odd-numbered fatty acids, such as C15:0, C17:0, and C19:0, which are not typically seen in other seed oils. - Reassessment of Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Soybean Biodiesel
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPradhan, A.; Shrestha, D. S.; Van Gerpen, J.; McAloon, A.; Yee, W.; Haas, M.; Duffield, J. A. 2012. Reassessment of Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Soybean Biodiesel. Transactions of the Asabe. 55(6) 2257-2264
This study updates the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for soybean biodiesel with revised system boundaries and the inclusion of indirect land use change using the most current set of agricultural data. The updated results showed that life cycle GHG emission from biodiesel use was reduced by 81.2% compared to 2005 baseline diesel. When the impacts of lime application and soil N2O emissions were excluded for more direct comparison with prior results published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the reduction was 85.4%. This is a significant improvement over the 78.5% GHG reduction reported in the NREL study. Agricultural lime accounted for 50.6% of GHG from all agricultural inputs. Soil N2O accounted for 18.0% of total agricultural emissions. The improvement in overall GHG reduction was primarily due to lower agricultural energy usage and improved soybean crushing facilities. This study found that soybean meal and oil price data from the past ten years had a significant positive correlation (R-2 = 0.73); hence, it is argued that soybean meal and oil are both responsible for indirect land use change from increased soybean demand It is concluded that when there is a strong price correlation among co-products, system boundary expansion without a proper co-product allocation for indirect land use change produces erroneous results. When the emissions associated with predicted indirect land use change were allocated and incorporated using U.S. EPA model data, the GHG reduction for biodiesel was 76.4% lower than 2005 baseline diesel. - Case Study of Biodiesel-Diesel Blends as a Fuel in Marine Environment
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationZhang, Tianxi; Chao, Yapeng; Liu, Nan; Thompson, Joe; Garcia, Manuel; He, Brian B.; Gerpen, Jon Van; Chen, Shulin 2011. Case Study of Biodiesel-Diesel Blends as a Fuel in Marine Environment. Advances in Chemical Engineering and Science. Vol.01No.024
- Catalytic Thermochemical Conversion of Glycerol to Simple and Polyhydric Alcohols Using Raney Nickel Catalyst
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationMaglinao, R. L.; He, B. B. 2011. Catalytic Thermochemical Conversion of Glycerol to Simple and Polyhydric Alcohols Using Raney Nickel Catalyst. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. 50(10) 6028-6033
The crude glycerol from biodiesel production possesses low economic values and alternative ways of converting it to valuable chemicals are needed to sustain the biodiesel industry. This study aimed to investigate the production of primary alcohols and propylene glycol from glycerol through a catalytic thermochemical process without an external supply of hydrogen. The effects of reaction time, water to glycerol ratio, and doses of catalyst on glycerol conversion and alcohol yields were investigated using a batch pressure reactor and Raney nickel catalyst. The presence of alcohols and gases in the products confirmed that hydrogen was produced and was utilized in the formation of propylene glycol through hydrogenolysis. Ethanol and propylene glycol yields of up to 10.4 +/- 0.2 and 33.2 +/- 1.4 mol %, respectively, were observed. It was also concluded that ethanol is formed through hydrogenolysis of propylene glycol and its yield improves at extended reaction time and increased initial water content of the feed. - Energy life-cycle assessment of soybean biodiesel revisited
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPradhan, A.; Shrestha, D.; McAloon, A.; Yee, W.; Haas, M.; Duffield, J. 2011. Energy life-cycle assessment of soybean biodiesel revisited. Transactions of the ASABE. 54(3) In press
The first comprehensive life-cycle assessment (LCA) for soybean biodiesel produced in the U.S. was completed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in 1998, and the energy inventory for this analysis was updated in 2009 using 2002 data. The continual adoption of new technologies in farming, soybean processing, and for biodiesel conversion affects the life-cycle energy use over time, requiring that LCA practitioners update their models as often as possible. This study uses the most recently available data to update the energy life-cycle of soybean biodiesel and makes comparisons with the two past studies. The updated analysis showed that the fossil energy ratio (FER) of soybean biodiesel was 5.54 using 2006 agricultural data. This is a major improvement over the FER of 3.2 reported in the 1998 NREL study that used 1990 agricultural data and significantly better than the FER of 4.56 reported using 2002 data. The improvements are primarily due to improved soybean yields and more energy-efficient soybean crushing and conversion facilities. The energy input in soybean agriculture was reduced by 52%, in soybean crushing by 58% and in transesterification by 33% per unit volume of biodiesel produced. Overall, the energy input reduction was 42% for the same amount of biodiesel produced. The addition of secondary inputs, such as farm machinery and building materials, did not have a significant effect on the FER. The FER of soybean biodiesel is likely to continue to improve over time because of increases in soybean yields and the development of increasingly energy-efficient technologies. - Food Versus Fuel Characteristics of Vegetable Oils and Animal Fats
AbstractFull Article Download CitationHansen, A. C.; He, B. B.; Engeseth, N. J. 2011. Food Versus Fuel Characteristics of Vegetable Oils and Animal Fats. Transactions of the Asabe. 54(4) 1407-1414
Vegetable oils and animal fats are major components of food products and are used extensively for cooking. Recently, attention has been focused on their uses for making fuels for engines and heating. Vegetable oils and animal fats comprise mixtures of fatty acids in proportions that depend on the source materials. These fatty acids vary with respect to carbon chain length and degree of saturation. Fatty acid composition has been shown to have impacts on the properties of oils and fats and thus on both food and fuel quality. Some of these source materials also contain natural antioxidants that are beneficial for both food and fuel applications. The objectives of this article are to highlight the different requirements in the properties of vegetable oils and animal fats for health and for fuel, and to provide an assessment of the suitability of different materials as sources for food and/or fuel. - Minimizing the Cost of Biodiesel Blends for Specified Cloud Points
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationWang, P. S.; Thompson, J.; Van Gerpen, J. 2011. Minimizing the Cost of Biodiesel Blends for Specified Cloud Points. Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society. 88(4) 563-572
When used as a biodiesel fuel, isopropyl esters are expensive compared to the more common methyl esters. However, isopropyl esters have better cold flow properties than methyl esters, allowing the use of highly saturated feedstocks such as tallow or lard. It has not been determined if isopropyl esters can be part of an economical biodiesel (B100) blend for a specified cloud point, which allows for an objective material cost comparison. This work explores this question through the use of an empirical cloud point model that has been developed and validated. Constrained costminimization was performed using the cloud point model and historical prices for alcohols and triglycerides. Case studies using 2003 and 2006 average prices are presented. The results indicate that an expensive component such as isopropyl ester can be part of an economical blend under the market conditions. For isopropyl esters to be feasible as an economical blend component, they have to be derived from a highly saturated feedstock that is less expensive than soybean oil by $0.10/lb. This price differential is most applicable to a biodiesel blend that has a cloud point between 5 and 10 degrees C. - Soap and Glycerin Removal from Biodiesel Using Waterless Processes
AbstractFull Article Download CitationWall, J.; Van Gerpen, J.; Thompson, J. 2011. Soap and Glycerin Removal from Biodiesel Using Waterless Processes. Transactions of the Asabe. 54(2) 535-541
Biodiesel is a proven alternative to petroleum diesel fuel. During production of biodiesel, the free fatty acids in the oil react with the sodium or potassium catalyst to form soaps. After the biodiesel and by-product glycerin are separated, trace amounts of glycerin remain in the biodiesel. These soap and glycerin impurities in the biodiesel can lead to engine operation and fuel storage problems. Traditionally, soap and glycerin are removed from the biodiesel by water washing. Water washing has several disadvantages, such as producing large amounts of waste water that requires treatment and Causing plant operational problems such as emulsion formation. Recently, several alternative "waterless" purification procedures have been developed, such as ion exchange resins and solid adsorbents. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of ion exchange resins and characterize their performance so that biodiesel plant operators can use them more effectively. Four different mechanisms were identified for soap and glycerin removal. These mechanisms are filtration, physical adsorption, ion exchange, and soap removal by glycerin affinity. It was found that ion exchange resins can reduce soap levels from 1200 ppm to below 50 ppm for about 550 bed volumes (BV) of processed biodiesel. Glycerin levels can be reduced from 0.08% to below 0.02% for about 200 BV of processed biodiesel. - Biodiesel from oilseed crops
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationShrestha, D.; VanGerpen, J. H. 2010. Biodiesel from oilseed crops. Industrial Crops and Uses. 1140-156
- Biodiesel Production and Properties
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationVan Gerpen, J. H.; He, B. 2010. Biodiesel Production and Properties. Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass to Liquid Fuels and Chemicals. 382-415
- Biosensors for Biodiesel Quality Sensing
AbstractFull Article Download CitationHossain, M.D.; Shrestha, D. S.; Kleve, M. G. 2010. Biosensors for Biodiesel Quality Sensing. Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science. 64(0) 80-85
A biosensor is an analytical device that uses biomaterials as elements of the sensing system and converts a biological response into an electrical signal. Biodiesel is a bio-based alternative, biodegradable, renewable, nontoxic diesel fuel made from a chemical reaction between alcohol (usually methanol or ethanol) and plant oil or animal fat. A need to provide accurate, real-time information for the quality sensing of biodiesel properties such as free and total glycerol has led to an ever-increasing demand for biosensor development. Being able to monitor specific physical and chemical properties is the prerequisite for developing a biosensor for quality sensing of the biodiesel. This article proposes a method for detection of the blend level of degraded biodiesel and lipase as a bioelement of biosensor systems. A design of an electrochemical potentiometric biosensor for quality sensing of biodiesel properties is proposed and discussed in detail. However, experimental trials, actual implementation and evaluations are necessary to understand the feasibility of the proposed biodiesel biosensor. - Energy life cycle assessment of a biofuel production system
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationShrestha, D. S.; Pradhan, A. 2010. Energy life cycle assessment of a biofuel production system. Bioenergy and Biofuels from Biowastes and Biomass.
- Exergy analysis of engines fuelled with biodiesel from high oleic soybeans based on experimental values
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationCaliskan, H.; Tat, M. E.; Hepbasli, A.; Van Gerpen, J. H. 2010. Exergy analysis of engines fuelled with biodiesel from high oleic soybeans based on experimental values. International Journal of Exergy. 7(1) 20-36
This study dealt with energy and exergy analyses of a John Deere 4045T diesel engine run with no. 2 diesel fuel, Soybean oil Methyl Ester (SME) and High-Oleic soybean oil Methyl Ester (HOME) at 1400 1/min. It was aimed at determining energy and exergy efficiencies, energy losses and exergy destructions of the combustion process and comparing exergetically the fuels used. The specific exergy of the fuels was calculated to be εfuel,No.2 Diesel > εfuel,HOME > εfuel,SME, while energy (thermal) and exergy efficiencies were 40.5% and 37.8%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the fuels based on the Tukey method. - Improving the Fuel Properties of Soy Biodiesel
AbstractFull Article Download CitationWang, P. S.; Thompson, J.; Clemente, T. E.; Van Gerpen, J. H. 2010. Improving the Fuel Properties of Soy Biodiesel. Transactions of the Asabe. 53(6) 1853-1858
Certain undesirable characteristics are associated with the use of soy methyl esters as a direct replacement for petroleum diesel fuel. When compared to petroleum diesel, soy methyl esters have higher NOx emissions, poorer cold flow, and a shorter shelf life. This article investigates whether the careful choice of alcohol and triglyceride feedstocks can improve these fuel properties. Three different triglyceride feedstocks with three different levels of oleic acid were examined. It was determined that a high amount of oleic acid in the triglyceride feedstock eliminates the tradeoff between cold flow and oxidative stability. The study also examined the role of three different alkyl groups (methyl, ethyl, and isopropyl) on the high-oleic feedstock. In NOx emissions testing, no significant difference was found between the alkyl groups. Isopropyl esters had the best cold flow properties, while methyl esters had the poorest cold flow properties for the three different alkyl groups. The induction periods for the methyl and ethyl esters from the high-oleic feedstock were 14 and 26 h, respectively, according to the Rancimat method. These numbers are in close agreement with the oxidative stability index. Isopropyl esters from the high-oleic feedstock had an induction period of less than an how; which was unexpected. Further investigation revealed that the high-oleic isopropyl esters had no vitamin E in the form of alpha-tocopherol, and it was speculated that the washing step in the manufacture of the fuel removed all vitamin E content. - A high-oleic-acid and low-palmitic-acid soybean: agronomic performance and evaluation as a feedstock for biodiesel
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationGraef, G.; LaVallee, B. J.; Tenopir, P.; Tat, M.; Schweiger, B.; Kinney, A. J.; Van Gerpen, J. H.; Clemente, T. E. 2009. A high-oleic-acid and low-palmitic-acid soybean: agronomic performance and evaluation as a feedstock for biodiesel. Plant Biotechnology Journal. 7(5) 411-421
Phenotypic characterization of soybean event 335-13, which possesses oil with an increased oleic acid content (> 85%) and reduced palmitic acid content (< 5%), was conducted across multiple environments during 2004 and 2005. Under these conditions, the stability of the novel fatty acid profile of the oil was not influenced by environment. Importantly, the novel soybean event 335-13 was not compromised in yield in both irrigated and non-irrigated production schemes. Moreover, seed characteristics, including total oil and protein, as well as amino acid profile, were not altered as a result of the large shift in the fatty acid profile. The novel oil trait was inherited in a simple Mendelian fashion. The event 335-13 was also evaluated as a feedstock for biodiesel. Extruded oil from event 335-13 produced a biodiesel with improved cold flow and enhanced oxidative stability, two critical fuel parameters that can limit the utility of this renewable transportation fuel. - Biodiesel Feedstock and Blend Level Sensing Using Visible Light Spectra and Neural Network
AbstractFull Article Download CitationZawadzki, A.; Shrestha, D. S. 2009. Biodiesel Feedstock and Blend Level Sensing Using Visible Light Spectra and Neural Network. Transactions of the Asabe. 52(2) 539-542
Even after biodiesel meets ASTM D6751 specifications, biodiesels from different feedstocks may have different properties. Biodiesel blend level influences the fuel properties, such as cloud point and emissions. Therefore, whether for performance reasons or other reasons, it is often required to detect the biodiesel percentage in a diesel-biodiesel blend. This research used a spectrophotometer to scan the blends of U.S. No. 2 diesel and biodiesel from three different feedstocks (rapeseed, soybean. and mustard. oil) in the visible wavelength range of 380-530 nm. It was found that the shape of the absorption curve varied according to biodiesel feedstock; however, relative absorbance was proportional to the blend level. If the absorbance of the parent biodiesel can be measured, such as in a blending facility, then a single wavelength between 470 and 490 nm could be used to measure the biodiesel blend level with +/- 1.85% standard error at 95% confidence interval. A neural network was trained to measure the blend level when the parent biodiesel spectrum was unknown. It was concluded that even if the absorption spectrum of the parent biodiesel is not known, the absorption spectrum of the blend from 380530 nm can be used along with a neural network to detect the biodiesel feedstock and for rough blend level estimation. - Biodiesel: Small Scale Production and Quality Requirements
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationVan Gerpen, J. 2009. Biodiesel: Small Scale Production and Quality Requirements. Biofuels: Methods and Protocols. 581281-290
Biodiesel is produced by reacting vegetable oils or animal fats with alcohol in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. The resulting methyl esters, which arc the biodiesel fuel, arc separated from the by-product glycerin, and then washed with water and dehydrated to produce fuel that must meet standardized specifications. Degraded oils containing high levels of free fatty acids can also be converted to biodiesel, but pretreatment with acid-catalyzed esterification is required. The resulting fuel is suitable for use as a neat fuel in diesel engines or blended with conventional diesel fuel. - Energy Life Cycle Assessment of Soybean Biodiesel
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPradhan, A.; Shrestha, D. S.; McAloon, A. J.; Yee, W. C.; Haas, M. J.; Duffield, J.; Shapouri, H. 2009. Energy Life Cycle Assessment of Soybean Biodiesel. . 845
- Glycerol Sensing in Biodiesel Using Turbidimetry
AbstractFull Article Download CitationZawadzki, A.; Shrestha, D. S. 2009. Glycerol Sensing in Biodiesel Using Turbidimetry. Transactions of the Asabe. 52(4) 1261-1265
Free glycerol and total glycerol are the key quality parameters of biodiesel. Turbidity caused by emulsion formation when biodiesel is mixed with water was investigated as a method to sense free glycerol (FG) and bound glycerol (BG). Turbidity was measured as the absorbance at 600 nm. Six batches of biodiesel samples were spiked with 0%, 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.03% of FG prepared with glycerol-ethanol solution. A small amount of deionized water was added, and the prepared sample was shaken in a shaker. The turbidity was measured at 3 rain intervals at up to 27 min of shaking. Initially, the turbidity increased rapidly with shaking, but it soon leveled off. A linear relationship was found between FG and the square root of turbidity measured after 12 min of shaking (R(2) = 0.87). Although ANOVA showed a significant difference in mean measured turbidities with different levels of FG and BG, a mathematical relationship could not be derived relating BG to turbidity measurement. It is pointed out that the variation in turbidity could have come from unmeasured sterols rather than from BG itself. This method of predicting FG from turbidity was shown to be useful in screening biodiesel batches that need further glycerol removal through additional water washing or other techniques in a biodiesel production process. An absorbance value of less than 0.12 corresponded to an FG value of less than 0.02% with a 95% confidence interval. Four production samples of biodiesel showed that the absorbance limit of 0.12 is adequately conservative because the turbidity of the production samples was found to be slightly higher for the same amount of free glycerol compared to the spiked samples. This observation was ascribed to the presence of other impurities in the production samples, which were maintained at zero level for the control samples. - Life Cycle Analysis of Soybean Biodiesel Production
AbstractFull Article Download CitationAnup, Pradhan; Dev Sagar, Shrestha 2009. Life Cycle Analysis of Soybean Biodiesel Production. 2009 Reno, Nevada, June 21 - June 24, 2009.
Life Cycle Analysis of Soybean Biodiesel Production Life Cycle Analysis of Soybean Biodiesel Production Developing renewable fuels, such as biodiesel, is desirable because they are derived from sustainable sources of energy, whereas petroleum fuels come from a finite resource that is rapidly being depleted. However, the production of renewable fuels generally involves a significant amout of fossil energy. The renewability of biofuel is largely a factor of the amount of fossil energy used for its production, hence it is essential to estimate the amount of fossil energy used over the entire life cycle of the biodiesel production. The comprehensive Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of soybean biodiesel production was conducted by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in 1998. Because of increasing changes in land use and production process, the LCA conducted few years ago is no longer representative of current practices. This research updated the Energy Life Cycle Analysis (ELCA) of the NREL model and estimated the Fossil Energy Ratio (FER) to be 4.56 based on data from 2002 soybean production in the United States. This is a significant improvement (43%) over the 1998 NREL study that reported a FER of 3.2. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects soybean yield to increase annually by 0.4 to 0.5 bushel/acre through the year 2017. For every one bushel increase in soybean yield, FER increases by about 0.45 percent. Holding all other variables constant, the FER of soybean biodiesel is estimated to reach 4.69 in the year 2015 when soybean yield is projected to increase to 45.3 bushels per acre. The FER will continue to improve overtime with increasing trend of soybean yield and improvement in the energy efficiency of the crushing and biodiesel plants. In addition to ELCA, four commonly referenced models were compared for the GHG emission savings. The analysis revealed that the most significant factors in altering the results in GHG emissions were differences in data citations, system boundaries, and coproduct allocations. - Sulfur Content in Selected Oils and Fats and Their Corresponding Methyl Esters
AbstractFull Article Download CitationHe, B. B.; Van Gerpen, J. H.; Thompson, J. C. 2009. Sulfur Content in Selected Oils and Fats and Their Corresponding Methyl Esters. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 25(2) 223-226
According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) has been mandated for all on-highway transportation diesels since 2006. To comply with the EPA regulations, biodiesel must meet the same ULSD standard for total sulfur which is set at a maximum of 15 ppm. Generally, biodiesel contains lower sulfur than fossil diesel. However, due to the diversity of biodiesel feedstocks, questions have been raised about their sulfur content and the sulfur content of the biodiesel made from them. The objective of this research was to gain basic knowledge about how the sulfur content in biodiesel is affected by the sulfur content of different feedstocks. Sulfur in oilseeds, seed meals, oils and fats, and biodiesel were investigated according to ASTM D5453. Samples of different feedstocks for biodiesel production were investigated. Results showed that sulfur content varies greatly from one source to another The highest sulfur in seeds and meals was found in rapeseed and mustard, at the level of 9,000 and 15,000 ppm, respectively. Oils from mechanical expeller presses contained very low levels of sulfur, although some were still higher than 15 ppm. Animal fats and waste vegetable oils contained relatively higher sulfur levels and were frequently above 15 ppm. It was observed that sulfur was significantly reduced when the oils and fats were processed into biodiesel. Results showed that most of the biodiesel samples investigated in this study contained less than 15-ppm sulfur Feedstocks which contain a high percentage of free fatty acids (FFA) must be treated with sulfuric acid to reduce the FFA level before transesterification. In these cases, care is needed during phase separation to exclude sulfur from the fuel layer. - An Update on Energy Balance of Soybean Biodiesel Production
AbstractFull Article Download CitationAnup, Pradhan; Dev Sagar, Shrestha; James, Duffield; Hosein, Shapouri; Michael, Haas; Andrew, McAloon 2008. An Update on Energy Balance of Soybean Biodiesel Production. 2008 Providence, Rhode Island, June 29 – July 2, 2008.
An Update on Energy Balance of Soybean Biodiesel Production An Update on Energy Balance of Soybean Biodiesel Production Abstract. - Biodiesel production technology, a workshop for the 2008 biodiesel conference and expo
AbstractFull Article Download CitationVan Gerpen, J. 2008. Biodiesel production technology, a workshop for the 2008 biodiesel conference and expo. .
- Convergence of Agriculture and Energy: III. Considerations in Biodiesel Production
AbstractFull Article Download CitationVan Gerpen, Jon; Gray, Allan; Shanks, Brent H.; Calabotta, Beth; Kershen, Drew; Weber, Alan; Joost, Richard; Peterson, Todd A. 2008. Convergence of Agriculture and Energy: III. Considerations in Biodiesel Production. .
- Effectiveness of Cold Flow Additives on Various Biodiesels, Diesel, and Their Blends
AbstractFull Article Download CitationShrestha, D. S.; Gerpen, J. Van; Thompson, J. 2008. Effectiveness of Cold Flow Additives on Various Biodiesels, Diesel, and Their Blends. Transactions of the Asabe. 51(4) 1365-1370
Effectiveness of Cold Flow Additives on Various Biodiesels, Diesel, and Their Blends Effectiveness of Cold Flow Additives on Various Biodiesels, Diesel, and Their Blends One of the major reasons hindering the use of biodiesel is its filter plugging temperature, which is higher than that of No. 2 diesel. Cloud point (CP) and pour point (PP) temperatures have been shown to be well correlated with filter plugging point, which primarily determines the operability of a diesel engine in cold weather. Many biodiesel cold flow additives are available in the market that claim to reduce pour point. In this study, neat and blended biodiesel fuels from different feedstocks were tested for change in CP and PP with various cold flow additives at 100%, 200%, and 300% of the specified loading (application) rate. The additives in general worked better for ethyl esters than for methyl esters. Average reductions in CP and PP for neat mustard methyl esters were 0.3°C and 7.2°C, respectively, compared to 3°C and 19.4°C for mustard ethyl ester at the recommended loading rate. In general, mustard biodiesel responded to additives better than soybean or used vegetable oil biodiesel for reducing PP. The effect of additives on CP of diesel fuel was not statistically significant, but PP was reduced to - The energy balance of soybean oil biodiesel production: A review of past studies
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPradhan, A.; Shrestha, D. S.; Van Gerpen, J.; Duffield, J. 2008. The energy balance of soybean oil biodiesel production: A review of past studies. Transactions of the Asabe. 51(1) 185-194
Although several studies have found biodiesel to be a renewable source of energy, there has been a claim that it is not. This article investigates models used to calculate the net energy ratio (NER) of biodiesel production to point out the reasons for the contradictory results, compares their strengths and weaknesses, and proposes a uniform model for interpretation of the final result. Four commonly referenced models were compared for their assumptions and results. The analysis revealed that the most significant factors in altering the results were the proportions of energy allocated between biodiesel and its coproducts. The lack of consistency in defining system boundaries has apparently led to very different results. The definitions of NER used among the models were also found to be different. A unified model is proposed for biodiesel energy analysis to answer the renewability question. Using the unified boundary, a range of probable NERs was calculated using bootstrapping. The mean NER on a mass basis was 2.55 with a standard deviation of 0.38. The economic sustainability ratio (ESR) is defined as the monetary value ratio of biodiesel to biodiesel's share of the energy inputs. The average ESR was found to be 4.43 with a standard deviation of 0.6. - Biodiesel blend level detection using ultraviolet absorption spectra
AbstractFull Article Download CitationZawadzki, A.; Shrestha, D. S.; He, B. 2007. Biodiesel blend level detection using ultraviolet absorption spectra. Transactions of the Asabe. 50(4) 1349-1353
Biodiesel is often blended with regular U.S. No. 2 diesel. The blending level influences engine performance, emissions, and fuel cold-flow properties. In this article, ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectroscopy is presented as a reliable and affordable technology for blend level detection based on the absorbance patterns of the aromatic compounds in the proposed spectrum. Blends of biodiesel from six different feedstocks and U.S. No. 2 diesels from five different sources were used to test the robustness of the method. Since the absorbance of undiluted samples was too high to measure reliably, the samples were diluted with n-heptane. It was found that the feedstock and alcohol used (methyl or ethyl) did not make a significant difference in the absorbance of diluted biodiesel in the 245 to 305 nm range, while absorbance from 254 to 281 nm was correlated with blend level with R-2 >= 0.99. It was also observed that if the absorbance of the diesel source was known, then a single wavelength could be used to detect the biodiesel blend level. However, a single wavelength was inadequate when the diesel source was unknown because of variation in the level of aromatics in diesel fuel. Absorbances at 265, 2 73, and 280 nm were used to calculate the absorbance index, which was found to be independent of the diesel fuel used. Using three wavelengths captured the shape information of the absorbance curve and eliminated the variation from the aromatics content. The root mean square error in determining blend level with this method was estimated to be 2.88%, and the R-2 for the linear model was 0.99. The method worked well with biodiesel from the different feedstocks tested in this research and was independent of the diesel fuel used. - Biodiesel production using static mixers
AbstractFull Article Download CitationThompson, J. C.; He, B. B. 2007. Biodiesel production using static mixers. Transactions of the Asabe. 50(1) 161-165
Static mixers, devices used for mixing immiscible liquids in a compact configuration, were found to be effective in carrying out initial transesterification reactions of canola oil and methanol. The objective of this study was to explore the possibilities of using static mixers as a continuous-flow reactor for biodiesel production. Biodiesel (canola methyl ester) was produced under varying conditions using a closed-loop static mixer system. Sodium methoxide was used as the catalyst. Process parameters of flow rate or mixing intensity, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction time were studied. A full-factorial experimental design was employed, and samples were analyzed for unreacted glycerides as an indicator for biodiesel quality control. It was found that static mixers can be used for biodiesel production. In fact, given enough residence time, appropriate temperature, and high mixing rate, a reactor could consist solely of static mixers and pumps in a continuous-flow design. Temperature and catalyst concentration had the most influence on the transesterification reaction. The data clearly indicates separate inverse linear relationships between temperature and catalyst concentration verses total glycerin. The ASTM D6584 specification for total glycerin (0.24% wt, max.) was met at three of the four temperatures tested, utilizing two of the four catalyst concentrations. The most favorable conditions for completeness of reaction were at 60 degrees C and 1.5% catalyst for 30 min. - Biodiesel: An Alternative Fuel for Compression Ignition Engines
AbstractFull Article Download CitationJon, H. Van Gerpen 2007. Biodiesel: An Alternative Fuel for Compression Ignition Engines. Biodiesel: An Alternative Fuel for Compression Ignition Engines. ASAE Distinguished Lecture No. 31, pp. 1-22..
- Exhaust emissions from an engine fueled with biodiesel from high-oleic soybeans
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationTat, M. E.; Wang, P. S.; Van Gerpen, J. H.; Clemente, T. E. 2007. Exhaust emissions from an engine fueled with biodiesel from high-oleic soybeans. Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society. 84(9) 865-869
Biodiesel is a fuel comprising mono-alkyl esters of medium to long-chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats. Typically, engines operated on soybean-based biodiesel exhibit higher emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) compared with petroleum diesel. The increase in NOx emissions might be an inherent characteristic of soybean oil's polyunsaturation, because the level of saturation is known to affect the biodiesel's cetane number, which can affect NOx. A feedstock that is mostly monounsaturated (i.e. oleate) helps to balance the tradeoff between cold flow and oxidative stability. Genetic modification has produced a soybean event, designated 335-13, with a fatty acid profile high in oleic acid (> 85%) and with reduced palmitic acid (< 4%). This high-oleic soybean oil was converted to biodiesel and run in a John Deere 4045T 4.5-L four-stroke, four-cylinder, turbocharged direct-injection diesel engine. The exhaust emissions were compared with those from conventional soybean oil biodiesel and commercial No. 2 diesel fuel. There was a significant reduction in NOx emissions (alpha = 0.05) using the high-oleic soybean biodiesel compared with regular soybean oil biodiesel. No significant differences were found between the regular and high-oleic biodiesel for unburned hydrocarbon and smoke emissions. - Fuel property effects on injection timing, ignition timing, and oxides of nitrogen emissions from biodiesel-fueled engines
AbstractFull Article Download CitationTat, M. E.; Van Gerpen, J.; Wang, P. S. 2007. Fuel property effects on injection timing, ignition timing, and oxides of nitrogen emissions from biodiesel-fueled engines. Transactions of the ASABE. 50(4) 1123-1128
Biodiesel is an environmentally friendly alternative diesel fuel consisting of the alkyl monoesters of fatty acids. It is obtained from triglycerides through the transesterification process. Biodiesel has been observed to reduce most engine exhaust pollutant emissions with the exception of oxides of nitrogen (NO x ), which generally increase by 5% to 15%. The objective of this research was to determine the relationship between changes in combustion timing caused by differences in the fuel properties between diesel fuel and biodiesel and the NO x increase. The properties investigated in this research included the lower heating value, density, speed of sound, bulk modulus, and cetane number of biodiesel. It was found that half of the start of combustion advance associated with biodiesel originated from a start of injection advance that was split approximately evenly between the automatic timing advance of the pump as it injects more fuel to compensate for the lower heating value of biodiesel and the effect of the bulk modulus, viscosity, and density of the fuel. At the same temperature, the fuel delivery of biodiesel was higher than for petroleum-based diesel fuel because of the higher viscosity of biodiesel. At the same viscosity level, it was found that the fuel delivery of petroleum-based diesel fuel was higher than for biodiesel. This was attributed to the metering orifices in the fuel injection pumps restricting the amount of fuel flow for denser fuels. The other half of the start of combustion timing advance was due to the higher cetane number of the biodiesel. - Function and performance of a pre-reactor to a reactive distillation column for biodiesel production
AbstractFull Article Download CitationHe, B. B.; Singh, A. P.; Thompson, J. C. 2007. Function and performance of a pre-reactor to a reactive distillation column for biodiesel production. Transactions of the Asabe. 50(1) 123-128
This article describes an in-depth follow-up to previous studies showing that an oil-methanol mixer prior to an RD reactor played an important role in enhancing the overall performance of the RD reactor system. An in-line static mixer was used for the purpose of providing initial mixing of the reactants, heating the mixture up to the desired operating temperature, and carrying out a substantial part of the transesterification reaction in the early stage. It performed three functions: a reactant mixer, a heat exchanger, and a pre-reactor. This article reports the systematic investigations of the pre-reactor performance by examining the effects of process variables on the process evaluating parameters, and the operating conditions for optimum operation. A wide range of results was observed under different operating conditions. The product yield was as high as 84.60% and as low as 1.63%. The soap formation was in the range of 2.80% to 10.37%. The feed molar ratio, reaction time, and catalyst concentration all contributed positively to the product yield and soap formation. Although an optimum condition produced a product yield of 80.46% and soap formation of 5.18% with a 1.33 min reaction time, the optimization should be based on the integration of the whole RD reactor system rather than a collection of individually optimized components. This study of the pre-reactor serves as an analysis tool for part of the RD reactor system. - Impact of Some Common Impurities on Biodiesel Cloud Point
AbstractFull Article Download CitationAnup, Pradhan; Dev Sagar, Shrestha 2007. Impact of Some Common Impurities on Biodiesel Cloud Point. 2007 ASAE Annual Meeting.
Impact of Some Common Impurities on Biodiesel Cloud Point Impact of Some Common Impurities on Biodiesel Cloud Point Commercial biodiesel is allowed to contain some impurities, such as free and bound glycerin, residual alcohol, soap and moisture within a limit specified in ASTM D6751. Compared to conventional diesel fuel, biodiesel has an unfavorable cold flow property. Cold flow properties of biodiesel depend both on fatty acid profile and, amount and types of impurities. This study reports the impact of biodiesel impurities on its cloud point. Commonly used biodiesel (methyl and ethyl esters of canola and soybean) and their blends were considered for viscosity, soap content, free and total glycerin, moisture content, and alcohol content test. The tests indicated that the blend level has the major impact on CP of the biodiesel. The presence of higher level of total glycerol in soy esters significantly increased CP (R2 ~ 0.93), but no strong relation was observed for canola esters. The combined effect of total glycerol and moisture level improved the regression coefficients for all feedstock, but 95% confidence interval for moisture showed that the impact of moisture was negligible. The completeness of the transesterification reaction is essential to keep the total glycerol level low and to lower CP of the biodiesel. The impact of other impurities under study did not have significant effect on the biodiesel CP. - Moisture absorption in biodiesel and its petro-diesel blends
AbstractFull Article Download CitationHe, B. B.; Thompson, J. C.; Routt, D. W.; Van Gerpen, J. H. 2007. Moisture absorption in biodiesel and its petro-diesel blends. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 23(1) 71-76
Biodiesel has the characteristic of absorbing more moisture than petroleum diesel. High moisture content in biodiesel can cause problems such as water accumulation and microbial growth in fuel handling, storage, and transportation equipment. Currently, there is a lack of information on moisture absorbance in biodiesel and biodiesel/diesel blends. Experiments were conducted to determine the water absorbance in biodiesel of different feedstocks (three vegetable oils and two primary alcohols) at three temperatures. The effects of temperature and blending levels were explored through a central composite experimental design. Dynamic moisture absorption was studied at three constant relative humidities. Petroleum diesel was used as a reference. It was found that there were no significant differences in moisture absorbence among the biodiesel samples of different origins at given temperatures. Saturation moisture in biodiesel ranged from 0.10 to 0.17%wt in the temperature range of 4 V to 35 V, which was 15 to 25 times higher than that of diesel. Results also showed that in biodiesel/diesel blends, both temperature and level of blending affected the moisture absorbence. Moisture content of the blends was not a simple addition of the two moisture contents of biodiesel and petro-diesel. Blending created a mixture that had a lower capacity for moisture absorption. - A novel continuous-flow reactor using reactive distillation for biodiesel production
AbstractFull Article Download CitationHe, B. B.; Singh, A. P.; Thompson, J. C. 2006. A novel continuous-flow reactor using reactive distillation for biodiesel production. Transactions of the Asabe. 49(1) 107-112
The production of biodiesel through batch and existing continuous flow processes requires the use of a much higher excess alcohol, typically 100%, than the stoichiometric molar requirement in order to drive the transesterification reaction to completion. This excess alcohol must be recovered in a separate process, which involves additional capital and operating costs. In this study, a novel reactor system using reactive distillation (RD) was developed and investigated for biodiesel preparation from canola oil and methanol. The goal was to significantly reduce the use of excess methanol while maintaining a high methanol: glyceride molar ratio inside the RD reactor by recycling a small amount of methanol within the system. Reactant conversion rate and product yield were used as the criteria for the reactor evaluation. The effect of the methanol: glyceride ratio was studied on a laboratory-scale perforated-tray RD reactor system. Product parameters such as methyl ester content, glycerides, and methanol content were analyzed. Preliminary results showed that the RD reactor with a methanol: glyceride ratio of 4:1 (molar), in which the use of methanol was cut down by 66%, gave a satisfactory biodiesel yield and oil conversion rate at a column temperature of 65 degrees C. Total reaction time in the pre-reactor and RD column was about 3 min, which is 20 to 30 times shorter than in typical batch processes. The productivity of the RD reactor system was about 6.6 m(3) biodiesel per m(3) reactor volume per hour, which is 6 to 10 times higher than that of batch and existing continuous flow processes. - An Update on Life Cycle Study of Soybean Oil Biodiesel Production
AbstractFull Article Download CitationAnup, Pradhan; Dev Sagar, Shrestha 2006. An Update on Life Cycle Study of Soybean Oil Biodiesel Production. 2006 ASAE Annual Meeting.
An Update on Life Cycle Study of Soybean Oil Biodiesel Production An Update on Life Cycle Study of Soybean Oil Biodiesel Production The life cycle analysis of soybean oil biodiesel production was performed to estimate the net fossil energy balance of soybean oil biodiesel. The energy inputs were found to be less than the energy contained in the biodiesel. The net energy return of biodiesel was found to be in the range of 2.64 to 2.78 using the NREL energy allocation approach. The addition of labor, farm machinery and soybean transportation energy to this approach didn’t show much difference. Pimentel and Patzek energy allocation approach gave the net energy return in the range of 0.85:1 to 0.88:1. However, allocating energy as in NREL study, this method yielded in the net energy return above five folds (5.69 to 5.93), thus giving an energy gain that is even higher than the 3.2 value from the NREL report. The energy allocation approach plays the crucial role in the variation of the net energy return. The net gain in the energy from soybean oil biodiesel showed the effective use of fossil energy resources. This confirms the renewable nature of soybean oil biodiesel. - Building a successful biodiesel business: Technology considerations, developing the business, analytical methodologies
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationVan Gerpen, J.; Pruszko, R.; Celments, D.; Shanks, B.; Knothe, G. 2006. Building a successful biodiesel business: Technology considerations, developing the business, analytical methodologies. . 2nd
- Cetane number testing of biodiesel
AbstractFull Article Download Citation - Characterization of crude glycerol from biodiesel production from multiple feedstocks
AbstractFull Article Download CitationThompson, J. C.; He, B. B. 2006. Characterization of crude glycerol from biodiesel production from multiple feedstocks. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 22(2) 261-265
Glycerol is the principal by-product of biodiesel production. For each gallon of biodiesel produced, approximately 0.3 kg of crude glycerol accompanies. Such crude glycerol possesses very low value because of the impurities contained. As the demand and production of biodiesel grow exponentially, the utilization of the glycerol becomes an urgent topic. The make-up of crude glycerol varies depending on the parent feedstock and the biodiesel production process. Before the crude glycerol could be considered for possible value-added utilizations, it is necessary to characterize it on its physical, chemical, and nutritional properties. This article reports the characterization of crude glycerol obtained from different seed oil feedstocks of mustard, rapeseed, canola, crambe, soybean, and waste cooking oils. Batch processes of biodiesel production were used as the means of crude, glycerol preparation using unrefined vegetable oils, methanol, and sodium methylate as the catalyst. After separation from biodiesel, the crude glycerol from each of the oils was analyzed using ASTM and other standard test methods. Elemental impurities, nutritional value, and other chemical properties were tested. - Comparison of esterified and non-esterified oils from rapeseed, canola and yellow mustard as diesel fuel additives
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Thompson, J.; Kinsey, K. 2006. Comparison of esterified and non-esterified oils from rapeseed, canola and yellow mustard as diesel fuel additives. .
- Feasibility study for the commercial production of biodiesel in the treasure valley of Idaho
AbstractFull Article Download CitationCrockett, John; Peterson, C.; Mann, Paul 2006. Feasibility study for the commercial production of biodiesel in the treasure valley of Idaho. .
- Process optimization of biodiesel production using alkaline catalysts
AbstractFull Article Download CitationSingh, A.; He, B.; Thompson, J.; Van Gerpen, J. 2006. Process optimization of biodiesel production using alkaline catalysts. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 22(4) 597-600
The most commonly used method for biodiesel preparation is via transesterfication of vegetable oil using alkaline catalysts. Biodiesel yield and oil conversion are affected by operating conditions including the catalyst formulation and concentration. Application of alkaline catalysts can also lead to undesired soap formation. This study evaluated the alkaline catalyst effects on biodiesel yield and soap formation in transesterifying methanol and canola oil at different catalyst concentrations, reaction temperatures, and methanol-to-oil molar ratios. Four different alkaline catalysts, i.e., potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium methoxide, and sodium methoxide, were studied and compared on molar basis through a 4-factor 3-level experimental design. It was observed that methoxide catalysts led to better biodiesel yields than hydroxide catalysts. The methoxide catalysts not only accelerated the reaction but also elevated the conversion equilibrium. Based on statistical optimization, the operating conditions for maximizing biodiesel yield and minimizing soap formation were potassium methoxide as catalyst at 0.2 mol/mol (1.59% wt), reaction temperature of 50 degrees C, and methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 4.5: 1. Experimental verification gave 95.8% biodiesel yield and 0.75%wt soap. - Ultraviolet absorption spectra for biodiesel quality sensing
AbstractFull Article Download CitationZawadzki, A.; Shrestha, D. 2006. Ultraviolet absorption spectra for biodiesel quality sensing. ASAE Annual Meeting.
- Biodiesel energy balance
AbstractFull Article Download Citation - Biodiesel processing and production
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationVan Gerpen, J. 2005. Biodiesel processing and production. Fuel Processing Technology. 86(10) 1097-1107
Biodiesel is an alternative diesel fuel that is produced from vegetable oils and animal fats. It consists of the monoalkyl esters formed by a catalyzed reaction of the triglycerides in the oil or fat with a simple monohydric alcohol. The reaction conditions generally involve a trade-off between reaction time and temperature as reaction completeness is the most critical fuel quality parameter. Much of the process complexity originates from contaminants in the feedstock, such as water and free fatty acids, or impurities in the final product, such as methanol, free glycerol, and soap. Processes have been developed to produce biodiesel from high free fatty acid feedstocks, such as recycled restaurant grease, animal fats, and soapstock. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved - Cold flow properties of biodiesel and effect of commercial additives
AbstractFull Article Download CitationShrestha, D.; Van Gerpen, J.; Zawadzki, A. 2005. Cold flow properties of biodiesel and effect of commercial additives. ASABE Annual Meeting Paper No. 056121. (ASABE Paper No. 981010)
- Engine oil analysis of biodiesel-fueled engines
AbstractFull Article Download CitationSchumacher, L. G.; Peterson, C. L.; Van Gerpen, J. 2005. Engine oil analysis of biodiesel-fueled engines. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 21(2) 153-158
The University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Idaho monitored 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, and 1999 Dodge pickup trucks equipped with 5.9-L (360-in.(3)) Cummins diesel engines from 1991 through 2001. These pickups have been fueled with 0, 1%, 3%, 20%, 50%, and 100% blends of methyl-esters and ethyl-esters of soybean, canola, and rapeseed oil (biodiesel). Analysis of engine lubricating oil, taken when the oil was changed on the vehicles, was compared to the analysis of oil samples taken from 100% petroleum fueled diesel engines. The findings indicated that the biodiesel and biodiesel blend fueled engines were wearing at a normal rate - Enzymatic Isolation and Enrichment of Erucic Acid from HEA Seed Oils: Current Status
AbstractFull Article Download CitationTao, C.; He, B. B. 2005. Enzymatic Isolation and Enrichment of Erucic Acid from HEA Seed Oils: Current Status. American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 48(4)
Erucic acid (EA), a fatty acid of 22-carbon chain with one isolated double bond, has broad industrial applications. Currently, erucic acid is isolated from Crucifereae plant oils through steam splitting, namely the Colgate-Emery process, followed by fractional distillation. This two-step process involves drastic conditions, low energy efficiency, and extensive product degradation. Enzymatic approaches, on the other hand, have many advantages including mild operating conditions and high selectivities. To develop a more efficient alternative process, researchers have studied enzymatic approaches for EA isolation and enrichment for about two decades. Lipases have shown three types of specificities in catalyzing high-erucic-acid (HEA) oils, namely fatty-acid-specific, region-specific, and non-specific. With lipases of certain specificities, various processes of hydrolysis, esterification, interesterification, and transesterification have been studied. Research has also been conducted on investigating the effects of process parameters, including operating temperature, lipase content, and water content, on the process efficiency. The enzymatic approach has shown its potential in isolating and enriching EA from different Crucifereae seed oils. This article reviews the current status of the studies, especially the performance of different lipases and corresponding enzymatic reactions, for EA enrichment from Crucifereae plant oils. - Experimental optimization of a continuous-flow reactive distillation reactor for biodiesel production
AbstractFull Article Download CitationHe, B. B.; Singh, A. P.; Thompson, J. C. 2005. Experimental optimization of a continuous-flow reactive distillation reactor for biodiesel production. Transactions of the Asae. 48(6) 2237-2243
A comprehensive study of biodiesel preparation from canola oil was performed on a continuous-flow reactive distillation (RD) reactor system. Optimization of six process variables was studied experimentally and analyzed statistically on the overall performance of the RD reactor system. These variables include the feed methanol to triglycerides molar ratio, reaction time, reboiler temperature, catalyst concentration, methanol circulation mode, and catalyst formulation. An experimental design was used in the experiments, and statistical multiple response regression models were employed for process optimization. Under the operating conditions explored, product yields ranged from 41.5% to 94.9%, productivity ranged from 16 to 55.8 kmol/m(3.)h (5.6 to 19.5 m(3/)m(3.)h), and soap formation varied from 4.44 to 29.1 mol/100 mol (0.19 to 1.27%wt.). For different optimization criteria, the following optimum variable ranges were found: feed molar ratio from 3.65:1 to 4.50:1, reaction time from 3.76 to 5.56 min, reboiler temperature from 100 degrees C to 130 degrees C, and catalyst concentration from 0.13 to 0.24 mol/mol. Although the process variables individually affected the system performance to a certain extent, the interactive effect of the process variable combinations affected the system efficiency more significantly. When maximized, the product yields and productivity were 98.8% and 55.6 kmol/m(3.)h (18.5 m(3)/m(3.)h), respectively. However when soap formation was minimized, the yield and productivity were 72% and 9.3 kmol/m(3.)h (3.1 m(3)/m(3.)h), respectively. It is recommended that the optimization of the RD reactor system be based on the maximization of product yield and reactor productivity. - Fueling direct injected diesel engines with 2% biodiesel blend
AbstractFull Article Download CitationSchumacher, L. G.; Soylu, S.; Van Gerpen, J.; Wetherell, W. 2005. Fueling direct injected diesel engines with 2% biodiesel blend. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 21(2) 149-152
The Agricultural Engineering Department at the University of Missouri-Columbia has monitored the fueling of a 1996 Dodge pickup truck equipped with a 5.9-L (360-in.(3)) Cummins engine with a 2% blend of methyl-ester soybean oil (soydiesel/biodiesel) and petroleum diesel fuel (B2) for more than 65,352 km (40,608 miles). The pickup averaged 7.91 km/L (18.61 mile/gal). Analysis of engine lubrication oil suggested that the engine was wearing at a normal rate. Exhaust emissions were measured at Iowa State University. The black exhaust smoke normally observed when a diesel engine accelerates was reduced each time the engine was fueled with B2, but CO, HC and NOx were not affected - Potential production of biodiesel
AbstractSearch Article Download Citation - Spray, Ignition, and Combustion Modeling of Biodiesel Fuels for Investigating NOx Emissions
AbstractFull Article Download CitationYuan, W.; C. Hansen, A.; E. Tat, M.; H. Van Gerpen, J.; Tan, Z. 2005. Spray, Ignition, and Combustion Modeling of Biodiesel Fuels for Investigating NOx Emissions. Transactions of the ASAE. 48(3) 933
The objective of this research was to develop a detailed numerical spray atomization, ignition, and combustion model for direct-injection diesel engines using KIVA3V code that could be applied to biodiesel fuels for investigating NOx emissions. Several modified or recalibrated submodels were incorporated into KIVA3V, including a KH-RT spray breakup model, a Shell ignition model, and a single-step kinetic combustion model. This modified model was applied to a John Deere 4045T direct-injection diesel engine fueled by a soybean methyl ester, a yellow grease methyl ester, and No. 2 diesel fuel. The output of the model was in close agreement with the experimental measurements of cylinder pressure and heat release rate from this engine. It was predicted from the modeling results that the two biodiesel fuels had shorter ignition delay and higher overall cylinder temperatures than diesel fuel. The in-cylinder spray analysis indicated that the soybean methyl ester had slightly longer penetration than diesel fuel, but the yellow grease methyl ester had shorter penetration than diesel fuel. Fewer particle numbers were predicted for the two biodiesel fuels. Both soybean methyl ester and yellow grease methyl ester had more widespread high-temperature distribution areas than diesel fuel, which could account for the increases in NOx emissions typically measured for biodiesel fuels. - The production of fatty acid isopropyl esters and their use as a diesel engine fuel
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationWang, P. S.; Tat, M. E.; Van Gerpen, J. 2005. The production of fatty acid isopropyl esters and their use as a diesel engine fuel. Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society. 82(11) 845-849
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel for diesel engines that consists of the monoalkyl esters of vegetable oils or animal fats. Currently, most biodiesel consists of methyl esters, which have poor cold-flow properties. Methyl esters of soybean oil will crystallize and plug fuel filters and lines at about 0 degrees C. However, isopropyl esters have better cold-flow properties than methyl esters. This paper describes the production of isopropyl esters and their evaluation in a diesel engine. The effects of the alcohol amount, the catalyst amount, and two different catalysts on producing quality biodiesel were studied. Both sodium isopropoxide and potassium isopropoxide were found to be suitable for use in the transesterification process. A 20:1 alcohol/TG molar ratio and a catalvst amount equal to 1% by weight (based on the TG amount) of sodium metal was the most cost-effective way to produce biodiesel fuel. The emissions from a diesel engine running on isopropyl esters made from soybean oil and yellow grease were investigated by comparing them with No. 2 diesel fuel and methyl esters. For nitrogen oxide emission, the difference between the biodiesel produced from soybean oil and yellow grease was greater than the difference between the methyl and isopropyl esters of both feedstocks. The other emissions from using isopropyl esters were about 50% lower in hydrocarbons, 10-20% lower in carbon monoxide, and 40% lower in smoke number when compared with No. 2 diesel fuel - Use of a spectrophotometer for biodiesel quality sensing
AbstractFull Article Download CitationZawadzki, A.; Shrestha, D.; He, B. 2005. Use of a spectrophotometer for biodiesel quality sensing. ASAE PNW meeing.
- Biodiesel analytical methods
AbstractFull Article Download CitationVan Gerpen, J.; Shanks, B.; Pruszko, R.; Clements, D.; Knothe, G. 2004. Biodiesel analytical methods. . NREL/SR-510-36240
- Colorimetry of biodiesel blends for possible quick concentration detection
AbstractFull Article Download CitationHe, B.; Thompson, J. C. 2004. Colorimetry of biodiesel blends for possible quick concentration detection. .
- A pilot plant to produce biodiesel from high free fatty acid feedstocks
AbstractFull Article Download CitationCanakci, M.; Van Gerpen, J. 2003. A pilot plant to produce biodiesel from high free fatty acid feedstocks. Transactions of the ASAE. 46(4) 945-954
Biodiesel is an alternative diesel fuel consisting of the alkyl monoesters of fatty acids from vegetable oils or animal fats. Currently, most biodiesel is made from soybean oil, methanol, and an alkaline catalyst. However, there are large amounts of fats and oils that are unsuitable for human consumption that could be converted to biodiesel at lower cost. The problem with processing these waste oils is that they often contain large amounts of free fatty acids that cannot be converted to biodiesel using an alkaline catalyst. These free fatty acids react with the alkaline catalyst to produce soaps that inhibit the separation of the biodiesel, glycerin, and wash water. Previous research has developed a process for pretreating these high free fatty acid feedstocks using acid catalysts, which do not form soaps. The objective of this study was to construct a pilot plant to produce biodiesel from a wide variety of feedstocks including those with high free fatty acids. A 190 L batch pilot plant has been built that can process high free fatty acid feedstocks using an acid-catalyzed pretreatment followed by an alkaline-catalyzed transesterification. Case studies of pilot plant-scale production of biodiesel from soybean oil, yellow grease with 9% free fatty acids, and brown grease with 40% free fatty acids are presented. The effect of varying the reaction parameters is discussed, and the separation and washing processes are described. Estimates of the fuel cost using different feedstocks are also provided - A Survey to Understand the Attitudes towards Biodiesel in Southwestern Idaho
AbstractFull Article Download CitationKinsey, K.; Haines, D.; Peterson, C. L. 2003. A Survey to Understand the Attitudes towards Biodiesel in Southwestern Idaho. PNW-ASAE Annual Meeting.
- Biodiesel blend detection with a fuel composition sensor
AbstractFull Article Download CitationTat, M. E.; Van Gerpen, J. H. 2003. Biodiesel blend detection with a fuel composition sensor. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 19(2) 125-131
Biodiesel is an alternative diesel fuel consisting of the alkyl monoesters of fatty acids from vegetable oils and animal fats. Biodiesel can be used in diesel engines as a pure fuel or in blends with petroleum-based diesel fuel. To maintain optimum performance and meet emission regulations, it may be necessary to measure the composition of blended fuels and adjust the fuel injection timing and other injection parameters during operation. The objective of this study was to investigate the suitability of using a commercial Flexible Fuel Composition Sensor for the detection of biodiesel composition in biodiesel/diesel fuel blends. Twelve different biodiesel fuel samples were tested including pure esters and esters from soybean oil, tallow, lard, canola oil, and yellow grease. The sensor produced a frequency output between 58.75 and 60.23 Hz for all of the biodiesel samples. Six different diesel fuel samples were also tested including commercial No. 1 diesel fuel and EPA emission certification fuel. All of the diesel fuel samples gave frequencies between 51.84 and 52.62 Hz. The frequency output of the sensor was linearly proportional to the percentage of biodiesel in the blend. The 7.14-Hz average difference from diesel fuel to biodiesel is sufficient to use this fuel composition sensor for blend detection of biodiesel blended fuels. - Comparison of engine performance and emissions for petroleum diesel fuel, yellow grease biodiesel, and soybean oil biodiesel
AbstractFull Article Download CitationCanakci, M.; Van Gerpen, J. H. 2003. Comparison of engine performance and emissions for petroleum diesel fuel, yellow grease biodiesel, and soybean oil biodiesel. Transactions of the ASAE. 46(4) 937-944
Biodiesel is a non-toxic, biodegradable and renewable alternative fuel that can be used with little or no engine modifications. Biodiesel is currently expensive but would be more cost effective if it could be produced from low-cost oils (restaurant waste, frying oils, animal fats). These low-cost feedstocks are more challenging to process because they contain high levels of free fatty acids. A process for converting these feedstocks to fuel-grade biodiesel has been developed and described previously. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the biodiesel produced from high free fatty acid feedstocks on engine performance and emissions. Two different biodiesels were prepared from animal fat-based yellow grease with 9% free fatty acids and from soybean oil. The neat fuels and their 20% blends with No. 2 diesel fuel were studied at steady-state engine operating conditions in a four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. Although both biodiesel fuels provided significant reductions in particulates, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons, the oxides of nitrogen increased by 11% and 13% for the yellow grease methyl ester and soybean oil methyl ester, respectively. The conversion of the biodiesel fuel's energy to work was equal to that from diesel fuel - Effect of temperature and pressure on the speed of sound and isentropic bulk modulus of mixtures of biodiesel and diesel fuel
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationTat, M. E.; Van Gerpen, J. H. 2003. Effect of temperature and pressure on the speed of sound and isentropic bulk modulus of mixtures of biodiesel and diesel fuel. Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society. 80(11) 1127-1130
The density and speed of sound of blends of biodiesel with No. 2 and No. 1 diesel fuels were measured from atmospheric pressure to 32.46 MPa at temperatures of 20 and 40degreesC. The isentropic bulk modulus was calculated from these quantities. The results show that the density and isentropic bulk modulus can be accurately modeled as having a linear variation with blend percentage. Speed of sound is better correlated by a second-order equation. Correlation equations are given and a blending rule is developed that allows the density, speed of sound, and isentropic bulk modulus of blends to be calculated from the properties of the biodiesel and diesel fuel. - Fuel property effect on biodiesel
AbstractFull Article Download CitationTat, M. E.; Van Gerpen, J. 2003. Fuel property effect on biodiesel. ASAE Annual International Meeting.
- Speed of sound and isentropic bulk modulus of alkyl monoesters at elevated temperatures and pressures
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationTat, M. E.; Van Gerpen, J. H. 2003. Speed of sound and isentropic bulk modulus of alkyl monoesters at elevated temperatures and pressures. Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society. 80(12) 1249-1256
Biodiesel is a biodegradable, sulfur-free, oxygenated, and renewable alternative diesel fuel consisting of the alkyl monoesters of FA from vegetable oils and animal fats. Biodiesel can be used in existing diesel engines without significant modifications. However, differences in physical properties between biodiesel and petroleum-based diesel fuel may change the engine's fuel injection timing and combustion characteristics. These altered physical and chemical properties also may cause the exhaust emissions and performance to differ from the optimized settings chosen by the engine manufacturer. In particular, the density, speed of sound, and isentropic bulk modulus have a significant effect on the fuel injection system and combustion. The objective of this study was to measure these three properties for biodiesel (and the pure esters that are the constituents of biodiesel) at temperatures from 20 to 100degreesC and at pressures from atmospheric to 32.5 MPa. Ten different biodiesel fuels, 16 different pure FA esters, three hydrocarbons, and one diesel fuel were tested. The measured values of density, speed of sound, and isentropic bulk modulus are presented. Correlations between pressure and temperature are demonstrated. Speed of sound and isentropic bulk modulus tend to increase as the degree of unsaturation increases and as the chain length increases. However, density increased with shorter chain length and decreased with saturation. - Continuous Flow Biodiesel Production
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Cook, J.; Thompson, J. C.; Taberski, J. S. 2002. Continuous Flow Biodiesel Production. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 18(1) 7
Biodiesel, which consists of the fatty acid esters of simple alcohols, is a potential replacement for a portion of the diesel fuel used in transportation. It is produced from both used (oil that has been utlilized for frying and discarded) and new vegetable and animal fats and oils. It has several advantages. Among these advantages are its classification as a renewable resource, its ability to reduce HC, CO, and CO2 exhaust emissions, its non-toxic character, and its biodegradability. One of the keys to making biodiesel a viable and profitable energy source is the use of a continuous flow transesterification process to reduce time and cost, thereby increasing production and profit. - Continuous flow biodiesel production
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Cook, J. L.; Thompson, J. C.; Taberski, J. S. 2002. Continuous flow biodiesel production. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 18(1) 5-11
Biodiesel, which consists of the fatty acid esters of simple alcohols, is a potential replacement for a portion of the diesel fuel used in transportation. It is produced from both used (oil that has been utilized for frying and discarded) and new vegetable and animal fats and oils. It has several advantages. Among these advantages are its classification as a renewable resource, its ability to reduce HC, CO, and CO2 exhaust emissions, its non-toxic character, and its biodegradability. One of the keys to making biodiesel a viable and profitable energy source is the use of a continuous flow transesterification process to reduce time and cost, thereby increasing production and profit. A continuous flow esterification process for producing biodiesel from rapeseed oil and ethanol was investigated. The equipment consisted of an oil metering pump, centrifugal mixing pump, ethanol and catalyst metering pump, static mixers, "ladder" type retention reactor, water injection system, and continuous flow centrifugal separating system. The oil feed rate was 0.38 L/min that yields about three times the weekly production of the existing batch type transesterification system that produces 945 L (250 gal) per batch. It was anticipated that if methanol were used instead of ethanol that the flow, rate could be considerably increased. The system in its present configuration has met ASTM PS121-99 standard for free and total glycerol. The centrifugal separation resulted in release of excessive alcohol vapors. A vapor recovery and condensing system should be installed. This latter system could help further reduce costs of the biodiesel produced by recycling some of the alcohol used - Physical properties and composition detection of biodiesel-diesel fuel blends
AbstractFull Article Download CitationTat, M. E.; Van Gerpen, J. 2002. Physical properties and composition detection of biodiesel-diesel fuel blends. ASAE Annual International Meeting.
- Biodiesel production from oils and fats with high free fatty acids
AbstractFull Article Download CitationCanakci, M.; Van Gerpen, J. 2001. Biodiesel production from oils and fats with high free fatty acids. Transactions of the ASAE. 44(6) 1429-1436
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel for diesel engines consisting of the alkyl monoesters of fatty acids from vegetable oils or animal fats. Most of the biodiesel that is currently made uses soybean oil, methanol, and an alkaline catalyst. The high value of soybean oil as a food product makes production of a cost-effective fuel very challenging. However there are large amounts of low-cost oils and fats such as restaurant waste and animal fats that could be converted to biodiesel. The problem with processing these low cost oils and fats is that they often contain large amounts of free fatty acids (FFA) that cannot be converted to biodiesel using an alkaline catalyst. In this study, a technique is described to reduce the free fatty acids content of these feedstocks using an acid-catalyzed pretreatment to esterify the free fatty acids before transesterifying the triglycerides with an alkaline catalyst to complete the reaction. Initial process development was performed with synthetic mixtures containing 20% and 40% free fatty acids, prepared using palmitic acid. Process parameters such as the molar ratio of alcohol, type of alcohol, acid catalyst amount, reaction time, and free fatty acids level were investigated to determine the best strategy for converting the free fatty acids to usable esters. The work showed that the acid level of the high free fatty acids feedstocks could be reduced to less than 1% with a 2-step pretreatment reaction. The reaction mixture was allowed to settle between steps so that the water-containing alcohol phase could be removed. The 2-step pretreatment reaction was demonstrated with actual feedstocks, including yellow grease with 12% free fatty acids and brown grease with 33% free fatty acids. After reducing the acid levels of these feedstocks to less than 1%, the transesterification reaction was completed with an alkaline catalyst to produce fuel-grade biodiesel - The effect of biodiesel oxidation on engine performance and emissions
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationMonyem, A.; Van Gerpen, J. H. 2001. The effect of biodiesel oxidation on engine performance and emissions. Biomass & Bioenergy. 20(4) 317-325
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel consisting of the alkyl monoesters of fatty acids from vegetable oils or animal fats. Previous research has shown that biodiesel-fueled engines produce less carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and particulate emissions compared to diesel fuel. One drawback of biodiesel is that it is more prone to oxidation than petroleum-based diesel fuel. In its advanced stages, this oxidation can cause the fuel to become acidic and to form insoluble gums and sediments that can plug fuel filters. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of oxidized biodiesel on engine performance and emissions. A John Deere 4276T turbocharged DI diesel engine was fueled with oxidized and unoxidized biodiesel and the performance and emissions were compared with No. 2 diesel fuel. The neat biodiesels, 20% blends, and the base fuel (No. 2 diesel) were tested at two different loads (100 and 20%) and three injection timings (3 degrees advanced, standard; 3 degrees retarded). The tests were performed at steady-state conditions at a single engine speed of 1400 rpm. The engine performance of the neat biodiesels and their blends was similar to that of No. 2 diesel fuel with the same thermal efficiency, but higher fuel consumption. Compared with unoxidized biodiesel, oxidized neat biodiesel produced 15 and 16% lower exhaust carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the oxides of nitrogen and smoke emissions from oxidized and unoxidized biodiesel. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. - The effect of timing and oxidation on emissions from biodiesel-fueled engines
AbstractFull Article Download CitationMonyem, A.; Van Gerpen, J. H.; Canakci, M. 2001. The effect of timing and oxidation on emissions from biodiesel-fueled engines. Transactions of the ASAE. 44(1) 35-42
The alkyl monoesters of fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, known as biodiesel, are attracting considerable interest as an alternative fuel for diesel engines. Biodiesel-fueled engines produce less carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and particulate emissions than diesel-fueled engines. However biodiesel has different chemical and physical properties than diesel fuel, including a larger bulk modulus and a higher cetane number Some of these properties can be affected by oxidation of the fuel during storage. These changes can affect the timing of the combustion process and potentially cause increases in emissions of oxides of nitrogen. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of injection and combustion timing on biodiesel combustion and exhaust emissions. A John Deere diesel engine was fueled with two different biodiesel fuels, one of which had been deliberately oxidized, and with their 20% blends with No. 2 diesel fuel. The engine was operated at three different timings and two loads at a single engine speed of 1400 rpm. The engine performance of the biodiesel was similar to that of No. 2 diesel fuel with nearly the same thermal efficiency. The range of injection timings studied produced changes of 50% and 34% in the CO and HC emissions, respectively. A reduction in NOx emissions of 35% to 43% was observed for a 30 retarded injection timing compared with a 30 advanced injection timing. A common linear relationship was found between the start of injection and the NOx emissions for all the fuels studied. When compared at the same start of combustion, the near biodiesel produced lower NOx emissions than the No. 2 diesel fuel - Used vegetable oil fuel blend comparisons using injector coking in a DI diesel engine
AbstractFull Article Download CitationJones, S.; Peterson, C. L.; Thompson, J. C. 2001. Used vegetable oil fuel blend comparisons using injector coking in a DI diesel engine. ASAE Meeting Presentation.
An imaging system was used to compare injector coking when used vegetable oil - A 322,000 kilometer (200,000 mile) Over the Road Test with HySee Biodiesel in a Heavy Duty Truck.
AbstractFull Article Download CitationChase, C. L.; Peterson, C. L.; Lowe, G. A.; Mann, P.; Smith, J. A.; Kado, N. Y. 2000. A 322,000 kilometer (200,000 mile) Over the Road Test with HySee Biodiesel in a Heavy Duty Truck. . .
In July 1997, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska Regional Bioenergy Program, in cooperation with several industrial and institutional partners initiated a long-haul 322,00 km (200,000 mile) operational demonstration using a biodiesel and diesel fuel blend in a 324 kW (435 HP), Caterpillar 3406E Engine, and a Kenworth Class 8 heavy duty truck. This project was designed to: develop definitive biodiesel performance information, collect emissions data for both regulated and non-regulated compounds including mutagenic activity, and collect heavy-duty operational engine performance and durability information. To assess long-term engine durability and wear, including injector, valve, and port deposit formations; the engine was dismantled for inspection and evaluation at the conclusion of the demonstration. The fuel used was a 50% blend of biodiesel produced from used cooking oil (hydrogenated soy ethyl etser) and 50% 2-D petroleum diesel. The demonstration vehicle traveled 326, 235 km (202, 160 miles) in actual commerical operation averaging 5.27 miles per gallon. - Investigation of biodiesel thermal stability under simulated in-use conditions
AbstractFull Article Download CitationMonyem, A.; Canakci, M.; Van Gerpen, J. H. 2000. Investigation of biodiesel thermal stability under simulated in-use conditions. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 16(4) 373-378
Biodiesel is an alternative diesel fuel produced by transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats. While biodiesel products numerous environmental benefits such as reduced exhaust emissions, it is more prone to oxidation than petroleum-based diesel fuel and this can alter its properties. When oxidation occurs at ordinary temperatures, the initial products are hydroperoxides. As the oxidation continues, the peroxides may split and form aldehydes, ketones, and short chain acids that produce unpleasant odors. Sediment and gums are formed through polymerization of the peroxides and can cause fuel filter plugging. The objective of this study was to relate the chemical and physical processes associated with biodiesel oxidation to the conditions that affect diesel fuel system performance. A relationship was sought between the test that is used by the engine industry to define engine fuel stability requirements (ASTM D2274) and the tests used by the fats and oils industry to characterize oxidation (Peroxide Value and Acid Value). It was found during the course of this study that the ASTM fuel stability method is not suitable for biodiesel. While oxidation causes the fuel viscosity to increase, fuel filter plugging was not necessarily a natural consequence of biodiesel oxidation even when the fuel was oxidized to a level beyond what would be observed in practice. The effect of fuel temperature and blending with diesel fuel on the oxidation was investigated and the interrelationship between the fuel's acid value and viscosity is shown. - The effect of biodiesel feedstock on regulated emissions in chassis dynamometer tests of a pickup truck
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Taberski, J. S.; Thompson, J. C.; Chase, C. L. 2000. The effect of biodiesel feedstock on regulated emissions in chassis dynamometer tests of a pickup truck. Transactions of the ASAE. 43(6) 1371-1381
Six different vegetable oil esters (coconut ethyl ester used hydrogenated soy methyl ester, rapeseed ethyl ester, mustard ethyl ester, safflower ethyl ester, and a commercial methyl ester of soy oil) were selected to represent a range of iodine numbers from 7.88 to 133. These vegetable oil esters were tested neat and in 20% biodiesel/80% diesel blends in comparison with low sulfur diesel fuel or the effect on regulated emissions. The test vehicle was a pickup truck with a 5.9 L turbo-charged and inter-cooled direct injection diesel engine. The emissions rests were conducted at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority Emissions Testing Facility on a chassis dynamometer. It was found that lower iodine numbers correlated with reduced nitrogen oxides (NOx). As iodine number increased from 7.88 to 129.5 the NOx increased 29.3%. Fatty acids with two double bonds appeared to have more effect on increasing NOx emissions than did fatty acids with one double bond. Changes in carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and particulate matter (PM) were not linearly correlated with iodine number It is apparent that the type of feedstock oil affects the characteristics of the biodiesel fuel. The most obvious difference is that the pour point changes with fatty acid composition, however other fuel characteristics, some of which effect combustion, are also changed. This article reports on a study of biodiesel iodine number on changes in regulated emissions. The results of this and similar studies provide information for developing triglycerides specifically for optimum use in biodiesel. Modern chemical processes and/or plant breeding should make this possible - The specific gravity of biodiesel and its blends with diesel fuel
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationTat, M. E.; Van Gerpen, J. H. 2000. The specific gravity of biodiesel and its blends with diesel fuel. Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society. 77(2) 115-119
The specific gravities of biodiesel and 75, 50, and 20% blends with No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuels were measured as a function of temperature from the onset of crystallization to 100 degrees C. The results indicate that biodiesel and its blends demonstrate temperature-dependent behavior that is qualitatively similar to the diesel fuels. The temperature dependence of the specific gravity for biodiesel and its blends was compared with the ASTM D 1250-80 procedure for the temperature correction of hydrocarbon fuels, and the procedure was found to provide accurate corrections. A blending equation was developed that allows the specific gravity of blends to be calculated from the specific gravities of the biodiesel and diesel fuels. - The speed of sound and isentropic bulk modulus of biodiesel at 21 degrees C from atmospheric pressure to 35 MPa
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationTat, M. E.; Van Gerpen, J. H.; Soylu, S.; Canakci, M.; Monyem, A.; Wormley, S. 2000. The speed of sound and isentropic bulk modulus of biodiesel at 21 degrees C from atmospheric pressure to 35 MPa. Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society. 77(3) 285-289
Biodiesel, an alternative diesel fuel consisting of the alkyl monoesters of fatty acids from vegetable oils and animal fats, can be used in existing diesel engines without modification. However, property changes associated with the differences in chemical structure between biodiesel and petroleum-based diesel fuel may change the engine's injection timing. These injection timing changes can change the exhaust emissions and performance from the optimized settings chosen by the engine manufacturer. This study presents the results of measurements of the speed of sound and the isentropic bulk modulus for methyl and ethyl esters of fatty acids from soybean oil and compares them with No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuel. Data are presented at 21 +/- 1 degrees C and for pressures from atmospheric to 34.74 MPa. The results indicate that the speed of sound and bulk modulus of the monoesters of soybean oil are higher than those for diesel fuel and these can cause changes in the fuel injection timing of diesel engines. Linear equations were used to fit the data as a function of pressure, and the correlation constants are given. - Accelerated oxidation processes in biodiesel
AbstractFull Article Download CitationCanakci, M.; Monyem, A.; Van Gerpen, J. 1999. Accelerated oxidation processes in biodiesel. Transactions of the ASAE. 42(6) 1565-1572
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel for diesel engines that can be produced from renewable feedstocks such as vegetable oil and animal fats. These feedstocks are reacted with an alcohol to produce alkyl monoesters that can be used in conventional diesel engines with little or no modification. Biodiesel, especially if produced from highly unsaturated oils, oxidizes more rapidly than diesel fuel. This article reports the results of experiments to track the chemical and physical changes that occur in biodiesel as it oxidizes. These results show the impact of time, oxygen flow rate, temperature, metals, and feedstock type on the rate of oxidation. Blending with diesel fuel and the addition of antioxidants are explored also. The data indicate that without antioxidants, biodiesel will oxidize very quickly at temperatures typical of diesel engines. This oxidation results in increases in peroxide value, acid value, and viscosity. While the peroxide value generally reaches a plateau of about 350 meq/kg ester the acid value and viscosity increase monotonically as oxidation proceeds - Biodiesel production via acid catalysis
AbstractFull Article Download CitationCanakci, M.; Van Gerpen, J. 1999. Biodiesel production via acid catalysis. Transactions of the ASAE. 42(5) 1203-1210
Vegetable oils and animal fats can be transesterified to biodiesel for use as an alternative diesel fuel. Conversion of low cost feedstocks such as used frying oils is complicated if the oils contain large amounts of free fatty acids that will form soaps with alkaline catalysts. The soaps can prevent separation of the biodiesel from the glycerin fraction. Alternative processes are available that use an acid catalyst The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of process variables on acid-catalyzed transesterification. The molar ratio of alcohol, reaction temperature, catalyst amount, reaction time, water content, and free fatty acids were investigated to determine the best strategy for producing biodiesel. Food grade soybean oil was used to prepare esters using excess methanol and sulfuric acid as a catalyst. To compare the effect of different alcohol types on ester formation, methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, and n-butanol were compared. The American Oil Chemists' Society Method Ca 14-56 was used to measure the biodiesel's total glycerin amount as an indicator of the completeness of the reaction. It was found that acid catalysis can provide high conversion rates but much longer times are required than for alkaline catalysts. The acid catalyst also requires the concentration of water to be less than 0.5%, which is about the same as is required for alkaline catalysts. Water formed by the esterification of free fatty acids limited their presence in the oil to 5% - Continuous Flow Biodiesel Production
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Cook, J. L.; Thompson, J. C.; Taberski, J. S. 1999. Continuous Flow Biodiesel Production. .
Biodiesel is a potential replacement for a portion of the diesel fuel used in transportation. It is produced from both waste and new vegetable oils. It has several advantages. Among these are its classification as a renewable resource, its ability to reduce HC, CO, and CO2 exhaust emissions, its non-toxic character, and its biodegradability. Plant oils grown around the world can be harvested and converted to biodiesel using current esterification processes. One of the keys to making biodiesel a viable and profitable energy source is the use of a continuous flow transesterification process to reduce time and cost, thereby increasing production and profit. Most biodiesel is produced in manual or automatic batch processes. Research and development into continuous flow processes is relatively unperfected in the United States, and therefore warrants further investigation. - Long-range on-road test with twenty-percent rapeseed biodiesel
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Thompson, J. C.; Taberski, J. S.; Reece, D. L.; Fleischman, G. 1999. Long-range on-road test with twenty-percent rapeseed biodiesel. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 15(2) 91-101
A heavy-duty pickup truck with a 5.9-L diesel engine was targeted to operated on a blend of 20% methyl ester of rapeseed rapeseed oil (RME) and 80% 2-D diesel (2-D) for 161 000 km (100,000 miles). The actual blend used was 27.9% RME. The engine was unmodified, but modifications were made to the vehicles for the convenience of the test. Fuel mixing was done on-board to extend rite driving range to over 5000 km (3,100 miles) between biodiesel fill ups. Rusting of the mild steel fuel tanks contributed to fuel filter plugging which was eventually solved by changing to stainless steel tanks and switching to a different fuel supplier: Chassis dynamometer testing, injector coking, engine compression, injector valve opening pressures, and engine oil analyses were completed at regularly scheduled intervals to monitor the engine performance parameters. RME produced 5% less power than 2-D, while 20RME produced 1.5% less power than 2-D. Smoke density was reduced 32% with RME, while 20RME increased smoke density, 6.6% higher than that of 2-D. The results of the oil analysis showed that there was no unusual deterioration of the engine, or any unusual change in oil composition from rising the biodiesel fuel. Using aluminum and iron as comparison analysis, the test vehicle averaged 2.2 ppm for aluminum and 8.0 ppm for iron, the first check vehicle averaged 2.4 ppm for aluminum and 8.5 ppm for iron, the second check vehicle averaged 5.4 ppm for aluminum and 20.0 ppm for iron, and a third check vehicle averaged 5.7 ppm for aluminum and 64 ppm for iron (the third of four samples showed iron nt 183 ppm with the others at 20-28 ppm.) Engine compression and injector valve opening pressure remained constant throughout the test. Emissions tests with a chassis transient dynamometer at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Authority Emissions Test Facility resulted in a decrease in HC (20%), CO (25%), NOx (2.6%), PM (10.9%), and there was no difference in CO2 with 20RME compared to 2-D, When the vehicle reached 163 800 km (101,785 miles) the diesel engine was removed from the truck and shipped to Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, Indiana, for analysis. The condition of the engine obviously reflected the light load condition used in the pickup, However; it was generally considered to be in a condition which could be characterized as good or better than that which would have been expected with diesel fuel. Engine parts were clean and showed little wear Adverse effects were hardening of the crankshaft seals which made a slight depression where they made contact with the shaft; and rusting of the fuel filter attachment stud The fuel pump, although showing varnish, was found to be in good condition in the bench test - One-thousand-hour engine durability test with HySEE and using a 5X-EMA test cycle
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Thompson, J. C.; Taberski, J. S. 1999. One-thousand-hour engine durability test with HySEE and using a 5X-EMA test cycle. Transactions of the ASAE. 42(1) 23-30
A modified 1000-h EMA-based test was run on three Yanmar 3TN75E-S 15 kW (20 hp) diesel engines fueled with three different blends of hydrogenated soy ethyl ester (HySEE). Fuels used in the test were 100%, 50%, and 25% blends of HySEE with type 2 diesel fuel (D2). Eight-thousand one-hundred and five liters (2141 gal) of HySEE were produced for the test using the process developed at the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Idaho. The blends of HySEE performed adequately compared to diesel fuel. However; cold weather operation was a continual challenge. At each of the normal oil change intervals, oil analysis results for wear metals for the 100% HySEE engine were equal to or better than either the 25% HySEE or the 50% HySEE fueled engine. Engine injector pressure and compression was essentially unchanged for all engines over the course of the 1000 h. The engine fueled with 100% HySEE was cleaner and brighter internally than either the 25% HySEE or the 50% HySEE fueled engine. The 25% HySEE fueled engine was overfueled in the torque range according to a post injector pump test - The kinematic viscosity of biodiesel and its blends with diesel fuel
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationTat, M. E.; Van Gerpen, J. H. 1999. The kinematic viscosity of biodiesel and its blends with diesel fuel. Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society. 76(12) 1511-1513
As the use of biodiesel becomes more widespread, engine manufacturers have expressed concern about biodiesel's higher viscosity. In particular, they are concerned that biodiesel may exhibit different viscosity-temperature characteristics that could result in higher fuel injection pressures at low engine operating temperatures. This study presents data for the kinematic viscosity of biodiesel and its blends with No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuels at 75, 50, and 20% biodiesel, from close to their melting point to 100 degrees C. The results indicate that while their viscosity is higher, biodiesel and its blends demonstrate temperature-dependent behavior similar to that of No. land No. 2 diesel fuels. Equations of the same general form are shown to correlate viscosity data for both biodiesel and diesel fuel, and for their blends: A blending equation is presented that allows the kinematic viscosity to be calculated as a function of the biodiesel fraction. Paper no. J9166 in JAOCS 76, 1511-1513 (December 1999). - Using Biodiesel in Yellowstone National Park - Final Report of the Truck in the Park Project.
AbstractFull Article Download CitationTaberski, Jeffrey S.; Peterson, Charles L.; Thompson, Joseph; Haines, Howard 1999. Using Biodiesel in Yellowstone National Park - Final Report of the Truck in the Park Project. . . 24
The "Truck in the Park" project was a jointly funded research project which demonstrated the benefits of the use of biodiesel in a tourism related industry. The National Park Service (NPS) operated a truck in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) for 149,408 km (92,838 miles) on 100% biodiesel fuel produced by the University of Idaho. Participants in this project included Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Wyoming Department of Commerce, NPS, Department of Energy's Reional Biomass Energy Program, Koch Agri-Services, Dodge Truck, Cummins Engine Company, J.R. Simplot, Western States Caterpillar, University of Califronia at Davis, and the University of Idaho. - Biodegradability of biodiesel in the aquatic environment
AbstractFull Article Download CitationZhang, X.; Peterson, C.; Reece, D.; Haws, R.; Moller, G. 1998. Biodegradability of biodiesel in the aquatic environment. Transactions of the ASAE. 41(5) 1423-1430
The biodegradability of various biodiesel fuels was examined by the CO2 evolution method (EPA 560/6-82-003), BOD5 (EPA 405.1), COD (EPA 410), and gas chromatography (GC) analyses in an aquatic system. The fuels examined included the methyl- and ethyl-esters of rapeseed oil and soybean oil, neat rapeseed oil, neat soybean oil and Phillips 2-D law sulfur; reference petroleum diesel. Blends of biodiesel/petroleum diesel at different volumetric ratios including 80/20, 50/50, and 20/80, were also examined. The results demonstrate that all the biodiesel fuels are "readily biodegradable". Moreover; in the presence of REE, the degradation rate of petroleum diesel increased to twice that of petroleum diesel alone. The pattern of biodegradation in the blends and reasons why biodiesel is more readily degradable than petroleum diesel are discussed The biodegradation monitoring results from both CO2 evolution and GC methods are compared - Carbon cycle for rapeseed oil biodiesel fuels
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Hustrulid, T. 1998. Carbon cycle for rapeseed oil biodiesel fuels. Biomass & Bioenergy. 14(2) 91-101
The greenhouse effect, thought to be responsible for global warming, is caused by gases accumulating in the earth's atmosphere. Carbon dioxide, which makes up half of the gas accumulation problem, is produced during respiration and combustion processes. This paper provides an outline of the carbon cycle for rapeseed oil-derived fuels. Plant processes, fuel chemistry and combustion are examined with respect to carbon. A diagram is presented to interpret the information presented graphically. A comparison of carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion of rapeseed oil biodiesel and petroleum diesel is made. Complete combustion converts hydrocarbon fuels so carbon dioxide and water. The carbon cycle consists of the fixation of carbon and the release of oxygen by plants through the process of photosynthesis, then the recombining of oxygen and carbon to form CO2 through the processes of combustion and respiration. The carbon dioxide released by petroleum diesel was fixed from the atmosphere during the formative years of the earth. Carbon dioxide released by biodiesel is fixed by the plant in a recent year and is recycled. Many scientists believe that global warming is occurring because of the rapid release of CO2 in processes such as the combustion of petroleum diesel. Using biodiesel could reduce the accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved - Modeling Combustion of Alternae Fuels in a DI Diesel Engine Using KIVA
AbstractFull Article Download CitationVander Griend, L.; Feldman, M.; Peterson, C. l. 1998. Modeling Combustion of Alternae Fuels in a DI Diesel Engine Using KIVA. .
The program KIVA ( a 3D fluid dynamics model) was used to simulate the combustion of a vegetable oil and its methyl etser in a direct injection diesel engine. The predictions of the ester combustion were similar to the characteristics of conventional fuels. The straight vegetable oil exhibited poor combustion behavior. - Producing HySEE Biodiesel From Used French Fry Oil and Ethanol for an Over-the-Road Truck
AbstractFull Article Download CitationLowe, G.; Peterson, C.; Thompson, J.; Taberski, J.; Mann, P.; Chase, C. 1998. Producing HySEE Biodiesel From Used French Fry Oil and Ethanol for an Over-the-Road Truck. ASAE Meeting . 986081
- The influence of trace components on the melting point of methyl soyate
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationYu, Liangping; Lee, Inmok; Hammond, Earl G.; Johnson, Lawrence A.; Van Gerpen, Jon H. 1998. The influence of trace components on the melting point of methyl soyate. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. 75(12) 1821-1824
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of various amounts of unsaponifiables and bound glycerol on the crystallization temperatures of methyl soyate used as biodiesel. The preparation of methyl esters did not affect the amount of unsaponifiable matter in biodiesel. A synthetic unsaponifiable mixture added to distilled methyl soyate and blends of methyl soyate and No. 1 diesel fuel (20:80, vol/vol) did not affect the crystallization onset temperature, cloud point, or pour point at concentrations up to 3% by weight. The amounts of monoglycerides and diglycerides in methyl soyate decreased from 2.60 and 9.87%, respectively, to 0% as the methanol/soybean oil ratio increased from 90 to 200% of the theoretical requirement. Transesterification reactions conducted with less than 130% of the theoretical amount of methanol resulted in methyl soyate with a higher cloud point because of the presence of saturated mono- and diglycerides. Pure mono- and diglycerides added to distilled methyl soyate at 0 to 1.0% did not change the pour point of the esters, but the cloud point of esters increased with increasing amount of saturated mono- or diglyceride. Pure saturated mono- or diglyceride presented in concentrations as low as 0.1% increased the cloud point of methyl soyate. Similar results were obtained with mono- and diglyceride mixtures present in incompletely converted methyl soyate. - Two Year Storage Test with RME and REE
AbstractFull Article Download CitationThompson, Joe; Peterson, C. L.; Reece, D. L.; Beck, S. M. 1998. Two Year Storage Test with RME and REE. .
Methyl and ethyl esters preapred from various vegetable oils by the process of transesterification have shown much promise as fuels for all types of diesel engines. As part of a larger study entitled "Development of Rapeseed Biodiesel for Use in High-speed Diesel Engines", this activity was designed to determine the extent of deterioration of Rape Methyl Ester (RME) and Rape Ethyl Ester (REE) in storage. The study involved triplicate samples of RME and REE stored in glass and steel containers at room temperatures (inside) and at local ambient outdoor temperatures (outside). The study was conducted for two years. - Two-year storage study with methyl and ethyl esters of rapeseed
AbstractFull Article Download CitationThompson, J. C.; Peterson, C. L.; Reece, D. L.; Beck, S. M. 1998. Two-year storage study with methyl and ethyl esters of rapeseed. Transactions of the ASAE. 41(4) 931-939
Methyl and ethyl esters, prepared from various vegetable ails by the process of transesterification, have shown much promise as fuels for all types of diesel engines. Very limited information is available on possible deterioration of biodiesel in storage. This project was designed to determine the extent of deterioration of Rape Methyl Ester (RME) and Rape Ethyl Ester (REE) in storage. The study involved triplicate samples of RME and REE stored in glass and steel containers at room temperature (inside) and at the local ambient outdoor temperatures (outside). The study was conducted for 24 months. At the beginning of the study and at three-month intervals, samples were taken for measurement of peroxide value, acid value, density, viscosity, and heat of combustion. At the conclusion of the study, engine performance tests were conducted with the two year stored REE and RME, new REE and RME, and low sulfur diesel reference fuel. On the average, the esters increased over time in all of the previously mentioned properties with the exception of heat of combustion, which decreased. Regression models are presented to predict the deterioration with time. Engine power varied less than 2% for both Biodiesel fuels compared to the stored counterparts while smoke density decreased 3.2% for the stored RME and increased 17.5% for stored REE - Demonstration of the on-the road use of biodiesel
AbstractFull Article Download Citation - Impacts of contaminations on biodiesel quality
AbstractFull Article Download CitationVan Gerpen, J.; Monyem, A.; Canakci, M. 1997. Impacts of contaminations on biodiesel quality. Commercialization of Biodiesel: Producing a quality fuel. 1-13
The methyl esters of vegetable oils and animal fats, known as biodicsel, arc receiving increasing attention as an alternative fuel for diesel engines. Although the production of biodiesel involves a relatively simple chemical process, there is potential for various contaminants to be present in the fuel. These contaminants include water, free glycerin, bound glycerin, alcohol, free fatty acids, soaps, catalyst, unsaponifiable matter and the products of oxidation. The objective of this paper is to present data showing the effect of contanrinants on biodiesel quality. Small amounts of these various contaminants were added to biodiesel and their impact on the properties and performance of the biodiescl was measured. Samples of biodicsel were also oxidized to varying degrees to study its effect on biodicsel. The study identifies water contamination, bound glycerin, and oxidation as three areas of concern. Biodiesel can absorb up to 40 times more water than conventional diesel fuel. High levels of bound glycerin can cause crystallization and increased viscosity. Oxidation can produce chemical compounds that improve cetanc number but also increase the acidity and viscosity of the fuel. - Potential of High Erucic Acid Rapeseed (Brassica Napus, var. Dwarf Essex) Oil as a Hydraulic Fluid.
AbstractFull Article Download CitationHarish, V.V.; Thompson, J.C.; Peterson, C.L. 1997. Potential of High Erucic Acid Rapeseed (Brassica Napus, var. Dwarf Essex) Oil as a Hydraulic Fluid. . Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 13(4) 7
Rapeseed oil has been found to be a potentially useful subsititute for petroleum-based hydraulic fluid. This article compares the hydraulic fluid properties of raw rapeseed oil with three commercially available hydraulic fluids: Mobil EAL 224H, PlantoHyd 40, and Hy-TransPlus. - Processing, characterization, and performance of eight fuels from lipids
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Reece, D. L.; Hammond, B. L.; Thompson, J. C.; Beck, Sidney M. 1997. Processing, characterization, and performance of eight fuels from lipids. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 13(1) 71-79
Test quantities of ethyl and methyl esters of four renewable fuels were processed, characterized and performance tested. Canola, rapeseed, soybean oils, and beef tallow were the feedstocks for the methyl and ethyl esters. A complete set of fuel properties and a comparison of each fuel in engine performance tests are reported. The study examines short term engine tests with both methyl and ethyl ester fuels compared to number 2 diesel fuel (D2). Three engine performance tests were conducted including an engine mapping procedure, an injector coking screening test, and an engine power study. The gross heat contents of the biodiesel fuels, on a mass basis, were 9 to 13% lower than D2. The viscosities of biodiesel were twice that of diesel. The cloud and pour points of D2 were significantly lower than the biodiesel fuels. The biodiesel fuels produced slightly lower power and torque and higher fuel consumption than D2. In general, the physical and chemical properties and the performance of ethyl esters were comparable to those of the methyl esters. Ethyl and methyl esters have almost the same energy. The viscosity of the ethyl esters is slightly higher and the cloud and pour points are slightly lower than those of methyl esters. Engine tests demonstrated that methyl esters produced slightly higher power and torque than ethyl esters. Fuel consumption when using the methyl and ethyl esters is nearly identical. Some desirable attributes of the ethyl esters over methyl esters were: significantly lower smoke opacity, lower exhaust temperatures, and lower pour point. The ethyl esters tended to have more injector coking than the methyl esters, and the ethyl esters had a higher glycerol content than the methyl esters - Screening Test for Rapeseed Ethyl Ester Two Cycle Oils
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Reece, D. 1997. Screening Test for Rapeseed Ethyl Ester Two Cycle Oils. ASAE Annual International Meeting.
In this project, 50:1 rapeseed ethyl ester (REE), 50:1 Winterized REE (WREE), 25:1 WREE and 75:1 WREE were compared with two commercial biodegradable two cycle oils and the engine manufacturer's recommended two cycle oil in a side-by-side test. Engines used were Stihl two cycle power blowers (model BG-72) operated at full throttle for 10-12 hours per day. All of the engines using commercial two cycle oils were still operating when the REE lubricated engines had failed. Failure was characterized by polymerization in the piston ring area. The 75:1 WREE engine also experienced cylinder wall scuffing. The test should not be used to infer differences in the commercial oils used; the test was designed to screen REE as a potential lubricant for two cycle engines, no conclusions beyond that intent should be formed. - Determining the Influence of Contaminants on Biodiesel Properties
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationVan Gerpen, Jon H.; Hammond, Earl G.; Johnson, Lawrence A.; Marley, Stephen J.; Yu, Liangping; Lee, Inmok; Monyem, Abdul 1996. Determining the Influence of Contaminants on Biodiesel Properties. .
- Development of Rapeseed Biodiesel for Use in High Speed Diesel Engines
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Reece, D. L.; Thompson, J. L.; Zhang, Xiulin; Hammond, B. L.; Beck, Sid 1996. Development of Rapeseed Biodiesel for Use in High Speed Diesel Engines. .
- Emissions characteristics of ethyl and methyl ester of rapeseed oil compared with low sulfur diesel control fuel in a chassis dynamometer test of a pickup truck
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C.; Reece, D. 1996. Emissions characteristics of ethyl and methyl ester of rapeseed oil compared with low sulfur diesel control fuel in a chassis dynamometer test of a pickup truck. Transactions of the ASAE. 39(3) 805-816
Comprehensive tests were performed on an on-road vehicle in cooperation with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority emissions test facility. All tests were with a transient chassis dynamometer. Tests included both a double arterial cycle of 768 s duration and an EPA heavy duty vehicle cycle of 1,060 s duration. The test vehicle was a 1994 pickup truck with a 5.9-L turbocharged and intercooled, direct injection diesel engine. Rapeseed methyl (RME) and ethyl esters (REE) and blends were compared with low sulfur diesel control fuel. Emissions data include all regulated emissions: hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}), oxides of nitrogen (NO{sub x}), and particulate matter (PM). In these tests the average of 100% RME and 100% REE reduced HC (52.4%), CO (47.6%), NO{sub x} (10.0%), and increases in CO{sub 2} (0.9%) and PM (9.9%) compared to the diesel control fuel. Also, 100% REE reduced HC (8.7%), CO (4.3%), and NO{sub x} (3.4%) compared to 100% RME. 33 refs., 1 figs., 8 tabs. - Emissions Testing with Blends of Esters of Rapeseed Oil Fuel With and Without a Catalytic Converter
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, Charles L. ; Reece, Daryl L. 1996. Emissions Testing with Blends of Esters of Rapeseed Oil Fuel With and Without a Catalytic Converter. .
Two pickup trucks, both with 5.9 L, turbocharged and intercooled, direct injection diesel engines, were tested for regulated emissions at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority Emissions Testing Facility, one in 1994 and the other in 1995. Emissions testing was conducted using the Dynamometer Driving Schedule for Heavy Duty Vehicles (Code of Federal Regulations 40, Part 86, Appendix 1, Cycle D). Emissions data generated included total hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) carbon dioxide (CO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). All tests were with a chassis dynamometer capable of transient testing. - Ethyl ester of rapeseed used as a biodiesel fuel - A case study
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Reece, D. L.; Thompson, J. C.; Beck, S. M.; Chase, C. 1996. Ethyl ester of rapeseed used as a biodiesel fuel - A case study. Biomass & Bioenergy. 10(5-6) 331-336
A 1994 Dodge 2500 turbocharged and intercooled diesel pickup fueled with 100% ethyl ester of rapeseed oil was driven by personnel representing the University of Idaho, Agricultural Engineering Department from Moscow, Idaho to Los Angeles, California and back to Moscow and then from Moscow to Ocean City, Maryland, east of Washington, D.C. and back to Moscow, Idaho. These trips covered a total of 14,069 km (8742 miles). The truck averaged 7.76 km/l (18.7 mile/gal) using 1772 1 (468 gal) of ethyl ester of rapeseed oil fuel. No problems or unusual events were encountered with the truck's operation. The truck was completely unmodified as to the engine and fuel system. The Fuel required for the trip was all processed in the Agricultural Engineering Laboratory at the University of Idaho and was carried on-board as no refueling facilities were available away from Moscow, Idaho. This is believed to be the first coast-to-coast and back run on 100% biodiesel. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd - Research Needs Resulting from Experiences of Fueling of Diesel Engines With Biodiesel
AbstractFull Article Download CitationSchumacher, Leon G.; Van Gerpen, Jon 1996. Research Needs Resulting from Experiences of Fueling of Diesel Engines With Biodiesel. .
Several universities, government, and private sector research laboratories have actvely investigated the use of biodiesel as a fuel for diesel engines during the last decade. The engines have ranged from single cylinder research engines to modern real-world engines. For example, the University of Missouri and University of Idaho have monitored the fueling of four Dodge pickups equipped with the 5.9L Cummins engine and two Ford pickups equipped with the 7.3L Navistar engine. The University of Illinois, Iowa State University, and the Colorado School of Mines have also researched the effects of biodiesel and mixtures of biodiesel and low sulfur petroleum diesel fuel. Both indirect injected (IDI) and direct injected (DI) diesel engines have been fueled with blends that ranged from zero to 100% biodiesel. The experience derived from operating these engines over a wide variety of conditions has generated a number of research issues that must be addressed before biodiesel can be successfully commercialized. - Acute Toxicity of Biodiesel to Freshwater and Marine Organisms
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, Charles; Reece, Daryl 1995. Acute Toxicity of Biodiesel to Freshwater and Marine Organisms. . 10
Biodiesel fuels are reported to be nontoxic resulting in less potential hazard to fish and other aquatic life in case of accidental spills. This paper reports on static tests with rapeseed methyl ester (RME) and rapeseed ethyl ester (REE) performed according to EPA/600/4-90/027. The acute aquatic toxicity tests were conducted with both rainbow trout and daphnia magna by CH2M Hill in Corvallis, Oregon under contract to the University of Idaho. - Bear Attractant Test of the Alternative Fuel Rape Ethyl Ester
AbstractFull Article Download CitationBiel, Mark; Gunther, Kerry A.; Hoekstra, Hopi E. 1995. Bear Attractant Test of the Alternative Fuel Rape Ethyl Ester. .
In 1994, over 3 million visitors toured Yellowstone National Park (YNP). These visitors, along with park concession and National Park Service administrative vehicles, burned over 7.6 million gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel in the park. Pollution from vehicle emissions can have harmful effects on both human and plant life. YNP, in cooperation with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the U.S. Department of Energy, Pacific Northwest and Alaska Regional Bioenergy Program, is participating in a pilot project to explore and evaluate the use of 100% rape of methyl ester (biodiesel) as a low pollution alternative to diesel fuel in environmentally sensitive areas. Biodiesel emits fewer hydrocarbons and particulates than fossil based fuels and is derived from renewable resources. Biodiesel contains negligible levels of sulfur and reduces emissions of sulfur dioxide, one of the agents responsible for acid rain. Biodiesel is also part of the natural cycle (i.e., assimilation of CO2 by plants for growth and development), and could lead to zero net gain in oxides of carbon emissions. The fuel is also biodegradable and will quickly break down, preventing long term damage to soil or water in the event of a spill. YNP is an environmentally sensitive area that brings humans and wildlife, such as grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and black bears (Ursus americanus), into close proximity. Biodiesel fuel is a vegetable oil derivative that smells similar to cooking oil. The exhaust from a diesel engine fueled by biodiesel smells similar to a french fry cooker and thus, could act as a bear attractant. Having bears attracted to vehicles powered by biodiesel could draw bears into park developed areas and roadside corridors resulting in bear-human conflicts (bear-caused human injuries and property damages). This could lead to the potential removal of grizzly bears and black bears from the population. As a result of these concerns, tests were conducted to determine if the raw biodiesel fuel or its emissions were bear attractants. As part of the tests, net gain in oxides of carbon emissions - Biodiesel Testing in Two On-Road Pickups
AbstractFull Article Download CitationReece, Daryl L.; Peterson, Charles L. 1995. Biodiesel Testing in Two On-Road Pickups. Society of Automotive Engineers. 9
Two on-road diesel pickups were operated on a mixture of 20 percent Biodiesel and 80 percent diesel for 80,000 kilometers (km). The engines were unmodified, but modifications were made to the vehicles for the convenience of the test. Fuel mixing was done on-board to extend the driving range to over 5,000 km between Biodiesel fill ups. - Commercialization of Idaho Biodiesel (HySEE) from Ethanol and Waste Vegetable Oil
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C.L.; Reece, Daryl L.; Hammond, Brian; Thompson, Joseph C.; Beck, Sidney 1995. Commercialization of Idaho Biodiesel (HySEE) from Ethanol and Waste Vegetable Oil. .
This paper reports on developing a process to produce the first 945 liters (250 gallons) of HySEE using recipes developed at the University of Idaho; fuel characterization tests on the HySEE according to the ASAE proposed Engineering Practice for Testing of Fuels from Biological Materials, X552; short term injector coking tests and performance tests in a turbocharged, DI, CI engine; and a 300 hour screening tests in a single cylinder, IDI, CI engine, and emissions tests at the LA-MTA emissions test facility. - Making and Testing a Biodiesel Fuel Made from Waste French Fry Oil
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Reece, D. L.; Hammond, B. J.; Thompson, J. C.; Beck, S. 1995. Making and Testing a Biodiesel Fuel Made from Waste French Fry Oil. .
- Potential Production of Agricultural Produced Fuels
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C.L.; Casada, M.E.; Safley Jr., L.M.; Broder, J.D. 1995. Potential Production of Agricultural Produced Fuels. American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 11(6) 6
Developing fuel sources from agriculture that can make a significant impact on the large petroleum consumption of the United States will require utilization of every avilable biomass resource and will require a large capital investment. Vegetable oil, ethanol, and methane have a significant potential for reducing this petroleum consumption. Vegetable oil could be used to replace an equivalent of the 10.6 GL [2.8 billion (109) gal] of diesel fuel used per year in production agriculture, requiring 7 to 8% of the agricultural land, with the additional potential for doubling this production. The current U.S. ethanol production of 3.8 GL (1 billion gal) per year could be increased to blend with all of the gasoline used in the United States at the 10% rate yielding 37.9 GL (10 billion gal), requiring 16.2 Mha equivalent to 17 GL (4.4 billion gal) of gasoline per year could be produced if all animal waste currently collected was digested. Each of these agriculturally produced fuels have one more more of the following advantages: renewable, biodegradable and/or cleaner buring than their petroleum counterparts. Disadvantages are cost of production, lack of production facilities, and use of agricultural land currently used for food. Development of reasonable amounts of each of these fuel sources could allow agriculture to achieve full production. Energy is a crop that could never be produced in surplus. - Producing Biodiesel for the "Truck in the Park" Project
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationPeterson, C.; Reece, Daryl; Thompson, Joe; Beck, Sidney; Haines, H.; Chase, C. 1995. Producing Biodiesel for the "Truck in the Park" Project. .
One of the principal advantages of biodiesel is it's environmental compatability. It's biodegradability and reduced toxicity make it an ideal candidate fuel for environmentally sensitive areas. Biodiesel has potental as a fuel for equipment operating in or near waterways, sensitive wildlife habitat and other environmentally sensitive areas. The national park system has a mandate to maintain the environment in the areas they supervise. Use of Biodiesel could be one more tool in achieving that goal. - Emissions Tests with an On-Road Vehicle Fueled with Methyl and Ethyl Esters of Rapeseed Oil
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C.L.; Reece, D.L.; Hammond, B. J.; Thompson, J.C. 1994. Emissions Tests with an On-Road Vehicle Fueled with Methyl and Ethyl Esters of Rapeseed Oil. .
Comprehensive tests were performed on an on-road vehicle in cooperation with the Los Angees County Metropolitan Transit Authority emissions testing facility. Tests included both arterial and EPA heavy duty vehicle cycles. Rapeseed methyl and ethyl esters and blends were compared with a low sulfur diesel control fuel. Data included hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter. - Processing, Characterization and Performance of Eight Fuels from Lipids
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Reece, D. L.; Hammond, B. J.; Thompson, J. C. 1994. Processing, Characterization and Performance of Eight Fuels from Lipids. .
Test quantities of ethyl and methyl esters of four renewable fuels were processed, characterized and performance tested. Canola, rapeseed, soybean oils, and beef tallow were the feedstocks for the methyl and ethyl esters. Previous results have shown methyl esters to be a suitable replacement for diesel fuel; however, much less has been known about the ethyl esters. A complete set of fuel properties and a comparison of each fuel in engine performance tests are reported. The study examines short term engine tests with both methyl and ethyl ester fuels compared to number 2 diesel fuel (D2). Three engine performance tests were conducted including an engine mapping procedure, an injector coking screening test, and an engine power study. - Toxicology, Biodegradability and Environmental Benefits of Biodiesel
AbstractFull Article Download Citationpeterson, C.; Reece, D. 1994. Toxicology, Biodegradability and Environmental Benefits of Biodiesel. .
Study Conclusions: The data reported in this paper shows levels of safety, biodegradability, toxicity and emissions. 1. Biodiesel is safer because the flashpoint is over 100 degrees F higher than that of diesel. 2. Biodegradability of rape esters was higher than the biodegradability of reference dextrose and much higher than diesel fuel. 3. Toxicity of Biodiesel was at least 15 times less than diesel and probably even much less than that. 4. Emissions results for 100 percent ester compared with diesel control fuel show a 53% reduction in HC, a 50% reduction in CO, 10% reduction in NOX and 13.6% increase in PM. A slight drop in PM was observed with a 20 percent ester/80 percent diesel blend. - A Report on the Idaho On-Road Vehicle Test with RME and Neat Rapeseed Oil as an Alternative to Diesel Fuel.
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C.L.; Reece, D. 1993. A Report on the Idaho On-Road Vehicle Test with RME and Neat Rapeseed Oil as an Alternative to Diesel Fuel. . .
Biodiesel is among many biofuels being considered in the United States for alternative fueled vehicles. The use of this fuel can reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil and help improve air quality by reducing gaseous and particulate emissions. Researchers at the Department of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Idaho have pioneered rapeseed oil as a diesel fuel substitute. Although UI has conducted many laboratory and tractor tests using raw rapeseed oil and rape methyl ester (RME), these fuels have not been proven viable for on-road applications. A biodiesel demonstration project has been launched to show the use of biodiesel in on-road vehicles. Two diesel powered pickups are being tested on 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent diesel. The other is powered by a 5.9 liter turbocharged and intercooled engine. This engine is direct injected and is being run on 20 percent RME and 80 percent diesel. The other is powered by a 7.3 liter, naturally aspirated engine. This engine has a precombustion chamber and is being operated on 20 percent raw rapeseed oil and 80 percent diesel. The engines themselves are unmodified, but modifications have been made to the vehicles for the convenience of the test. In order to give maximum vehicle range, fuel mixing is done on-board. Two tanks are provided, one for diesel and one for biodisel. Electric fuel pumps supply fuel to a combining chamber for correct proportioning. The biodiesel fuel tanks are heated with a heat exchanger which utilizes engine coolant circulation. - Potential of Vegetable Oil as a Transportation Fuel
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, Charles L.; Reece, D. 1993. Potential of Vegetable Oil as a Transportation Fuel. .
The esters of vegetable oils (Biodiesel) have potential as direct replacements for diesel fuel in compression ignition engines. This paper discusses fuel properties, short and long term engines tests, production, processing and economics of these renewable, alternative fuels. Most tractor manufacturers in Europe now extend their warranties to cover Biodiesel. Biodiesel is produced through a simple process that can be carried out in large industrial plants, in small rural cooperative size plants, or on the farm. University of Idaho scientists have developed improved rape varities, processing systems and have experimented with the fuel in many engine tests. Additional work is needed before the fuel can be commercially acceptable. Major limitations are total production (which, in the U.S., is limited to about 10 percent of diesel fuel use or about the amount of diesel we use in agriculture) and the increased cost compared to petroleum based fuels. - Rapeseed Oil as Diesel Fuel, an Overview
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Brown, J.; Guerra, D.; Drown, D. C.; Withers, R. V. 1993. Rapeseed Oil as Diesel Fuel, an Overview. .
For more than a decade, Idaho researchers have been evaluating the potential of vegetable oil based fuels as a diesel substitute. The investigations began by using unmodified vegetable oils in diesel engines, then progressed to the use of modified vegetable oil through the transesterification process. The fuel production process was identified, developed, optimized, evaluated and improved. The oilseeds used for the process are from several cultivars of rapeseed developed by Idaho workers and grown locally. - A Comparison of Ethyl and Methyl Esters of Vegetables Oil as Diesel Fuel Substitutes in Liquid Fuels from Renewable Resources
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Reece, D. L.; Cruz, R.; Thompson, J. 1992. A Comparison of Ethyl and Methyl Esters of Vegetables Oil as Diesel Fuel Substitutes in Liquid Fuels from Renewable Resources. .
Rapeseed oil and ethanol are renewable, agriculturally produced products which give the ethyl ester of rapeseed oil a significant appeal as a diesel fuel. The methyl ester has been shown to be a suitable replacement for diesel fuel; however, much less has been known about the ethyl ester. This study examines processses which might be used to devlop a simple ethyl ester process similar to that used with methyl ester and reports on both short and long term engine tests with both fuels compared to No. 2 diesel fuel (D2). Ethyl esters form emulsions when washed with water at room temperature and thus both acid washing and unwashed fuels were evaluated. The gross heat contents of biodiesel were 9 to 13 percent lower than D2. The viscosities of biodiesel were twice that of diesel. The cloud and pour points of D2 were significantly lower than the biodiesel fuels. The biodiesel fuels produced slightly lower power and torque and higher fuel consumption than D2. - Biodiesel Production at the Agricultural Engineering Department University of Idaho Ethyl Ester Process
AbstractSearch Article Download CitationDepartment, Biological Engineering 1992. Biodiesel Production at the Agricultural Engineering Department University of Idaho Ethyl Ester Process. .
- Biodiesel Production at the Agricultural Engineering Department University of Idaho Modified Methyl Ester Process
AbstractFull Article Download CitationDepartment, Biological Engineering 1992. Biodiesel Production at the Agricultural Engineering Department University of Idaho Modified Methyl Ester Process. .
- Batch Type Transesterification Process for Winter Rape Oil
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Feldman, M.; Korus, R.; Auld, D. L. 1991. Batch Type Transesterification Process for Winter Rape Oil. American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 7(6)
The methyl etser of winter rape (MEWR) has been found to be a potentially useful substitute for diesel fuel. This article discusses the procedure used to produce MEWR for use as a diesel fuel substitute. Reaction variables, rates, equipment, and detailed procedures for making 756 L (200 gal) batches of MEWR are discussed. Systems for methanol and glycerol recovery are included. Zero profit economic data are also presented. - Durability Testing of Transesterfied Winter Rape Oil (Brassica Napus L.) as Fuel in Small Bore, Multi-Cylinder, DI, CI Engines.
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPerkins, L. A.; Peterson, C. L.; Auld, D. L. 1991. Durability Testing of Transesterfied Winter Rape Oil (Brassica Napus L.) as Fuel in Small Bore, Multi-Cylinder, DI, CI Engines. . .
This paper reports on a 1000 hour EMA alternative fuels test that was performed to evaluate compression ignition engine durability when fueled with methyl ester of winter reapeseed oil and number 2 diesel - methyl ester of winter rapeseed oil blends. - Technical Overview of Vegetable Oil as a Transportation Fuel
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C.L.; Auld, D. L. 1991. Technical Overview of Vegetable Oil as a Transportation Fuel. .
The esters of vegetable oils are renewable, alternative fuels which have potential as direct replacements for diesel fuel in compression ignition engines. Vegetable oils have energy contents about 10 percent less than diesel on a mass basis. They have higher molecular weights, viscosity, density and flash point than diesel fuel. When vegetable oil esters are compared to diesel fuel in engine tests, power and fuel consumption are in nearly direct proportion to the energy content of the fuels. Thermal efficiencies have been shown to be slightly higher, thought to be a result of the oxygenation of the fuel. - Agriculturally Produced Fuels
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L. ; Casada, M. E.; Safley Jr., L. M.; Broder, J. D.; Perkins, L.; Auld, D. L. 1990. Agriculturally Produced Fuels. .
The United States is almost totally dependent upon petroleum for its liquid energy source. Stout (1984) reports that 71.5 percent of our total energy is from oil and natual gas while only 2 percent comes from biomass. In 1989, the U.S. used about 3.2 million barrels/day of distillate fuel and 7.4 million barrels/day of gasoline. For agriculturally produced renewable fuels to make a significant contribution to this mammoth energy use would require the use of every forseeable alternative energy source which can be developed. This paper will report in the status and contribution of three widely discussed alternative fuels from agriculture: vegetable oil, alcohol and methane. - Combustion of Winter Rape Products in a Residential Stove
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Thompson, J.; Feldman, M. E.; Vander Griend, L. 1990. Combustion of Winter Rape Products in a Residential Stove. American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 6(4)
The characteristics of winter rapeseed have been investigated to determine its potential as a fuel in residential stoves. The study included the plant residue and the seed meal which remains after removal of the oil with a mechanical press. Dwarf Essex, a variety grown for industrial applications, was pelleted for use in combustion tests. A commercially produced residential pellet stove was used to determine the emissions characteristics and the long term effects of the direct combustion of winter rape products. - Modeling Combustion of Alternate Fuels in a DI Diesel Engine Using KIVA
AbstractFull Article Download CitationVander Griend, L.; Feldman, M. E.; Peterson, C. L. 1990. Modeling Combustion of Alternate Fuels in a DI Diesel Engine Using KIVA. Transactions of the ASAE. 33(2) 9
The KIVA engine simulation developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory was used to characterize the combustion of alternate fuels in a direct injection diesel engine. The fuels included the oil of winter rapeseed and its methyl ester. The engine parameters and the fuel properties used in the simulations are described. Output is compared to measured pressure traces. Simulation results are good for the methyl ester and for hexadecane which was used as a reference fuel. The KIVA model predicted lower pressures for the rape oil than those which were experiementally observed. - Transesterification of Vegetable Oil for Use as a Diesel Fuel
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Cruz, R.; Perkins, L.; Korus, R.; Auld, D. L. 1990. Transesterification of Vegetable Oil for Use as a Diesel Fuel. .
The methyl ester or winter rape (MEWR) has been found to be a potentially useful substitute for diesel fuel. This paper discusses the procedure used to produce MEWR for use as a diesel fuel substitute. Reaction variables, rates, equipment and detailed procedures for making 756 1 (200 gal) batches of MEWR. Systems for methanol and glycerol recovery are discussed. Zero profit economic data are also presented. - Diesel Engine Durability When Fueled with Methyl Ester of Winter Rapeseed Oil
AbstractFull Article Download CitationZhang, Q.; Feldman, M.; Peterson, C.L. 1988. Diesel Engine Durability When Fueled with Methyl Ester of Winter Rapeseed Oil. .
Methyl ester of winter rapeseed oil is more suitable as a diesel fuel substitute than pure rapeseed oil. The ester has a lower viscosity and a higher cetane rating. This paper reports on two replicates of 200-hour EMA (Engine Manufacturer's Association) screening tests which were performed to evaluate engine durability when methyl ester of winter rapeseed oil is used as fuel. - Direct Combustion of Winter Rape Products
AbstractFull Article Download CitationVander Griend, L.; Feldman, M.; Peterson, C.L.; Thompson, J. 1988. Direct Combustion of Winter Rape Products. .
The characteristics of winter rapeseed have been investigated to determine its potential as a fuel in residential stoves. The study included the plant residue and the seed meal which remains after removal of the oil through expression. Dwarf Essex, a variety grown for industrial applications, was pelleted for use in combustion tests. A commercially produced residential pellet stove was used to determine the emissions characteristics and the long term effects of the direct combustion of winter rape prodcuts. - Properties of Rape Oil and Its Methyl Ester Relevant to Combustion Modeling
AbstractFull Article Download CitationVander Griend, L.; Feldman, M.; Peterson, C.L. 1988. Properties of Rape Oil and Its Methyl Ester Relevant to Combustion Modeling. .
Several properties of rapeseed oil and its methyl ester were determined. The results of these tests and data from other sources are presented to provide a compilation of properties useful in combustion modeling. The droplet size distributions under diesel engine injection conditions are presented. - Use of Vegetable Oil as a Fuel in Time of Emergency
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Korus, R. A.; Auld, D. L. 1988. Use of Vegetable Oil as a Fuel in Time of Emergency. .
Routine use of vegetable oil as a replacement for diesel fuel is not yet recommended, but in an emergency, vegetable oil could be used as a subsitiute for diesel fuel. However, the engine operator should be aware that engine damage may result -- filter plugging, cold starting problems, injector coking, formation of carbon deposits in the combustion chamber and contamination of the lubricating oil. - Winter Rape as an Alternative Source of Fuel
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C.L.; Korus, R.A.; Auld, D. L. 1988. Winter Rape as an Alternative Source of Fuel. .
At the University of Idaho, research is being directed at using rapeseed as a fuel -- oil as a diesel fuel substitute and the meal and plant biomass as a woodstove or boiler feedstock. Use of vegetable oil as a fuel has been underway since 1979 when a blend of sunflower and diesel was used to power an agricultural tractor. Since that time most of the work has concentrated on winter rape oil as a replacement for diesel fuel. This highly saturated oil has consistently, in our tests, been superior to other vegetable oils as a possible engine fuel. - Fumigation with Propane and Transesterification Effects on Injector Coking with Vegetable Oil Fuels
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; A. Korus, R.; G. Mora, P.; P. Madsen, J. 1987. Fumigation with Propane and Transesterification Effects on Injector Coking with Vegetable Oil Fuels. Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health. 30(1) 28
A series of short term test cycles with a direct injection CI engine were used to determine the relative merits of fumigation with propane and transesterification in reducing injector coking problems that occur with the use of vegetable oil fuels. The test procedure outlined is suggested as a rapid method for screening alternative fuels. The engine injectors are used as a measure of engine deposits resulting from use of fuels. A fixed nominal rate of 10% fumigation with propane was investigated in an attempt to reduce injector coking with oleic and linoleic safflower oils. Variable nominal rates of 5, 10 and 15% propane fumigation were used in an effort to reduce injector coking with winter rape oil. Linoleic safflower ester, oleic safflower ester and high erucic acid rapeseed ester were also compared with No. 2 diesel fuel in a separate test to determine the relative importance of esterification and level of unsaturation on injector coking. The 10% propane fumigation reduced injector coking caused by oleic safflower oil by 64%, to a level not significantly different from diesel fuel. Ten percent fumigation did not significantly reduce injector coking caused by linoleic safflower oil. The 10% nominal rate of fumigation reduced injector coking caused by winter rape oil by 21%, the 15% nominal rate had no significant effect, and the 5% nominal rate increased coking. Linoleic safflower ester and rapeseed ester used as fuels formed significantly lesser and equal amounts of injector deposits, respectively, than the diesel fuel standard. Oleic safflower ester resulted in the formation of significantly more deposits than diesel fuel. Except when using the ester, the engine fueled with vegetable oil exhibited power and torque characteristics similar to that when fueled with number 2 diesel. The reduction in power and torque experienced with ester fuels was expected based on the decreased heat of combustion values. - EMA Test Cycle Evaluation of a Winter Rape Oil-Diesel Blend with Fumigation
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C.L.; Stibal, W.T.; Mora, P.G. 1986. EMA Test Cycle Evaluation of a Winter Rape Oil-Diesel Blend with Fumigation. .
Following short term injector coking analysis which indicated that propane fumigation may have some benfit in reducing engine deposits, EMA test cycle 200-hour evaluations were conducted. Two different engines were used in the tests. The first two tests were conducted with two-cylinder, air-cooled, direct injection engines and the third test with three cylinder, direct injection, water-cooled engines. Fuels used in each test included two engines operated on a blend of 50 percent winter rape and 50 percent diesel with the third engine having the same main fuel plus a nominal rate of 10 percent propane fumigation. - Vegetable Oil as a Diesel Fuel: Status and Research Priorities
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L. 1986. Vegetable Oil as a Diesel Fuel: Status and Research Priorities. Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health. 29(5) 1413
A review of the current status of vegetable oils as a possible substitute for diesel fuel is presented. Topics considered include identification of high oil bearing crops, oil processing and storage, results of short and long term engine tests, use of transesterification of vegetable oils and microemulsions, emissions, economics, and priorities for additional research. Results indicate that highly saturated oils could be used in a blend with diesel in emergencies, however, engine life would be reduced and maintenance costs would be increased. Vegetable oil esters are possibly a direct substitute for diesel fuel; low temperature operation and corrosiveness are problems. Vegetable oil esters are more expensive than petroleum based fuels at the present time. Future research priorities are discussed. - A Rapid Engine Test to Measure Injector Fouling in Diesel Engines Using Vegetable Oil Fuels
AbstractFull Article Download CitationKorus, R.A.; Jo, J.; Peterson, C.L. 1985. A Rapid Engine Test to Measure Injector Fouling in Diesel Engines Using Vegetable Oil Fuels. JAOCS. 62(11)
Short engine tests were used to determine the rate of carbon deposition on direct injection diesel nozzles. Winter rape, high-oleic and high linoleic safflower belnds with 50% diesel were tested for carbon deposit and compared to that with D-2 Diesel Control Fuel. Deposits were greatest with the most unsaturated fuel, high-linoleic safflower, and least with winter rape. All vegetable oil blends developed power similar to diesel fueled engines with a 6 to 8% greater fuel consumption. - The Effect of Fumigation and Transesterification on Injector Coking
AbstractFull Article Download CitationMora, P.G.; Peterson, C. L. 1985. The Effect of Fumigation and Transesterification on Injector Coking. .
A series of short term test cycles with a direct injection CI engine were used to determine the relative merits of fumigation and transesterification in reducing injector coking problems that occur with the use of vegetable oil fuels. A fixed nominal rate of 10% fumigation with propane was investigated in an attempt to reduce injector coking with Oleic and Linoleic Safflower oils. Variable nominal rates of 5, 10, and 15% propane fumigation were used in an effort to reduce injector coking with Winter Rape oil. - Effect of Vegetable Oil Fatty Acid Composition on Engine Deposits
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Auld, D. L.; Korus, R. A. 1984. Effect of Vegetable Oil Fatty Acid Composition on Engine Deposits . .
High oleic safflower and high linoleic safflower were selected for utilization in an EMA test cycle evaluation of the effect of vegetable oil unsaturation level on engine deposits. Six individual engines, two on diesel, and two on each of the vegetable oils, have been utilized in the tests. The oils were also tested in short term performance test. In summary, engines operated on the oleic oils did have somewhat less engine deposits at the conclusion of the tests than did the two operated on linoleic safflower, but both were high in deposits when compared to the engines operated on diesel fuel. - Experiments with vegetable oil expression
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Auld, D. L.; Thompson, J. C. 1983. Experiments with vegetable oil expression. Transactions of the ASAE. 26(5) 1298-1302
University of Idaho seed processing research in centered about a CeCoCo oil expeller. A seed preheater-auger, seed bin, meal auger, and oil pump have been constructed to complete the system, which is automated and instrumented. Extracted oil weight, meal weight, process temperature, and input energy are all recorded during operation. The oil is transferred to tanks where it settles for 48 h or more. It is then pumped through a filtering system and stored ready to be used as an engine fuel. The equipment has processed over 11,000 kg of seed with an average extraction efficiency of 78% . Winter rape, safflower, and sunflower have been the principle crops used in the study. - Vegetable Oil Substitutes for Diesel Fuel
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Wagner, G. L.; Auld, D. L. 1983. Vegetable Oil Substitutes for Diesel Fuel. ASAE. 26(2) 7
- Winter Rape Oil Fuel for Diesel Engines: Recovery and Utilization
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Auld, D. L.; Korus, R. A. 1983. Winter Rape Oil Fuel for Diesel Engines: Recovery and Utilization. JAOCS. 60(8)
Although vegetable oil cannot yet be recommended as a fuel for general use, considerable progress in recovery and use of rapeseed oil (Brassica napus L.) for diesel operation has been made. Operation of a small-scale screwpress plant (40 kg/hr) was demonstrated. Maintenance of screw and end rings was a major problem. The plant has operated with a recovery efficiency of 77% and has processed 10,100 kg of seed in 230 hr. High viscosity of the rapeseed oil and its tendency to polymeriz within the cylinder were major chemical and physical problems encountered. Attempts to reduce the viscosity of the vegetable oil by preheating the fuel were not successful in sufficiently increasing the temperature of the fuel at the injector to be of value. Short-term engine performance with vegetable oils as a fuel in any proportion show power output and fuel consumption to be equivalent to the diesel-fueled engines. Severe engine damage occurred in a very short time period in tests of maximum power with varying engine rpm. Additional torque tests with all blends need to be conducted. A blend of 70/30 winter rape and No. 1 diesel has been used successfully to power a small single-cylinder diesel engine for 850 hr. No adverse wear, effect on lubricating oil or effect on power output were noted. - A Microcomputer Based Data Acquisition/Control System for Endurance Testing with Vegetable Oil Fuels
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C.L.; Wagner, G.L. 1982. A Microcomputer Based Data Acquisition/Control System for Endurance Testing with Vegetable Oil Fuels. .
Three hydraulic load stands equipped with Wisconsin 1.0 L air cooled, direct injection engines have been constructed and are being operated with a Hewlett-Packard 05F microcomputer and 3054 Data Logger. The computer will control both the test cyclee, according to the Engine Manufacturers Association Guidelines, and analyze and collect the data on-line. - Extraction and Utilization of Winter Rape (Brassica Napus) as a Diesel Fuel Extender
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C.L.; Thompson, J.C.; Wagner, G.L.; Auld, D. L.; Korus, R.A. 1982. Extraction and Utilization of Winter Rape (Brassica Napus) as a Diesel Fuel Extender. .
Most of the winter rape in the United States is grown in the Palouse area of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. Even though the total acreage is presently small, the adaptability of the crop, yield of oil per acre, and low iodine number make it an attractive source of emergency fuel to guarantee the continued agricultural production of the area in case of a petroleum shortage. The varieties of winter rape presently grown are high in erucic acid, high in glucosinolates, and the oild produced has a viscosity about 17 times that of diesel fuel. These factors present problems requiring special consideration if winter rape is to be economically and reliably used as a fuel. The University of Idaho program on this oil is interdisciplinary involving plant scientists, chemical and agricultural engineers, animal scientists and agricultural economists seeking solutions to production, extraction, and utilization of both oil and meal. - Fuel Characteristics of Vegetable Oil from Oilseed Crops in the Pacific Northwest
AbstractFull Article Download CitationBettis, B.L.; Peterson, C.L.; Auld, D. L.; Driscoll, D.J.; Peterson, E.D. 1982. Fuel Characteristics of Vegetable Oil from Oilseed Crops in the Pacific Northwest. Agronomy Journal. 745
The purpose of this research was to evaluate vegetable oil from various oilseed crops addapted to the Pacific Northwest as a potential source of liquid fuel for diesel engines. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), oleic and linoleic safflower (Carthamus tinctorious L.), and low and high erucic acid rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) oils were evaluated for fatty acid composition, energy content, viscosity, and engine performance in short term tests. During 20 minute engine tests power output, fuel economy and thermal efficiency were compared to diesel fuel. The long term effects of using linoleic safflower oil as a fuel was evaluated in a single cylinder diesel engine operated for 830 hours. - Quality of Vegetable Oil From a Small-Scale Extraction Plant
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C. L.; Thompson, J. C.; Auld, D. L. 1982. Quality of Vegetable Oil From a Small-Scale Extraction Plant. .
University of Idaho seed processing research is centered about a CeCoCo oil expeller. A seed pre-heater auger, seed bin, meal auger, and oil pump have been constructed to complete the system, which is automated and instrumented. The press, preheater, cake removal auger, and oil transfer pump are tied into a central panel where energy use is measured and the process controlled. Extracted oil weight, meal weight, process temperature, and input energy are all recorded during operation. The oil is transferred to tanks where it settles for 48 hours or more. It is then pumped through a filtering system and stored ready to be used as an engine fuel. The plant has processed over 11,000 kg of seed with an average extraction efficiency of 78 percent. - Vegetable Oils--Renewable Fuels for Diesel Engines
AbstractFull Article Download CitationPeterson, C.L. 1980. Vegetable Oils--Renewable Fuels for Diesel Engines. .
Sunflower, safflower and winter rape have been evaluated for suitability as substitures for diesel fuel. Performace data taken frm a laboratory test stand is presented. Endurance testing is in progress.