Synthetic Fuels and Biofuels: Questionable Replacements for Petroleum

Willauer, Heather D.; Mushrush, George W.; Bauserman, Joy W.; Williams, Frederick W.

doi:10.21236/ada493237

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…First-generation renewable fuels, such as bioethanol and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), are often blended with petroleum distillate fuels for use in motor vehicles . The diversion of food crops to first-generation renewable fuel production has proven to be a controversial issue; , moreover, corrosion of metallic parts in engines and long-term stability , have been identified as potential problems for renewable fuel blends. The shortcomings of first-generation renewable fuels have prompted research into new approaches that address these concerns.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chemical and Thermophysical Characterization of an Algae-Based Hydrotreated Renewable Diesel Fuel

et al. 2014

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Second-generation renewable fuels are synthesized through biochemical and thermochemical processes from nonfood biomass feedstock. The resultant fuels are similar to aliphatic synthetic fuels produced through the Fischer–Tropsch process, which contain mainly linear and lightly branched alkanes. We applied the advanced distillation curve method to an algae-based hydrotreated renewable naval distillate fuel (HRD-76) to measure its boiling temperature as a function of distillate volume fraction. Analysis of the bulk fuel sample through nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry showed the principal components to be linear and branched alkanes containing 14–18 carbon atoms. The speed of sound and density of the fuel were estimated from its composition and compared with experimental data measured with a density and sound speed analyzer. The estimates were within 5% of the experimental values. The boiling temperature, density, and composition data were used to estimate the calculated cetane index of the fuel. We also measured the cloud point of the fuel through a constant cooling rate method with optical detection of paraffin wax precipitation. The measured cloud point was consistent with reported values for hydrotreated renewable fuels, which tend to be higher than cloud points of diesel fuels derived from petroleum. The quantitative thermophysical and chemical data can be used to improve combustion modeling of HRD-76 and other second-generation renewable fuels.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chemical and Thermophysical Characterization of an Algae-Based Hydrotreated Renewable Diesel Fuel

et al. 2014

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“…Although petroleum-derived diesels are generally stable for relatively long periods, the addition of even small quantities of FAME will result in a significant decrease in the stability of the FAME/petroleum-derived diesel blend. Mushrush et al [8,21] studied the stability of three-component blends (ULSD, SME, and FT diesel). In this study, ASTM D5304 was used to evaluate the stability of the fuels.…”

Section: Journal Of Fuelsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Comparison of the Stability Performance of Blends of Paraffinic Diesel and Petroleum-Derived Diesel, with RME Biodiesel Using Laboratory Stability Measurement Techniques

et al. 2015

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In 2012, a new specification for synthetic fuels containing up to 7% biodiesel (FAME) was approved (CEN TS 15940). This specification allows the sale of neat paraffinic diesel, such as Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) diesel, to captive fleets in Europe. Several aspects are important in the final end-use application, including the stability of the fuel. The current study evaluated the stability of neat GTL diesel and FAME/paraffinic fuel blends via standard laboratory stability tests commonly used to study petroleum-derived fuels. The stability of GTL diesel, containing biodiesel, was evaluated using the Rancimat, PetroOxy, and ASTMD2274 tests. Selected samples were also evaluated using ASTM D5304. The Rancimat results indicated that FAME/GTL diesel blends performed similar to the FAME/petroleum derived fuel blends. In the PetroOxy test, the addition of more than 2 v/v% of a highly stable FAME resulted in an unexpected boost in the stability of the FAME/GTL diesel blend. The ASTM D2274 results were generally insensitive to the addition of FAME. The correlation between the PetroOxy and Rancimant tests was evaluated and found to be base fuel dependent. From this study it was concluded that GTL diesel (in blends with FAME) performed similar to petroleum-derived reference fuels in standard laboratory stability.

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Synthetic Fuels and Biofuels: Questionable Replacements for Petroleum

Cited by 2 publications

References 9 publications

Chemical and Thermophysical Characterization of an Algae-Based Hydrotreated Renewable Diesel Fuel

Chemical and Thermophysical Characterization of an Algae-Based Hydrotreated Renewable Diesel Fuel

A Comparison of the Stability Performance of Blends of Paraffinic Diesel and Petroleum-Derived Diesel, with RME Biodiesel Using Laboratory Stability Measurement Techniques

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