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Kass, Michael

Publications and source records attributed to Kass, Michael.

At least 19 records

Biofuels as Heavy Fuel Oil Substitutes in the Maritime Sector: Findings and Potential Pathways

The United States Department of Energy has commissioned four national laboratories to evaluate the feasibility of biofuels in the maritime sector. This effort is briefly described including the overall project goals, structure and aims. The large two-stroke crosshead engines used to power large merchant vessels were of particular interest since they can burn lower combustion quality fuels relative to four-stroke engines. This characteristic allows for consideration of pyrolysis oils and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) oils which are feedstock agnostic and, in the raw state, are more economical compared to distillate drop-in fuels. Pyrolysis and HTL oils are collectively known as bio-intermediates since they require additional processing for use in distillate fuel systems. The key limiting feature is that these bio-intermediate fuels will cause asphaltene precipitation when blended with heavy fuel oils (HFOs) such as very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) unless they are upgraded to remove water and oxygenates. Economics are the key driver at this point in time, and preliminary techno-economic analyses (TEAs) indicate that bio-intermediates have potentially lower cost relative to other biofuels such as biodiesel and renewable diesel. Additionally, life cycle analyses (LCAs) of feedstocks and pathways show the life cycle carbon reduction benefit relative to heavy fuel oils. In addition to TEA and LCA results, we also present on the technical feasibility of these fuels. These studies have focused on the properties of biofuel blends with VLSFO that are critical to the fuel systems of maritime vessels fueled with HFOs. These properties include the compatibility with fuel system metals, viscosity, and blend stability. Aging studies with blends of VLSFO with biodiesel, HTL, and pyrolysis oils are also presented. Future efforts being planned to conduct additional biofuel testing, including the use of biofuels as pilot fuels in zero carbon shipping options fueled with ammonia and methanol, ship-based demonstrations, and bioresource competition studies.

Kass, Michael↗

Republic of Korea–United States Green Shipping Corridor Prefeasibility Study: Cargo Flows

This prefeasibility study, as a part of the decarbonization efforts through the Mission Innovation Zero Emission Shipping Mission, was conducted to provide a high-level assessment of the opportunities and challenges in planning and implementing green shipping corridors between major commercial seaports in the United States of America (USA) and the Republic of Korea (ROK). For each country, three major ports were included in the scope of this study: Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett (all in Washington State) for the USA and Busan, Ulsan, and Masan for the ROK. This prefeasibility study report focuses on describing operation characteristics of major vessel and cargo flows between the two countries. Vessel shipments directly affect energy use and demand. Therefore, it is critically important to understand which major vessel types and cargo types are operated or transported within the selected scope and to identify potential target segments for green shipping. Furthermore, this prefeasibility study also discusses limitations and additional assessments that need to be further analyzed in the next stage of the feasibility study. The summary findings and observations discussed in this report are not intended to be used to determine the final target corridors, but to guide later, deeper assessments of their potential impacts and challenges. In the following section, the data sources used in this study are discussed. Section 0 shows the overall vessel trades between the USA and ROK, considering all ports in the two countries. Then, a more detailed analysis by vessel type and cargo flow is presented in Sections 3–6 based on only the three-to-three ports between the two countries. Finally, Section 7 summarizes the findings with suggested target segmentations for the vessel types and discusses other limitations to be considered during the later feasibility stage.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Lubricant impacts on piston deposit formation in the Enterprise marine diesel research engine

The impact of lubricant formulation on piston deposits was studied using the Enterprise, a reduced-scale, single-cylinder, two-stroke crosshead marine diesel research engine. The Enterprise engine was specially designed for marine diesel lubricant research, with a custom reduced-scale cylinder lubricant injection system and extensive instrumentation of thermal boundary conditions on both the liner and piston. Lubricant conditions typical of full-scale marine diesel engines are obtained by matching mean piston speed, liner temperature profile, and combustion metrics to realistic values.Piston deposit thicknesses were measured after a set period of operation, with a focus on lubricant-based deposits on the lands and ring grooves, using both optical and contact-based measurement techniques. Engine operation for each lubricant was conducted according to a standardized protocol, with precise control of engine speed and load, cylinder lubricant injection rate, coolant temperatures, and system oil temperature; the liner and piston temperatures are continuously monitored during operation. After operation with each lubricant was completed, the engine was disassembled, and the piston and ring deposits were characterized. The piston was then thoroughly cleaned, and the lubricant system flushed, between each lubricant formulation being evaluated. The impacts on piston deposits of the lubricants being evaluated can thus be accurately quantified and are described herein.

Kaul, Brian↗

Fabrication of Black Body Grids by Thick Film Printing for Quantitative Neutron Imaging

Neutron imaging offers deep penetration through many high-Z materials while also having high sensitivity to certain low-Z isotopes such as 1H, 6Li, and 10B. This unique combination of properties has made neutron imaging an attractive tool for a wide range of material science and engineering applications. However, measurements made by neutron imaging or tomography are generally qualitative in nature due to the inability of detectors to discriminate between neutrons which have been transmitted through the sample and neutrons which are scattered by the sample or within the detector. Recent works have demonstrated that deploying a grid of small black bodies (BBs) in front of the sample can allow for the scattered neutrons to be measured at the BB locations and subsequently subtracted from the total measured intensity to yield a quantitative transmission measurement. While this method can be very effective, factors such as the scale and composition of the sample, the beam divergence, and the resolution and construction of the detector may require optimization of the grid design to remove all measurement biases within a given experimental setup. Therefore, it is desirable to have a method by which BB grids may be rapidly and inexpensively produced such that they can easily be tailored to specific applications. In this work, we present a method for fabricating BB patterns by thick film printing of Gd2O3 and evaluate the performance with variation in feature size and number of print layers with cold and thermal neutrons.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Electrochemical Corrosion Analysis of Stainless Steels in LALM Pyrolysis Bio-Oil with Organic Corrodents

Pyrolysis bio-oils are corrosive to low alloy steels, e.g., 2.25Cr-1Mo, 5Cr-1Mo, and 9Cr-1Mo grades. To identify the alloys with sufficient bio-oil compatibility, several commercial stainless steels were examined in bio-oil using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to semi quantitatively assess their corrosion resistance. Low-Ash Low-Moisture (LALM) bio-oil, produced from a forest residue feedstock by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, CO, was used as a test liquid for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Three organic corrodents, formic acid, catechol, and lactobionic acid, were added into LALM bio-oil to produce test liquids with intentionally increased corrosivity. Corrosion reaction resistance, determined from the impedance data, was used to evaluate the corrosion compatibility of each stainless steel in LALM bio-oil and LALM bio-oil + organic corrodent(s). The results from corrosion reaction resistance indicated that the critical Cr content of stainless steels for corrosion resistance would be greater than 14 wt % if Ni and Mo contents are low but can be as low as 12–13 wt % with appreciable amounts of Ni and Mo.

Jun, Jiheon↗

Impact of Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel, 1-Octanol, Dibutoxymethane, n-Undecane, Hexyl hexanoate and 2-Nonanone with Infrastructure Plastics as Blends with Diesel

In this work the volume and hardness were measured for thermoplastics and thermosetting resins with diesel containing up to 30% of the following blend stocks: biodiesel, renewable diesel, n-undecane, dibutoxymethane, 1-octanol, hexyl hexanoate, and 2-nonanone. Thermoplastics included polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyoxymethylene (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), nylons, acetals, polyetherimide (PEI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a PET co-polymer, polyphthalamides (PPAs), polyarylamide (PARA) and ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE). Three thermosetting resins were also evaluated. The material specimens were exposed to the test fuels under ambient conditions for 16 weeks. In general, the volume and hardness of the specimens were relatively unaffected following exposure to the test fuels; however, n-undecane produced significant swelling in polypropylene and may not be suitable for use with this material. N-undecane, along with hexyl hexanoate and 2-nonanone also caused low levels of swelling in nylon, which was not significant enough to preclude the use of nylons in sealing applications with these fuels.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Biofuel Viability for the Ocean-Going Marine Sector

Marine transport contributes significantly to global carbon dioxide emissions but is one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonize because full electrification is infeasible. Renewable, low–carbon biofuels offer a potential path to decarbonization of the marine sectors but the understanding of the effects of new biofuels on engine performance and emissions is limited. In this document we report on the results of a series of studies on the techno-economic, life cycle and technical feasibility of biofuels as replacements for heavy fuel oils currently used to fuel large ocean-going vessels.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Swell Behavior of Elastomers with a Hydrothermal Liquefaction Bio-Crude and a Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oil

The compatibility of seventeen elastomer materials with two heavy biofuels (fast pyrolysis bio-oil and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) bio-crude) and diesel was assessed through volume change measurements. The elastomers included two fluorocarbons, six acrylonitrile rubbers (NBRs), and one each of fluorosilicone, neoprene, polyurethane, silicone, epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), a blend of polyvinyl chloride and NBR (OZO), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), hydrogenated NBR (HNBR) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). The specimens were immersed in each test fuel for four weeks at 50°C and then measured for volume change. Afterwards, the specimens were dried, and the volume was remeasured. Ingeneral, the bio-oil produced unacceptable swelling in the fluoroelastomers, ECO, OZO, neoprene, polyurethane, SBR, HNBR, EPDM, silicone and five of the NBRs. In most cases, the HTL bio-crude produced lower (though still unacceptable) swelling than the bio-oil. Materials that showed good compatibility with the HTL biocrude were the fluoroelastomers, OZO, and silicone.

Kass, Michael↗

Corrosion Behavior of Alloy Structural Steels in Catechol and Biomass-Derived Pyrolysis Oils

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to assess the corrosion behavior of three steels, 2.25Cr-1Mo, 5Cr-1Mo and 9Cr-1Mo (UNS K21590, S50200 and K90941) in bio-oils and catechol, an organic constituent commonly found in bio-oils. Two types of biomass pyrolysis oils produced from selected forest residue feedstocks, classified as high-ash and high-moisture (HAHM) and low-ash and low-moisture (LALM) types and 10 wt.% catechol, were used to test the alloys. According to previous results, 10 wt.% catechol in a water and methanol mixture was corrosive to 2.25Cr-1Mo but not to 9Cr-1Mo, highlighting that increasing Cr content in the steels resulted in improved corrosion resistance. 5Cr-1Mo, a steel with an intermediate Cr content, was tested in catechol solutions to better estimate the critical value of Cr for corrosion resistance under these conditions. Also, the three alloys were tested in both HAHM and LALM bio-oils to assess corrosion susceptibility. For EIS measurements, a customized electrochemical setup was employed to minimize the ohmic path through the bio-oils. The corrosion susceptibility was evaluated by determining the resistance at the alloy-corrosive medium interface.

Jun, Jiheon↗

Evaluation of Corrosion Susceptibility of Structural Steels in Biomass Derived Pyrolysis Oil

Biomass derived pyrolysis oil is a promising renewable energy source. Due to the variety of biomass feedstocks, the bio-oils could contain a wide range of organic constituents which would provide unique corrosive environments for structural materials. A preliminary work exposed different classes of steels and stainless steels to selected organic constituents of biomass pyrolysis oils and found that corrosion susceptibility, assessed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), was prominent in the steels with Cr lower than 11 wt.%. Although this result suggests stainless steels will resist corrosion by certain organic constituents, it may not be sufficient to predict the corrosion performance in real bio-oils. Therefore, this study attempted electrochemical measurements on Cr-alloyed steels and stainless steels directly exposed to a biomass derived pyrolysis oil. To overcome the low conductivity of bio-oils, a customized Luggin capillary was designed to minimize the ohmic path in bio-oils. The results of this work will be reported.

Jun, Jiheon↗

Long-Term Corrosion Studies of Pine Derived Bio-Oil and Blends with Heavy Fuel Oil

Biomass derived liquid fuels offer a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to those produced by combustion of petroleum derived liquid fuels. However, the corrosivity of bio-oils toward the less expensive structural materials creates a material selection problem for designers of storage tanks and combustion systems. Samples of candidate structural materials are being exposed for thousands of hours in multiple fast pyrolysis bio-oils and conditions to evaluate the corrosion resistance of these materials. One method to mitigate the corrosivity of bio-oils and speed their adoption, while also decreasing the pollution issues associated with low quality petroleum derived fuels, is to utilize blends of bio-oil and heavy fuel oil in engines currently solely burning a petroleum-based fuel. In addition to the corrosion studies conducted in 100% bio-oil, studies were also conducted with blends of the fast pyrolysis bio-oil produced from pine tree components with a heavy fuel oil that is used in ocean-going ships. This bio-oil had a very high carboxylic acid content which made it very corrosive to carbon and 2¼ Cr-1 Mo steel and even 409 stainless steel. The heavy fuel oil was not corrosive to carbon steel, but its sulfur content makes it a significant pollution producer and particularly undesirable for use near coastlines. Corrosion tests were conducted with the individual components and with various blends of the two liquid fuels. Studies showed a significantly lower corrosivity of the blends than would be projected assuming linear mixing behavior. Adoption of such blends holds the potential to reduce production of sulfur-containing exhaust gases as well as carbon dioxide from non-renewable fuels.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Long-Term Corrosion Studies Of Pine Derived Bio-Oil And Blends With Heavy Fuel Oil

Biomass derived liquid fuels offer a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to those produced by combustion of petroleum derived liquid fuels. However, the corrosivity of bio-oils toward the less expensive structural materials creates a material selection problem for designers of storage tanks and combustion systems. Samples of candidate structural materials are being exposed for thousands of hours in multiple fast pyrolysis bio-oils and conditions to evaluate the corrosion resistance of these materials. One method to mitigate the corrosivity of bio-oils and speed their adoption, while also decreasing the pollution issues associated with low quality petroleum derived fuels, is to utilize blends of bio-oil and heavy fuel oil in engines currently solely burning a petroleum-based fuel. In addition to the corrosion studies conducted in 100% bio-oil, studies were also conducted with blends of the fast pyrolysis bio-oil produced from pine tree components with a heavy fuel oil that is used in ocean-going ships. This bio-oil had a very high carboxylic acid content which made it very corrosive to carbon and 2¼ Cr-1 Mo steel and even 409 stainless steel. The heavy fuel oil was not corrosive to carbon steel, but its sulfur content makes it a significant pollution producer and particularly undesirable for use near coastlines. Corrosion tests were conducted with the individual components and with various blends of the two liquid fuels. Studies showed a significantly lower corrosivity of the blends than would be projected assuming linear mixing behavior. Adoption of such blends holds the potential to reduce production of sulfur-containing exhaust gases as well as carbon dioxide from non-renewable fuels.

Keiser, Jim↗

Integrated Strategies to Enable Lower-Cost Biofuels

This report summarizes the findings of a qualitative analysis to identify integrated strategies needed for more affordable biofuels. It outlines five key strategies needed to achieve lower fuel production costs in an integrated biorefinery and provides high-level research needs across the biofuel supply chain.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Performance of Vehicle Fuel System Elastomers and Plastics with Test Fuels Representing Gasoline Blended with 10% Ethanol (E10) and 16% Isobutanol (iBu16)

The compatibilities of fuel system elastomers and plastics were evaluated for test fuels containing 16 vol.% isobutanol (iBu16) and 10 vol.% ethanol (E10). Elastomers included two fluorocarbons, four acrylonitrile butadiene rubbers (NBRs), and one type of fluorosilicone, neoprene, and epichlorohydrin/ethylene oxide. Plastic materials included four nylon grades, three polyamides, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyoxymethylene (POM), flexible polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyetherimide (PEI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and a phenol formaldehyde reinforced with glass fiber (GFPF). For each polymer material, the volume, mass, and hardness were measured before and after drying. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) measurements were also performed on the dried specimens.For the elastomer materials the measured properties were similar for both fuels. The fluorocarbons and fluorosilicone swelled the least (~20%), while more moderate (20-45%) expansion occurred for the two NBR hose grades and (ECO). HNBR, neoprene, and silicone exhibited high swelling and softening, which likely precludes their use in many fuel systems. For the plastic materials, the observed swell was low; Nylon 11 swelled around 15%, but otherwise, their measured swell was <10%. Many of the plastics also showed sensitivity to alcohol type, as the E10 test fuel often imparted appreciably higher swell than iBu16. In general, the plastic materials showed good compatibility with the iBu16 and E10 test fuels. Here, the sole exception was the PVC material, which was structurally degraded from exposure to either fuel type. Compositional analysis showed high fuel retention in Nylon 12 and PVC. PVC also experienced a significant reduction in plasticizer compounds following exposure, which resulted in embrittlement and an increase in the glass-to-rubber transition temperature.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Compatibility of Elastomers with Polyoxymethylene Dimethyl Ethers and Blends with Diesel

Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (PODEs) have shown promise as candidates for diesel fuel blendstocks due to their low sooting tendency, high cetane number, and diesel-comparable boiling point range. However, there is a lack of literature regarding compatibility of PODEs with common automotive elastomers, which would be a prerequisite to their adoption into the marketplace. To address this need, an exposure study and complementary solubility analysis were undertaken. A commercially available blend of PODEs with polymerization degree ranging from 3 to 6 was blended with diesel certification fuel at 0, 33, 50, 67, at 100% by mass. Elastomer coupons were exposed to the various blends for a period of 4 weeks and evaluated for volume swell. The elastomer materials included multiple fluoroelastomers (Viton and fluorosilicone) and acrylonitrile butadiene rubbers (NBR), as well as neoprene, polyurethane, epichlorohydrin (ECO), PVC-nitrile blend (OZO), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and silicone. The exposure results indicated overall poor compatibility for PODE, with every elastomer except for fluorosilicone exhibiting greater than 30% volume swell at the 33% blend level. The general trend across the elastomers was either a consistent increase in volume swell with PODE concentration, or maximum in volume swell at an intermediate blend fraction. One notable exception is EPDM, which is not generally compatible with diesel fuel and which exhibited a reduction in volume swell with increasing PODE concentration. The same elastomers and PODE/diesel blends were evaluated using Hansen solubility parameter analysis, which predicted similar trends to the exposure study with the exception of ECO. From these results, we conclude that adoption of PODEs as a diesel fuel blendstock will require either the development of specialized elastomers, or that the blend fraction be kept to a low level to maintain compatibility with existing elastomers.

42 ENGINEERING↗