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At least 19 records

Performance and emissions characteristics of bio-diesel (B100)-ignited methane and propane combustion in a four cylinder turbocharged compression ignition engine

Different combustion strategies and fuel sources are needed to deal with increasing fuel efficiency demands and emission restrictions. One possible strategy is dual fueling using readily available resources. Propane and natural gas are readily available with the current infrastructure and biodiesel is growing in popularity as a renewable fuel. This paper presents experimental results from dual fuel combustion of methane (as a surrogate for natural gas) and propane as primary fuels with biodiesel pilots in a 1.9 liter, turbocharged, 4 cylinder diesel engine at 1800 rev/min. Experiments were performed with different percentage energy substitutions (PES) of propane and methane and at different brake mean effective pressures (BMEP/bmep). Brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and emissions (NOx, HC, CO, CO2, O2 and smoke) were also measured. Maximum PES levels for B100-methane dual fuelling were limited to 70% at 2.5 bar bmep and 48% at 10 bar bmep, and corresponding values for B100-propane dual fuelling were 64% and 43%, respectively. Maximum PES was limited by misfire at 2.5 bar bmep and the onset of engine knock at 10 bar bmep. Dual fuel BTEs approached straight B100 values at 10 bar bmep while they were significantly lower than B100 values at 2.5 bar bmep. In general dual fuelling was beneficial in reducing NOx and smoke emissions by 33% and 50%, respectively from baseline B100 levels; however, both CO and THC emissions were significantly higher than baseline B100 levels at all PES and loads.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Statistical Treatise on Critical Biodiesel (B100) Quality Properties in the United States from 2004-2022

The quality of neat biodiesel (B100) is critical for ensuring biodiesel blends used in diesel-powered vehicles do not adversely impact engine performance. In the United States, B100 is required to meet ASTM International's purity and fuel property requirements in D6751, "Standard Specification for Biodiesel Fuel Blend Stock (B100) for Middle Distillate Fuels." Here we review the development of this standard for the different grades of B100. The BQ-9000 program, which currently covers over 90% of U.S. and Canadian production volumes, is also described. Engine and original equipment manufacturers have expressed a desire for credible, third-party data on values of various ASTM B100 properties in the commercial market to inform their efforts to address future emissions and durability requirements. To address this need, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory published data from analysis and testing of monthly samples from BQ-9000 producers from calendar years 2017-2022, resulting in 300-500 data points (i.e., individual fuel samples) per year. These data and a statistical evaluation of properties including the average, mean, standard deviation, and 95th or 5th percentile are presented. The results show very consistent and high-quality B100 produced in this time frame. Additionally, we review the results of earlier quality surveys conducted in the United States between 2004 and 2011, revealing how quality has changed over time in response to ASTM standard revisions, as well as the significant overall improvement in quality for modern biodiesel production.

ASTM standard↗

The intravenous injection of oxidized LDL- or Apolipoprotein B100 – Coupled splenocytes promotes Th1 polarization in wildtype and Apolipoprotein E – Deficient mice

Background: Th1 responses in atherosclerosis are mainly associated with the aggravation of atherosclerotic plaques, whereas Th2 responses lead to a less pronounced disease in mouse models. The fixation of antigens on cells by means of ethylene carbodiimide (ECDI), and subsequent injection of these antigen-coupled splenocytes (Ag-SP) to induce tolerance against the attached antigens, has been successfully used to treat murine type 1 diabetes or encephalomyelitis in. We analyzed this approach in a mouse model for atherosclerosis. Methods and results: OTII-transgenic mice that were treated with a single dose of 5 × 10{sup 7} OVA-coupled splenocytes (OVA-SP), had decreased splenocyte proliferation, and lower IFNγ production in vitro upon antigen recall. However, in vivo CD4 cell activation was increased. To try lipoprotein-derived, “atherosclerosis-associated” antigens, we first tested human oxidized LDL. In wild type mice, an increase of IFNγ production upon in vitro recall was detected in the oxLDL-SP group. In Apolipoprotein E − deficient (ApoE−/−) mice that received oxLDL-SP every 5 weeks for 20 weeks, we did not find any difference of atherosclerotic plaque burden, but again increased IFNγ production. To overcome xenogenous limitations, we then examined the effects of mouse Apolipoprotein B100 peptides P3 and P6. ApoB100-SP treatment again promoted a more IFNγ pronounced response upon in vitro recall. Flow cytometry analysis of cytokine secreting spleen cells revealed CD4 positive T cells to be mainly the source for IFNγ. In ApoE−/− mice that were administered ApoB100-SP during 20 weeks, the atherosclerotic plaque burden in aortic roots as well as total aorta was unchanged compared to PBS treated controls. Splenocyte proliferation upon antigen recall was not significantly altered in ApoB100-SP treated ApoE−/− mice. Conclusion: Although we did not observe a relevant anti-atherosclerotic benefit, the treatment with antigen-coupled splenocytes in its present form already impacts the immune responses and deserves further exploration. - Highlights: • OVA-SP reduce leucocyte proliferation and IFNγ production in OTII mice. • oxLDL- and ApoB100-splenocytes unexpectedly promote a Th1 response. • Atherosclerotic plaques are unchanged through injections of oxLDL-SP or ApoB100-SP.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

B20 to B100 Blends as Heating Fuels

Biodiesel is mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from naturally occurring oils or fats which conform to ASTM D6751 specifications. Biodiesel refers to the pure fuel before blending with traditional distillate type petroleum-based fuels such as diesel fuel or home heating oil (petrodiesel). Biodiesel blends are denoted as, "BXX" with "XX" representing the percentage of biodiesel by volume contained in the blend (i.e.: B20 is 20% biodiesel, 80% petrodiesel). Biodiesel offers a near-term opportunity to displace petroleum-based heating oil with a low carbon, renewable fuel. Biodiesel can be made from a variety of domestically produced oils and fats such as commonly available vegetable oils or animal fats as well as other oils such as used frying oils, reclaimed distillers corn oil from ethanol plants, algal oils, etc. In the US, about half the biodiesel is made from soybean oil, with the remainder about evenly split between canola oil, animal fats, used cooking oils, and distillers corn oil.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Saturated Monoglyceride Polymorphism and Gel Formation of Biodiesel Blends

Crystallization or gel formation of normal paraffins in diesel fuel under cold weather conditions leading to fuel filter clogging is a common problem. Cold weather operability of biodiesel (B100) and blends with diesel fuel presents additional complexity because of the presence of saturated monoglycerides (SMGs) and other relatively polar species. Currently, the cloud point measurement (a measure of when the first component crystallizes out of solution) is used to define the lowest temperature at which the fuel can be used without causing cold weather issues. While filter plugging issues have declined, there still remain intermittent unexpected problems above the cloud point for biodiesel blends. Development of a fundamental understanding of how minor components in biodiesel crystallize, gel, and transform is needed in order to prevent these unexpected issues. We have found that SMGs, a low level impurity present in B100 from the production process, can crystallize out of solution and undergo a solvent-mediated polymorphic phase transformation to a more stable, less soluble form. This causes them to persist at temperatures above the cloud point once they have some out of solution. Additionally, we have found that SMGs can cause other more soluble, lower melting point minor components in the B100 to co-crystallize and come out of solution. Monoolein, another minor component from the production process is an unsaturated monoglyceride with a much lower melting point and higher solubility than SMGs. It is able to form a co-crystal with the SMGs and is found together with the SMGs on plugged filters we have analyzed in our laboratory. An observation of isolated crystals in the lab led us to believe that the SMGs may also be forming a gel-like network with components of the B100 and diesel fuel. During filtration experiments, we have noted that in some cases a solid layer of crystals forms and blocks the filter completely, while in other cases this does not occur. Because SMGs are polar and can form layered networks once a sufficient amount of crystals have come out of solution, we recently began investigating the ability of SMGs to form a gel network with fuel components as well as with other minor polar components in the fuel in order to obtain a fundamental understanding of the mechanism of formation. It has been well established that this type of phenomena occurs in sub-sea pipelines where a chief crystallizing component begins to crystallize out of solution. Once a sufficient amount of crystals exists, a volume spanning network of solid crystals can trap liquid crude oil and form a solid-like gel network. We are investigating whether this type of phenomena can occur with SMGs and both fatty acid methyl esters from the B100 and normal paraffins from diesel fuel. Additionally, SMGs are well known to incorporate water into their layered crystal structure. Water is often used to stabilize less stable polymorphic forms of SMGs, therefore water was another minor component of interest. Also of interest is glycerin which has been found on clogged filters in our laboratory.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Fast gas chromatographic separation of biodiesel.

A high-speed gas chromatographic method has been developed to determine the FAME distribution of B100 biodiesel. The capillary column used in this work has dimensions of 20 m x 0.100 mm and is coated with a polyethylene glycol film. Analysis times are typically on the order of 4-5 min depending upon the composition of the B100. The application of this method to a variety of vegetable and animal derived B100 is demonstrated. Quantitative results obtained with this method were in close agreement with those obtained by a more conventional approach on a 100 m column. The method, coupled with solid-phase extraction, was also found suitable to determine the B100 content of biodiesel-diesel blends.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Quality Parameters and Chemical Analysis for Biodiesel Produced in the United States in 2011

Samples of biodiesel (B100) from producers and terminals in 2011were tested for critical properties: free and total glycerin, flash point, cloud point, oxidation stability, cold soak filterability, and metals. Failure rates for cold soak filterability and oxidation stability were below 5%. One sample failed flash point due to excess methanol. One sample failed oxidation stability and metal content. Overall, 95% of the samples from this survey met biodiesel quality specification ASTM D6751. In 2007, a sampling of B100 from production facilities showed that nearly 90% met D6751. In samples meeting D6751, calcium was found above the method detection limit in nearly half the samples. Feedstock analysis revealed half the biodiesel was produced from soy and half was from mixed feedstocks. The saturated fatty acid methyl ester concentration of the B100 was compared to the saturated monoglyceride concentration as a percent of total monoglyceride. The real-world correlation of these properties was very good. The results of liquid chromatograph measurement of monoglycerides were compared to ASTM D6751. Agreement between the two methods was good, particularly for total monoglycerides and unsaturated monoglycerides. Because only very low levels of saturated monoglycerides measured, the two methods had more variability, but the correlation was still acceptable.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleet Compliance Annual Report (Results for MY201 / FY2014)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) regulates covered state government and alternative fuel provider (SFP) fleets under the Alternative Fuel Transportation Program, pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct), as amended. For model year (MY) 2013, the compliance rate with this program for the more than 296 covered SFP fleets was 100%. Fleets used either Standard Compliance or Alternative Compliance. The more than 286 fleets that used Standard Compliance exceeded their aggregate MY 2013 acquisition requirements by 6% through acquisitions alone. The 10 covered fleets that complied using Alternative Compliance exceeded their aggregate MY 2013 petroleum-use reduction requirements by 43%. Overall, DOE saw an increase from MY 2012 in total biodiesel fuel use reported of more than 1.5 million gallons of biodiesel (B100), and a concomitant increase in the number of biodiesel fuel-use credits earned. In addition, nearly 7.7 million gallons of B100 were reported in MY 2013, the highest biodiesel use reported in recent years. The second-highest numbers ever reported of both light-duty (LD) alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) acquired and AFVs acquired across all categories were also reported. Compared to recent model years, these rates suggest a continuing increase in the number of AFVs that covered fleets are acquiring and a surge in biodiesel purchase and use.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Diesel Particulate Filter Durability Performance Comparison Using Metals Doped B20 vs. Conventional Diesel Part I: Accelerated Ash Loading and DPF Performance Evaluation

The project objective was to generate experimental data to evaluate the impact of metals doped B20 on DPF ash loading and performance compared to that of conventional petrodiesel. Accelerated ash loading was conducted on two DPFs - one exposed to regular diesel fuel and the other to B20 containing metal dopants equivalent to 4 ppm B100 total metals (currently total metals are limited to 10 ppm in ASTM D6751, the standard for B100). Periodic performance evaluations were conducted on the DPFs at 10 g/L ash loading intervals. After the evaluations at 30 g/L, the DPF was cleaned with a commercial DPF cleaning machine and another round of DPF evaluations were conducted. A comparison of the effect of ash loading with the two fuels and DPF cleaning is presented. The metals doped B20 fuel resulted in ash that was similar to that deposited when exposed to ULSD (lube oil ash) and exhibited similar ash cleaning removal efficiency. Metals doped B20 resulted in faster ash accumulation within the DPF, as expected, but did not appear to have a negative effect on DPF pressure drop or regeneration rates (up to 30 g/L of ash) or exhibit deleterious physical effects on the DPF substrate.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,BIOMASS FUELS↗

Fatty acid oxidation alleviates the energy deficiency caused by the loss of MPC1 in MPC1+/− mice

Highlights: • The MPC1{sup +/−} mice model shows energy deficiency. • The deficiency caused by the loss of MPC1 alleviated by given high fat diet. • Fatty acid oxidation provides energy to sustain energy requirement. Pyruvate is a central substrate in energy metabolism, paramount to carbohydrate, fat, and amino acid catabolic and anabolic pathways. Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1(MPC1) is one important component of the complex that facilitates mitochondrial pyruvate import. Complete MPC1 deficiency is a serious concern, and has been shown to result in embryonic lethality in mice. The study outlined in this paper generated one mouse line with the MPC1 protein part deficiency by using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Clinical observations, body weight and organ/tissue weight, gas exchange, cold-stimulation, blood parameters, as well as histopathology analysis were analyzed to evaluate potential physiological abnormalities caused by MPC1 deficiency. Results indicate that MPC1{sup +/−} mice experienced a change in important clinical criteria such as low body weight, decreased movement, and low body shell temperature, few adipose accumulate. The mice show significant difference in some blood parameters including apo-B100, apo-A1, HDL, glucagon, insulin. However these changes alleviated while being fed with the HFD, which provided metabolites to sustain the TCA cycle and body development. The MPC1{sup +/−} mice may employ fatty acid oxidation to meet their bioenergetic demands. This study suggests that inhibition of MPC1 activity can boost fatty acid oxidation to provide sufficient energy to the body. This work promotes further studies regarding the interplay between carbohydrate and fat metabolism.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Microstructure and thermal oxidation behavior of yttria-stabilized hafnia nanostructured coatings deposited on alumina

Nanostructured yttria-stabilized hafnia (YSH) coatings were grown on α-Al2O3 substrates with variable coating thickness in a wide range of ~50 nm to 1 μm. Microstructure and thermal oxidation behavior of the grown YSH coatings were studied employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and isothermal furnace oxidation testing. The effect of coating thickness on the crystal structure, surface/interface morphology and thermal oxidation was investigated. X-ray diffraction analyses revealed the formation of monoclinic phase for relatively thin coatings (b100 nm) indicating that the interfacial phenomena play a dominant role in phase stabilization. The evolution towards stabilized cubic phase with increasing coating thickness is observed. The SEM results indicate the dense, columnar structure of YSH coatings as a function of thickness. Thermal oxidation measurements indicate the enhanced hightemperature oxidation resistance of cubic YSH coatings.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Biodiesel Ethers: Fatty Acid-Derived Alkyl Ether Fuels as Improved Bioblendstocks for Mixing-Controlled Compression Ignition Engines

In the last 20 years, biodiesel consumption in the United States has swiftly increased to ~2 billion gallons per year as a renewable supplement to fossil fuel. However, further expansion of biodiesel use is currently limited in part by poor cold weather performance, which prevents year-round blending and necessitates blend walls ≤5% v/v. In order to provide a diesel fuel blendstock with improved cold weather performance (cloud point, pour point, and cold filter plug point), while at the same time maintaining other required fuel performance specifications, several biodiesel redox analogues were synthesized and tested. The best performing candidate fuels from this class showed improvement in the derived cetane number (29.3% shorter ignition delay), lower heating value (+4.7 MJ/kg), relative sooting tendency (–7.4 YSI/MJ), and cloud point (15 °C lower) when compared to a B100 biodiesel composed of an identical fatty acid profile. It was observed as a general trend that the reduced form of biodiesel, fatty alkyl ethers (FAEs), shows performance improvements in all fuel property metrics. The suite of improved properties provided by FAEs gives biodiesel producers the opportunity to diversify their portfolio of products derived from lipid and alcohol feedstocks to include long-chain alkyl ethers, a biodiesel alternative with particular applicability for winter weather conditions across the US.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Community profiling and gene expression of fungal assimilatory nitrate reductases in agricultural soil

Although fungi contribute significantly to the microbial biomass in terrestrial ecosystems, little is known about their contribution to biogeochemical nitrogen cycles. Agricultural soils usually contain comparably high amounts of inorganic nitrogen, mainly in the form of nitrate. Many studies focused on bacterial and archaeal turnover of nitrate by nitrification, denitrification and assimilation, whereas the fungal role remained largely neglected. To enable research on the fungal contribution to the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle tools for monitoring the presence and expression of fungal assimilatory nitrate reductase genes were developed. To the B100 currently available fungal full-length gene sequences, another 109 partial sequences were added by amplification from individual culture isolates, representing all major orders occurring in agricultural soils. The extended database led to the discovery of new horizontal gene transfer events within the fungal kingdom. The newly developed PCR primers were used to study gene pools and gene expression of fungal nitrate reductases in agricultural soils. The availability of the extended database allowed affiliation of many sequences to known species, genera or families. Energy supply by a carbon source seems to be the major regulator of nitrate reductase gene expression for fungi in agricultural soils, which is in good agreement with the high energy demand of complete reduction of nitrate to ammonium.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Dissolution of Biodiesel Precipitates via Ultrasound

Recently there has been renewed interest in expanding the role of biodiesel in the energy plan for the United States. With the rising cost of petroleum and the recognized need to utilize domestic fuel resources to improve the nation’s energy security, biofuels, such as biodiesel, offer a promising alternative to help meet the country’s energy needs (especially for transportation). Additional concerns about global warming have also led to calls for more renewable energy sources, including alternative fuels. Biodiesel is made from renewable resources such as soybean oil, other plant oils and animal fat. It can be used in diesel engines and burners (to heat homes) with few or no modifications and can be used either neat (B100), or blended with petroleum diesel (commonly as 20% biodiesel, B20).

Biodiesel↗

Wisconsin Biodiesel Blending Program Final Report

The Wisconsin State Energy Office's (SEO) primary mission is to implement cost-effective, reliable, balanced, and environmentally-friendly clean energy projects. To support this mission the Wisconsin Biodiesel Blending Program was created to financially support the installation infrastructure necessary to directly sustain biodiesel blending and distribution at petroleum terminal facilities throughout Wisconsin. The SEO secured a federal directed award of $600,000 over 2.25 years. With these funds, the SEO supported the construction of inline biodiesel blending facilities at two petroleum terminals in Wisconsin. The Federal funding provided through the state provided a little less than half of the necessary investment to construct the terminals, with the balance put forth by the partners. Wisconsin is now home to two new biodiesel blending terminals. Fusion Renewables on Jones Island (in the City of Milwaukee) will offer a B100 blend to both bulk and retail customers. CITGO is currently providing a B5 blend to all customers at their Granville, WI terminal north of the City of Milwaukee.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Assessment of BQ-9000 Biodiesel Properties for 2019

This is the third report in the series documenting the annual quality of neat biodiesel (B100) produced and sold in the United States in 2019. Only companies that participate in the industry voluntary quality program, BQ-9000. Each company that agreed to participate, voluntarily provided monthly data to a third-party group. This third-party group of industry experts removed any identifying information and randomized the data prior to providing to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for statistical analysis.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Storage Stability of 50% Biodiesel Blends and Neat Biodiesel Produced in North America

This study investigated aging of two petroleum diesel, seven B100, three B20 blends, and 14 B50 blends representing the full range of fuels in the North American market for 12-weeks at 43 degrees Celsius under the ASTM D4625 accelerated aging protocol. Twelve-weeks under D4625 aging represents approximately 12 months of storage time in clean, dry conditions. Samples were taken every two weeks for measurement of Rancimat induction period (IP), peroxide content, and TAN; and total insoluble were measured at the end of the 12-week test.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗