Biodiesel Vehicle compatibility

Veerakumar & M. A. Aravindh

How does a diesel engine work?.

Bio-Diesel as a performance fuelparameters considered

Antifoaming Cetane No.- 45 to 70 (40 to 53 for natural diesel) Chemical structure and oxygen content

 Cold Flow Properties. Viscosity

Similar to mineral diesel( ASTM 1.9 mm2/s at 40o C) In Mineral Diesel it is a gradual process but in Biodiesel it is rapid due to the presence of similar compounds.

Corrosion
Lesser corrosion due to lesser sulphur content.

Density
Higher density 860-900 kg/m3 as compared to mineral diesel 800-860 kg/m3.

Conductivity
Better than Mineral diesel hence reduces risk of static induced spark and fire.

Blending with Diesel & Additization

Additives Antifoaming Cetane No. Cold Flow Properties Conductivity Density Lubricity Viscosity Stability Performance Additives

Performance Additives
Corrosion Inhibitors
Prevent degradation and acid formation

Injector Deposits
Detergents are used 50% Improvement

Water Separation
Demulsification Prevent growth of microbes and degradation due to absorbance of water

Vehicle Compatibility and Emissions

Diesel Vehicle Requirement

Fuel system Effects
Swelling of Elastomers. Reduces life of Fuel Filter due to absorbance of rust and water by bio fuel. Improved injection system. Metals like bronze, brass etc have an catalytic effect on the oxidation of biodiesel. Hence need to be avoided. Softens certain types of paints.

 Gels at higher temp. than diesel and may cause starting problem in subzero temperature. Easy cleaning of cylinder head and piston. Engine Oil contamination. Increases lubricity Insignificant change in maintenance cost. Power produced depends on the type of bio diesel, injection system, air fuel ratio etc. Lesser injection timing can reduce the effect of higher cetane no.

Engine Performance using Biodiesel Blends

Emission

Properties of rapeseed based biodiesel that can cause vehicle problem

Relevance for APEC vehicle

APEC biodiesel Standard

Requiring diesel blends that contain biodiesel to comply with
Applicable diesel specification Applicable bio-diesel specification A new bio-diesel blend standard

Establishing a B100 standard that can

Ensure successful use in the market as B100 The blend rate limits would be set. Agreed quality standards to be blend with other biodiesel components.