Thermal and Physiochemical Investigations of Brassica carinata Biodiesel by Optimized Transesterification

Location

Atrium

Session Format

Poster Presentation

Research Area Topic:

Engineering and Material Sciences - Mechanical

Co-Presenters and Faculty Mentors or Advisors

Julia Heimberger, Martin Muinos, Jose Moncada, Brain Koehler, Dr. Valentin Soloiu, Dr.Christopher Butts

Abstract

The focus of this study aims to generate quality biodiesel from low cost biomass feedstock that is acceptable for environmental, health, economic, and industrial concerns. Synthesis and optimization of biodiesel have been approached by utilizing solid base catalysis methodology to produce high quality biofuel from refined Carinata seed oil feedstock. The purity and quality of biodiesel is dependent on the amount, structural features, composition, and properties of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) content. The amount and quality of various FAMEs affect physical fuel properties, and the chemical composition of the fuel impacts parameters required for overall engine thermal efficiency and quality of biodiesel. Gas chromatography (GC-FID) methods found Carinata FAME contains high concentration of Erucic, Oleic, Linoleic, and Linolenic Fatty Acid Methyl Esters. Fuel properties and identification such as oxidative stability, viscosity, cetane number, exhaust emissions, lubricity and heat of combustion are heavily influenced by the composition and properties of the FAME. Showing there is a need for further study in finding the best possible method to find long time efficient engine performance. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) is utilized as a low cost alternative to GC-FID characterization done by using a small scale green synthetic approach to improve efficiency of the transesterification reaction and FAME product. Fuel testing to simulate combustion was carried out by TGA-DTA, viscosity determination by Viscometer and Rancimat testing will be carried out in the future to find oxidative stability of the fuel. It was found that the composition and structural properties of FAME greatly influence key fuel parameters such as density, cetane number (CN), and heat of combustion. Harmful emissions are a resultant of incomplete combustion, while the longevity and efficiency of engine performance is heavily dependent on the FAME content.

Keywords

Biodiesel, Fatty acid methyl ethers (FAME), Gas chromatography, Erucic acid, TGA-DTA, Viscosity, Rancimat

Presentation Type and Release Option

Presentation (Open Access)

Start Date

4-24-2015 10:45 AM

End Date

4-24-2015 12:00 PM

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Apr 24th, 10:45 AM Apr 24th, 12:00 PM

Thermal and Physiochemical Investigations of Brassica carinata Biodiesel by Optimized Transesterification

Atrium

The focus of this study aims to generate quality biodiesel from low cost biomass feedstock that is acceptable for environmental, health, economic, and industrial concerns. Synthesis and optimization of biodiesel have been approached by utilizing solid base catalysis methodology to produce high quality biofuel from refined Carinata seed oil feedstock. The purity and quality of biodiesel is dependent on the amount, structural features, composition, and properties of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) content. The amount and quality of various FAMEs affect physical fuel properties, and the chemical composition of the fuel impacts parameters required for overall engine thermal efficiency and quality of biodiesel. Gas chromatography (GC-FID) methods found Carinata FAME contains high concentration of Erucic, Oleic, Linoleic, and Linolenic Fatty Acid Methyl Esters. Fuel properties and identification such as oxidative stability, viscosity, cetane number, exhaust emissions, lubricity and heat of combustion are heavily influenced by the composition and properties of the FAME. Showing there is a need for further study in finding the best possible method to find long time efficient engine performance. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) is utilized as a low cost alternative to GC-FID characterization done by using a small scale green synthetic approach to improve efficiency of the transesterification reaction and FAME product. Fuel testing to simulate combustion was carried out by TGA-DTA, viscosity determination by Viscometer and Rancimat testing will be carried out in the future to find oxidative stability of the fuel. It was found that the composition and structural properties of FAME greatly influence key fuel parameters such as density, cetane number (CN), and heat of combustion. Harmful emissions are a resultant of incomplete combustion, while the longevity and efficiency of engine performance is heavily dependent on the FAME content.