Biodiesel A Renewable Alternative Fuel for Diesel Engines Arkansas Biodiesel Research, Demonstration and Education Project

Arkansas Biodiesel Research, Demonstration and Education Project

Biodiesel

A Renewable Alternative Fuel for Diesel Engines


Outline• What is biodiesel?• What can be used to make biodiesel?• How is biodiesel manufactured?• How is biodiesel used?• What are the benefits of biodiesel?• What are the effects of biodiesel on the environment

and human health?• How will using biodiesel affect my engine warranty?• What about cold weather operation?• How does biodiesel perform in engines?


What is Biodiesel?• Biodiesel is a renewable,

alternative fuel for use in compression-ignition (diesel) engines

• Biodiesel is a fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the requirements of ASTM D6751


BiodieselIS

• A commercially-manufactured fuel that meets specific, recognized quality standards

IS NOT• Raw vegetable oil• Filtered grease or cooking oil

This fuel was manufactured in a BQ 9000 facility - it meets ASTM D6751 quality standards!

This fuel was made in Bob’s shed – it meets Bob’s quality (?) standards! Do you trust Bob???

???


ASTM D6751 Biodiesel Standard


What can be used to make Biodiesel?

• Oil Seeds– Soybeans– Canola– Cottonseed– Sunflowers

• Animal Fats– Beef tallow– Pork lard

• Recycled cooking oils/greases

• Algae• Other

How is Biodiesel Manufactured?


Feedstock• Vegetable oils• Animal fats• Waste fats/oils

Crude Biodiesel

Refining

Crude Glycerin

BiodieselMethanol Plus Catalyst Transesterification

Methanol Recovery GlycerinGlycerin

Refining

100 – lbs.

10 – lbs.

10 – lbs.

100 – lbs.


How is Biodiesel Used?• Pure biodiesel (B100) is

normally “blended” with petroleum diesel for use in engines.

• Biodiesel blends are designated by the % biodiesel they contain:– B5

• 5% biodiesel• 95% petroleum diesel

– B20 (most common blend)• 20% biodiesel• 80% petroleum diesel

– Can be used in most CI engines with no modifications

Biodiesel blends are designated according to the % of biodiesel


Physical and Chemical Characteristics of D2, B20 and B1001

Fuel Specific gravity Lbs/gal BTU/lb BTU/gal

D2 0.835 6.963 19,764 (100%) 137,617 (100%)

B20 0.862 7.189 18,917 (-4.3%) 135,994 (-1.2%)

B100 0.866 7.389 17,111 (-13.4%) 126,433 (-8.1%)

1 Values from the NREL Fuels Database


What are the Benefits of Biodiesel???

Biodiesel:• Is renewable• Is domestically-produced• Is non-toxic and biodegradable • Blends up to B20 require no (or

minor) vehicle modifications• Increases lubricity of fuel• Reduces global warming gasses• Reduces tailpipe emissions

What are the Effects of Biodiesel on the Environment and Human Health?


Average Emissions Reduction with Biodiesel

Source: US Environmental Protection Agency

• Biodiesel Reduces:– Hydrocarbons

• Human Carcinogen

– Particulates• Human Carcinogen

– Carbon Monoxide• Human Toxin

– CO2 (lifecycle basis)• Greenhouse gas

– Effect on NOX emissions is unclear• Greenhouse gas• Contributes to smog• Health hazard


B20 Reduces Harmful Emissions Relative to Petroleum Diesel

Series1

-25%

-20%

-15%

-10%

-5%

0%

-10%-11%

-21%

-15%

PM CO HC CO2 Source: US DOE, 2008


B20 Reduces Lifecycle CO2 Emissions by 15% Relative to Petroleum Diesel


How will using Biodiesel Affect My Engine Warranty?

• Engine and vehicle manufacturers warranty materials and workmanship only – not fuels.

• Any engine damage due to fuel quality (either diesel or biodiesel) is not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.– Only use biodiesel from a BQ-9000 certified

source.

• Federal law prohibits voiding an engine warranty due to the use of biodiesel; UNLESS the biodiesel is proven to be the cause of failure.

• Most manufacturers make specific recommendations about the use of specific biodiesel blends.

Does My Engine Manufacturer Approve the Use of Biodiesel?

• These (and other) manufacturers approve the use of various biodiesel blends in some or all of their engines.– Must meet ASTM D6571 quality standard



What about Cold Weather Operation?• Biodiesel gels at higher

temperatures than diesel– Gelling temperature increases

with:• Higher blends (B20 vs. B5)• Animal-based feedstock

– Gelling temperature can be decreased with commercial “pour point depressants”• One manufacturer claims to

lower gelling temperature to -40 ⁰F for B20.


UA Biodiesel Test Results

• Kubota RTV900 Utility Vehicles• John Deere 3203 Compact Utility Tractor• John Deere PowerTech M 4.5 L irrigation

engine


Kubota RTV900 Diesel Utility Vehicle


Fuel Efficiency – Diesel vs. B20

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

0.646 0.689

B20 Diesel

Hour

s per

lite

r

2800 2900 3000 3100 32000.000

0.100

0.200

0.300

0.400

0.500

0.600

0.700

0.800

Diesel B20

Engine speed (rpm)

sfc

(kg/

kW

h)

In-Use Tests Lab Tests


Power Output – Diesel vs. B20

2800 2900 3000 3100 32000

5

10

15

D2 B20

Engine speed (RPM)

Pow

er (

kW

)


John Deere 3203 Compact Utility

Tractor


John Deere 3203 Compact Utility

Tractor


PowerTech M Irrigation Engine


Rated Engine Speed (2400 rpm)


Pumping Speed (1800 RPM)


Summary - How Does Biodiesel Affect Engine Performance?

• Blends of up to B20– No appreciable differences in:

• Power (~ 1-2%)• Torque (~ 1-2%)• Fuel efficiency (~ 1-2%)

– No effect on:• Engine life• Engine wear

– Decrease in:• CO• Hydrocarbons

• Particulate matter

– Effect on NOX varies

Mobile Biodiesel Demonstration Unit

Documents

Biodiesel A Renewable Alternative Fuel for Diesel Engines Arkansas Biodiesel Research, Demonstration and Education Project