Tag Archives: methanol

994-1005 H. Wang-Alho, K. Sirviö, M. Hissa, M. Mikulski and S. Niemi
Methanol-HVO blends for efficient low-temperature combustion: analytical research on fuel properties
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Methanol-HVO blends for efficient low-temperature combustion: analytical research on fuel properties

H. Wang-Alho, K. Sirviö*, M. Hissa, M. Mikulski and S. Niemi

University of Vaasa, School of Technology and Innovations, Energy Technology,
Wolffintie 34, FI65200 Vaasa, Finland
*Correspondence: katriina.sirvio@uwasa.fi

Abstract:

Next-generation low-temperature combustion (LTC) engines can accommodate ultra-high efficiency with near-zero NOx and PM emissions. Reaction kinetics is the governing mechanism in LTC. Onboard fuel reactivity control is, thus, becoming an interesting concept that ultimately provides pathways toward a fully fuel-flexible engine. No matter the technical realisation – in-cylinder blending or pre-blending/emulsification – the reactivity control requires fuels with complementary properties. Methanol and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) seem to be one of the most promising, yet under-studied combination for LTC engines. They are both renewable and can be mixed together. Methanol’s high knock resistance and large latent heat of evaporation enable a wide engine load range, with a propensity to reduce NOx emissions and mitigate thermal or mechanical stress. The same properties on the other hand require highly reactive fuel to enable the mixture to self-ignite controllably in LTC conditions. HVO is amongst the most reactive renewable alternatives and its clean paraffinic structure further mitigates particle matter formation. – Importantly, in pre-blending HVO emulsification can resolve the lubricity issues of methanol. In this paper, the aim was to study the engine-relevant properties of HVO-methanol fuel blends. The analysed properties were the distillation properties, density, kinematic viscosity, cetane index, and flash point. Based on the results, the suitability of the chosen blend shares for LTC concepts was evaluated.

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133–143 A.M. Giuffrè, M. Capocasale, C. Zappia and M. Poiana
Biodiesel from tomato seed oil: transesterification and characterisation of chemical-physical properties
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Biodiesel from tomato seed oil: transesterification and characterisation of chemical-physical properties

A.M. Giuffrè, M. Capocasale*, C. Zappia and M. Poiana

Department of Agraria, Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, Località Vito, IT89122 Reggio Calabria, Italy
*Correspondence: marco.capocasale@unirc.it

Abstract:

The transesterification process of an oil is influenced by four variables: reaction temperature, reaction time, amount of alcohol and amount of reaction catalyst. The cost of production, yield and chemical-physical characteristics are therefore directly dependent on these variables. In this work, tomato seed oil was transesterified and the influence of the quantities of the alcohol (methanol) and catalyst (potassium hydroxide) was tested. The values of total esters, density, kinematic viscosity, iodine value, acid number, linolenic acid, cetane number and residual glycerides in the different biodiesels produced (Bio from A to F), were studied and compared with the current European regulations EN14214: 2014 (Liquid petroleum products – Fatty acid methyl esters for use in diesel engines and heating applications – Requirements and test methods). The six obtained biodiesels yielded between 72.59 (BioB) and 96.8% (BioE) of the total esters. The presence of non-transesterified oil, besides being a yield index, also negatively affects the viscosity at 40 °C of the produced biodiesel. In fact, the only sample with a value within the legal limit was BioE (4.95 mm2 s-1), while the others showed viscosity values higher than the 5.00 mm2 s-1 established by the European regulation. The density, however, always remained within the specified limits, with values between 880 kg m-3 in BioE and 891 kg m-3 in BioB. The presence of linolenic acid was well below the maximum legal limit in all samples, the iodine value ranged between 119 and 122 g I2 100g-1.

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