Book Description

Physical properties (cloud point, kinematic viscosity, and flash point) of biodiesel blends of commercial biodiesel fuels were measured. Four different biodiesel blends (10, 20, 50, 100 %) based on three feedstocks (tallow oil, soybean, and waste cooking oil) were tested, and the results were compared with ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD). All the tests were conducted according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard methods. The test results were evaluated statistically. The tested properties showed strong dependence on blends, which means that the percentage of biodiesel in a biodiesel/ULSD mixture is an important factor that determines the biodiesel properties. It was also found that the type of feedstock is a controlling factor in the biodiesel properties. Contents of saturated fatty acids and triglycerides at higher percentages are thought to be the main determinant of the degree of the dependence, and also the cause of undesired variations in the cold flow properties, kinematic viscosity and flash point. These variations may be controlled through modifications in the transesterification process or by using additives, which is necessary for better engine performance with biodiesel blends. Particulate matter (PM) emissions from mobile sources are the major contributors of urban atmospheric particulate matter especially PM2.5. Particulate matter released from diesel engines contains various organic and inorganic compounds. It is necessary to measure the PM size distribution shape, elemental and organic carbon etc., released from vehicles in order to quantify the source contribution and understand the possible health impacts. Previous studies stated PM2.5 and PM10 to be highly toxic and roots for respiratory illnesses such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, lung inflammation and also increases cardiovascular related risk factors. Biodiesel is one of alternative fuels that are being increasingly used to reduce the release of PM emissions from mobile sources. The current literature shows that the release of PM from transit buses decreases by increasing the biodiesel blend percentage with regular diesel. In this study, the experiments were conducted on the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) buses 701 and 802, which run on B20 soybean biodiesel (20 vol% biodiesel + 80 vol% ultra-low sulfur diesel). PM emissions were collected on quartz filter papers and were further analyzed for PM characterization. A new approach of measuring particulate matter has been developed based on the dynamic light scattering and electric double layer of PM particles using a NICOMP 380 ZLS Zeta potential particle size analyzer and sonication process to suspend the PM into a liquid. Regardless of the bus number, average mean diameter was more for emissions from hot idling than cold. Also, 701 has PM of larger diameter than 802 in both idling modes. Tests results were also analyzed for Elemental Carbon (EC) and Organic Carbon (OC). Elemental carbon was formed from fuel rich engine locations at high combustion temperatures, whereas organic carbon was formed from primary fuel combustion and atmospheric chemical reactions at low vapor pressure. EC concentration has reduced to nearly 10% of TC from 701 to 802 during idle modes, whereas in the same situation OC concentration has increase to 89%. Hot idling has been the main source for EC emissions, and to control EC and PM emissions hot idling must be avoided. From all these finding in this study biodiesel fuel with NOx emission controlling equipment's are better than the conventional diesel fuels and are suitable for the diesel engines. This will help in improving the sustainability of the fuel and also moderate the emissions.