Characteristics of Efficient Bio-fuels and Bio-diesels

Did you know? Biodiesel is much less flammable than petro-diesel, owing to its much
higher flash point.
Biodiesel is noteworthy for its similarity to petroleum-derived diesel fuel, while at the same time having negligible
sulfur and ash content. Bioethanol (Bioethanol from Vogelbusch) has only about 70% the Heating Value of petroleum
distillates such as gasoline, but its sulfur and ash contents are also very low. Both of these liquid fuels have lower
vapor pressure (Vapor Pressure from Wikipedia) and flammability (Flammability from Wikipedia) than their
petroleum-based competitors an advantage in some cases (e.g. use in confined spaces such as mines) but a
disadvantage in others (e.g. engine starting at cold temperatures).
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Despite their wide range of possible sources, biomass feedstocks (What is a Feedstock?) are remarkably uniform in
many of their fuel properties, compared with feedstocks such as coal or petroleum. For example, there are many
kinds of coals whose gross heating value (Heating Value Definition from Taftan.com ) ranges from 20 to 30 GJ/T
(giga joules per metric tonne). However, nearly all kinds of biomass feedstocks destined for combustion fall in the
range 15-19 GJ/T. For most agricultural residues, the heating values are even more uniform about 15-17 GJ/tonne
(6450-7300 Btu/lb); the values for most woody materials are 18-19 GJ/tonne (7750-8200 Btu/lb).
However, in contrast to their fairly uniform physical properties, biomass fuels are rather heterogeneous with respect to
their chemical elemental composition.
Most biomass materials are more reactive than coal, with higher ignition stability. This characteristic also makes them
easier to process thermochemically into higher-value fuels such as methanol (Methanol as Fuel from Ethanol GEC)
or hydrogen (Hydrogen Fuel Clean & Secure Energy White House).
Characteristics of Oils or Fats Affecting their Suitability for Use as Biodiesel
Calorific Value, Heat of Combustion Heating Value or Heat of Combustion, is the amount of
heating energy released by the combustion of a unit value of fuels.
One of the most important determinants of heating value is moisture content. Air-dried biomass typically has about
15-20% moisture, whereas the moisture content for oven-dried biomass is negligible. Moisture content in coals vary
in the range 2-30%. However, the bulk density (and hence energy density) of most biomass feedstocks is generally
low, even after densification between about 10 and 40% of the bulk density of most fossil fuels. Liquid biofuels
however have bulk densities comparable to those for fossil fuels.
Melt Point or Pour Point - Melt or pour point refers to the temperature at which the oil in solid form starts to melt or
pour. In cases where the temperatures fall below the melt point, the entire fuel system including all fuel lines and fuel
tank will need to be heated.
Cloud Point - The temperature at which an oil starts to solidify is known as the cloud point. While operating an
engine at temperatures below an oils cloud point, heating will be necessary in order to avoid waxing of the fuel.
(Cloud Point Definition from Engineers Edge)
Flash Point (FP) - The flash point temperature of diesel fuel is the minimum temperature at which the fuel will ignite
(flash) on application of an ignition source. Flash point varies inversely with the fuels volatility. Minimum flash point
temperatures are required for proper safety and handling of diesel fuel. (Flash Point from the MSDS Hyper
Glossary, Flash Point from Wikipedia)
Iodine Value (IV) - Iodine Value (IV) is a value of the amount of iodine, measured in grams, absorbed by 100 grams
of a given oil.
Iodine value (or Iodine number) is commonly used as a measure of the chemical stability properties of
different biodiesel fuels against such oxidation as described above. The Iodine value is determined by measuring the
number of double bonds in the mixture of fatty acid chains in the fuel by introducing iodine into 100 grams of the
sample under test and measuring how many grams of that iodine are absorbed. Iodine absorption occurs at double
bond positions - thus a higher IV number indicates a higher quantity of double bonds in the sample, greater potential
to polymerise and hence lesser stability.
Iodine Numbers for some plant oils (before conversion into biodiesel):

Coconut oil: 10

Rapeseed oil: 94-120

Soybean oil: 117-143

Sardine oil: 185

Rapeseed Methyl Ester (Rapeseed Biodiesel): 97

Rapeseed Ethyl Ester (Another variety of Rapeseed biodiesel): 100

Soy Ethyl Ester (Soy biodiesel variety 1): 123

Soy Methyl Ester (Soy biodiesel variety 2): 133

One can hence see that the process of transesterification (conversion of plant oil int6o biodiesel) reduces
the iodine value to a small extent.
Determination of Iodine Value from Bruker Optics
Determination of the Iodine Value of Oils & Fats IUPAC (PDF)
How Relevant is the Iodine Value USDA ARS (PDF)
Iodine Value & Biodiesel USDA ARS Research Abstract
Viscosity Viscosity refers to the thickness of the oil, and is determined by measuring the amount of time taken for a
given measure of oil to pass through an orifice of a specified size. Viscosity affects injector lubrication and fuel
atomization. Fuels with low viscosity may not provide sufficient lubrication for the precision fit of fuel injection pumps,
resulting in leakage or increased wear. Fuel atomization (Atomization from Wikipedia) is also affected by fuel
viscosity. Diesel fuels with high viscosity tend to form larger droplets on injection which can cause poor combustion,
increased exhaust smoke and emissions.
Aniline Point/Cetane Number (CN) - Is a relative measure of the interval between the beginning of injection and
autoignition of the fuel. The higher the cetane number, the shorter the delay interval and the greater its
combustibility. Fuels with low Cetane Numbers will result in difficult starting, noise and exhaust smoke. In general,
diesel engines will operate better on fuels with Cetane Numbers above 50.
Cetane tests provide information on the ignition quality of a diesel fuel. Research using cetane tests will provide
information on potential tailoring of vegetable oil-derived compounds and additives to enhance their fuel properties.
(References Cetane Number Testing of Bio-diesel from Biodiesel.org (PDF), Cetane Number from
Sizes.com, How Does Cetane Number Affect Diesel Engine Operation? ).
Density Is the weight per unit volume. Oils that are denser contain more energy. For example, petrol and diesel
fuels give comparable energy by weight, but diesel is denser and hence gives more energy per litre. (Fuel Density)
The aspects listed above are the key aspects that determine the efficiency of a fuel for diesel engines. There are
other aspects/characteristics which do not have a direct bearing on the performance, but are important for reasons
such as environmental impact etc. These are:
Ash Percentage - Ash is a measure of the amount of metals contained in the fuel. High concentrations of these
materials can cause injector tip plugging, combustion deposits and injection system wear. The ash content is
important for the heating value, as heating value decreases with increasing ash content.
Ash content for bio-fuels is typically lower than for most coals, and sulphur content is much lower than for many fossil
fuels. Unlike coal ash, which may contain toxic metals and other trace contaminants, biomass ash may be used as a
soil amendment to help replenish nutrients removed by harvest.
Sulfur Percentage - The percentage by weight, of sulfur in the fuel Sulfur content is limited by law to very small
percentages for diesel fuel used in on-road applications. (Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel - PDF)
Potassium Percentage - The percentage by weight, of potassium in the fuel
Engine Manufactures Association (EMA) Recommended Guideline on Diesel Fuel
Property

Test
Method

FQP-1A
EMA
#1 DF(1)

FQP-1A
EMA
#2 DF(1)

Flash Point, C min.

D 93

38

52

Water, ppm max

D1744

200

200

Sediment, ppm max

D2276 or D5452

10

10

Distillation % Vol. Recovery, C

D 86

90%, max.

272

332

95%, max.

288

355

Kinematic Viscosity, 40 C

D 445

1.3 - 2.4

1.9 - 4.1

Ash, % max.

D 482

0.01

0.01

Sulfur, % max.

D 2622

0.05

0.05

Copper Corrosion, max.

D 130

3b

3b

Cetane Number, min.

D 613

50

50

Cetane Index, min.

D 4737

45

45

Rams Carbon, 10% residue max.

D 524

0.15

0.15

API Gravity, max.

D 287

43

39

Lubricity, g. min.

D6078(2)

3100

3100

Accelerated Stability, mg/L max.

D 2274

15

15

Detergency - L10 Injector

CRC Rating

<10

<10

Depositing Test

% Flow Loss

<6

<6

Low Temperature Flow, C

D2500 or D4539

(3)

(3)

(4)

(4)

Microbial Growth

Source: Engine Manufacturers Association

Chemical Properties of Biodiesel, Iowa State University

Biodiesel Analysis from Chancellor College

New Feedstocks for Biodiesel Production Analysis of its Physico-Chemicals Properties (PDF)

Stability of Biodiesel and Its Iodine Value Brevard Biodiesel

Physical & Chemical Characteristics of Biodiesel Blends from Biodiesel.org (PDF)

Biodiesel Recipe from Wikipedia

Chemistry of Biofuel fom A42.com

Fuel Chemistry

Biodiesel Overview & Characteristics from University of North Dakota

The Kinematic Viscosity of Biodiesel & Its Blends with Diesel Fuel (PDF)

Contamination or Dilution of Lubricating Oils in Biodiesel Powered Vehicles

Technical Performance of Vegetable Oil Methyl Esters with High Iodine Number (PDF)

Biodiesel Energy Content form Biodiesel.org (PDF)

Effect of Biodiesel Composition on NOx & PM Emissions (PDF)

Biodiesel Cold Flow Guidelines Greencar Congress

Understanding Biofuel Fuel Quality & Performances (PDF)

Biodiesel FAQ from Govt of Maryland Provides Comparison of Biodiesel and Petro Diesel
Characteristics

Lubricity of Biofuel ( see homepage: Biodiesel.de )

Biodiesel Specs & Requirements Listing, Office of the Federal Environmental Executive, Govt of
USA (PDF)

Biodiesel Flash Point Forum from Biodiesel Now

Environmental & Safety Info for Biodiesel from ABG Biodiesel (PDF)

Understanding Biodiesel Fuel Quality & Performance (PDF)

Flash Point Testing the Definitive Test Method

Biodiesel Fuels Between Acceptance & Quality (PDF)

Cetane Number Testing of Biodiesel (PDF)

Cetane in Diesel Fuel from Global Finest

Measuring Cetane Number Options for Diesel & Alternative Diesel Fuels (PDF)
Bubblewashing Biodiesel & Emulsions Especially for Homebrew Bioediesel
Process for Producing Biodiesel Fuel with Reduced Viscosity & Cloud Point Temperature
Business Management for Biodiesel Producers (PDF)
Biodiesel Use in Engines North Dakota State University
Biodiesel Performance, Costs & Use Dept of Energy, Govt of USA
Biodiesel Info from Biodiesel SA, South Africa
Biodiesel Resource
Ask Ben Biodiesel FAQ
Biodiesel & the Environment from Navigating our Future
Instructions for the Transport of Biodiesel (PDF)
Biodiesel Handling & Use Guidelines (PDF)
Technique for Analysis of Biodiesel Metrohm UK
Fatty Acid Methyl Esters with a High Iodine Number (PDF)
Animal Fats Perform Well in Biodiesel (PDF)
Production of Biodiesel from Multiple Feedstocks (PDF)
Standardisation of Biodiesel, Netherlands (PDF)
Tiny Microreactor Rethinks Biodiesel Production
Biodiesel in Oregon from the Government of Oregon
Biodiesel Info from Biofuel Systems, UK (Biofuel Process, Biofuel Chemistry)
Biofuel Performance, Costs & Use Department of Energy, Govt of USA
The Modern & Profitable Biodiesel Production Plant (PDF)
How to make Rape Biodiesel More Financially Feasible
Biodiesel Plant Info from VegetableOilDiesel.co.uk
Biodiesel Equipment from Doctor Diesel
Description of the Biodiesel Production Unit from Biodiesel Technologies GmbH
Biodiesel Equipment & Supplies from Biofuel Systems
Making Biodiesel from SchNews
Green Fuels European Biodiesel Equipment Supplier
Biomass Oil Analysis Research Needs & Recommendations (PDF)
Characterization of Biodiesel Oxidation & Oxidation Products (PDF)

Fun Facts The viscosity of many vegetable oils is over ten times that for petrodiesel. However the transesterification process reduces their viscosities to almost onetenth of their original!
Notes:

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About Oilgae - Oilgae - Oil & Biodiesel from Algae has a focus on biodiesel production from algae while also
discussing alternative energy in general. Algae present an exciting possibility as a feedstock for biodiesel, and when
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To facilitate exploration of oil production from algae as well as exploration of other alternative energy avenues, Oilgae
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