Oxidation stability of biodiesel fuel produced from Jatropha Curcas L using Rancimat and PetroOXY method

In the present work, the oxidation stabilities of oil biodiesel fuel from Jatropha curcas L were investigated by using both Rancimat and PetroOXY test method. Three types of conventional antioxidants, i.e. butylated hydroxytoluene, 6,6-di-tert-butyl-2,2-methylenedi-p-cresol, and commercialized amine, were employed and the oxidation stability effects of those additives were examined. Oxidation stability was influenced differently depending on the type of antioxidants and their concentrations. The obtained experimental data from Rancimat and PetroOXY test methods resulting in a linear correlation at various mixtures shows the potential use of PetroOXY test method for future analytical oxidation stability test. In this research, the changes in the chemical properties of fuel sample, such as: peroxide value, acid value, composition, and kinematic viscosity, obtained from the experimental work were thoroughly discussed.     

Influence of alcohol addition on properties of bio-oil produced from fast pyrolysis of eucalyptus bark in a free-fall reactor

Fast pyrolysis of eucalyptus bark was carried out in a free-fall pyrolysis unit at different temperatures ranging from 400 to 550 °C to produce bio-oil, char and gas. The bio-oil produced at optimum temperature was mixed with alcohols with an aim to improve its properties. The results showed that the maximum bio-oil yield of 64.65 wt% on dry biomass basis could be obtained at the pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C. The addition of a small proportion (2.5–10%) of alcohol into the bio-oil could improve its viscosity, stability and heating value. These effects were further enhanced when increasing the alcohol.