module 1: chemical and physical characteristics of biodiesel fuels
TRANSCRIPT
Module 1: Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Biodiesel
Fuels
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Objective
Upon the successful completion of this module, participants will be able to describe the chemical and physical differences between pure gasoline, petrodiesel, and biodiesel.
Introduction
Can be:– Domestically produced– Renewable– Made from new & used plant oils, animal
fats, & recycled restaurant grease
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Introduction
Physical properties of biodiesel similar to petrodiesel
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions & release of toxic pollutants
Biodegradable Adaptable
Commercial Biodiesel Production Plants
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Copyright National Biodiesel Board, reprinted with permission
Biodiesel Production Plants Under Construction or Expansion
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Copyright National Biodiesel Board, reprinted with permission
Uses of Biodiesel and Biodiesel Blends
Fuel for vehicles most common use
Heating fuel in commercial & domestic boilers:– Bioheat
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Property of DOE, reprinted with permission
Ethanol Versus Biodiesel
Ethanol:– Made by combining alcohol with food
sugars– Used in gasoline engines– Miscible with water
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Ethanol Versus Biodiesel
Biodiesel:– Made by using
alcohol to remove glycerin from plant oils
– Only used in diesel engines
– Immiscible
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Property of DOE, reprinted with permission
The Nature of Biodiesel
Under some conditions:– Biodiesel-blended
fuels will retain petroleum-based fuel characteristics
Under other conditions:– May exhibit polar
solvent-type characteristics
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Property of DOE, reprinted with permission
Activity 1.1 — Definitions
Purpose:– To allow participants to identify the
definitions related to biodiesel.
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Characteristics of Gasoline (Hydrocarbon)
Similar characteristics whether flammable / combustible liquids
Produced from crude oil by fractional distillation
Immiscible / Insoluble Flash point -45°F (-43°C) (depending
on octane rating)
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Characteristics of Gasoline (Hydrocarbon)
Vapor density between 3 & 4:– Gasoline vapors seek low levels / remain
close to ground level Specific gravity of 0.72–0.76:
– Will float on top of water Auto-ignition temperature between
536°F & 853°F (280°C & 456°C) Boiling point between 100°F & 400°F
(38°C & 204°C)
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Characteristics of Gasoline (Hydrocarbon)
Not considered poisonous:– Harmful effects after long-term &
high-level exposure– Can lead to respiratory failure
Smoke from burning gasoline is black & has toxic components
Greatest hazard is flammability:– Fairly narrow range of flammability
Characteristics of Petroleum Diesel
Produced from petroleum
Product of distillation of crude oil
Amber in color Immiscible High boiling point
of > 300°F (> 149°C)
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Property of DOE, reprinted with permission
Characteristics of Petroleum Diesel
Low vapor pressure: 0.40 mmHg Flash point between 100°F & 160°F
(38°C & 71°C) Specific gravity between 0.82 & 0.95 Vapor density > 1
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Characteristics of Petroleum Diesel
Exposure:– Irritation to eyes– Damage to
respiratory system
Class B fires
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Copyright 2008, TEEX/ESTI
Characteristics of Biodiesel
Liquid varying in color Immiscible High boiling point of 360–640°F
(182–338°C) Low vapor pressure: < 2 mmHg Flash point 199°F (93°C)
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Characteristics of Biodiesel
Specific gravity between 0.86 & 0.90 Vapor density > 1 Less hazardous in terms of
flammability
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Activity 1.2 — Comparison of Gasoline, Petrodiesel, and Biodiesel
Purpose:– To allow participants to discuss the
differences & similarities in the chemical & physical properties of biodiesel, petrodiesel, & gasoline.
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Biodiesel-Blended Fuels
Can be used alone / blended
B20: 20% biodiesel B99: 99% biodiesel B100: pure
biodiesel
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Property of DOE, reprinted with permission
Biodiesel-Blended Fuels
Mixing biodiesel fuels:– At the plant– Splash mixed in tanker trucks– Line-mixed
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Summary
Biodiesel plentiful & nonflammable in natural state
Important to know percentage of biodiesel in biodiesel-blended product:– Converse relationship between biodiesel
level & flammability
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