Mercedes Mullins
Blends of ethanol and diesel fuel, often referred to as E-Diesel or eDiesel, are an alternative to standard diesel. These blends typically consist of standard diesel fuel mixed with up to 15% ethanol, with the addition of an additive package to maintain stability. The use of E-Diesel can offer certain advantages, such as reductions in diesel particulate emissions, and its partially renewable character if blended with renewable ethanol. However, it also presents potential safety issues due to its low flash point. Additionally, the blending of ethanol and diesel fuel has been a subject of interest for researchers aiming to improve the stability and solubility of the mixture, with studies exploring the use of surfactants like tri-n-butyl phosphate.
Characteristics and Values of blending ethanol and oil to make diesel fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stability | Ethanol blends with diesel fuel can be stabilised using additives such as Tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) or nano additives like TiO2 and Al2O3 |
| Emissions | Ethanol-diesel blends can reduce diesel particulate matter emissions and potentially other regulated diesel emissions |
| Safety | Ethanol-diesel blends have a low flash point which may present a safety issue |
| Renewable | Ethanol-diesel blends have a partially renewable character if renewable ethanol is used |
| Engine compatibility | Ethanol-diesel blends are compatible with most commercial diesel engines |
| Feedstock | Plastic waste pyrolysis can be used as a feedstock to create a substitute for diesel fuel, but this may increase emissions |
| Surfactant | TBP can be used as a surfactant to blend ethanol and diesel fuel, with blends tested at 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% ethanol |
| Blend percentage | Blends typically use up to 15% ethanol by volume, with some blends aiming for higher percentages |
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What You'll Learn
- Ethanol-diesel blends are often referred to as E-Diesel or eDiesel
- E-Diesel blends typically contain up to 15% ethanol
- E-Diesel can reduce diesel particulate matter emissions
- E-Diesel has a low flash point, which may present a safety issue
- Plastic oil can be blended with diesel fuels to mitigate harmful exhaust emissions
Ethanol-diesel blends are often referred to as E-Diesel or eDiesel
E-Diesel is sometimes also called "oxygenated diesel", although this term is not entirely accurate. This is because diesel blends containing methyl ester biodiesel or other oxygen-containing additives can also be labelled as oxygenated diesel. To create E-Diesel, an additive package is typically used to help maintain blend stability and other properties such as the cetane number and lubricity. This additive package can comprise between 0.2% and 5.0% of the blend.
The biggest advantage of E-Diesel is its partially renewable nature, provided that renewable ethanol is used as the blending stock. However, due to its potential operational and safety issues, E-Diesel is likely to remain a niche market fuel with limited applicability. One alternative method of using ethanol in diesel engines is through ethanol fumigation into the engine intake port, although this approach requires modifications to the engine.
Researchers are actively investigating methods to improve the stability and solubility of blending diesel fuel with high percentages of ethanol. For instance, a study has examined the use of tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) as a surfactant to blend ethanol with diesel fuel at levels of up to 40%. Engine tests were conducted using blends of 10% ethanol/90% diesel/1% TBP, 20% ethanol/80% diesel/2% TBP, 30% ethanol/70% diesel/3% TBP, and 40% ethanol/60% diesel/4% TBP.
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E-Diesel blends typically contain up to 15% ethanol
Blends of ethanol and diesel fuel are often referred to as "E-Diesel" or "e-Diesel". E-Diesel blends typically contain up to 15% ethanol by volume, mixed with standard diesel fuel. This mixture is stabilised by an additive package that can comprise between 0.2% and 5.0% of the blend.
E-Diesel blends can be used in compression ignition engines, and they offer certain advantages over standard diesel fuel. One of the biggest advantages is its partially renewable character, if renewable ethanol is used as the blending stock. This can help to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to mitigating global warming. Additionally, E-Diesel can produce reductions in regulated diesel emissions, particularly diesel particulate matter.
However, it's important to consider the potential disadvantages of E-Diesel blends. One significant concern is the low flash point of E-Diesel, which may present safety issues. Furthermore, there are contradictory reports regarding the impact of E-Diesel on NOx, CO, and HC emissions. While some studies suggest that E-Diesel can reduce these emissions, others indicate a potential increase.
To enhance the stability and solubility of E-Diesel blends, researchers have explored the use of tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) as a surfactant. Experiments have been conducted with blends of diesel fuel mixed with varying volumes of ethanol and TBP. For example, a blend of 10% ethanol, 90% diesel, and 1% TBP was evaluated and compared to 100% diesel fuel. These studies aim to optimise the performance and emissions characteristics of E-Diesel blends.
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E-Diesel can reduce diesel particulate matter emissions
Diesel engines are known to cause high levels of emissions, with vehicles and equipment powered by them accounting for more than two-thirds of all particulate matter emissions. Black carbon emissions, which are a product of diesel engines, are second only to carbon dioxide in their climate warming impact. While black carbon only has a lifetime of 4-12 days, its warming impact is 460-1,500 times higher than that of carbon dioxide. This is due to its ability to absorb solar radiation and convert it into heat, as well as its effect on snow and ice crystals, making them melt faster. Fine particles, known as PM2.5, can penetrate the respiratory and circulatory systems, causing damage to the lungs, heart, and brain.
To address this issue, researchers have been exploring the possibility of blending diesel fuel with ethanol to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative. One study found that using ETBE and ethyl acetate can reduce the formation of azeotropic mixtures and increase water tolerance levels. Additionally, a lower percentage of ethanol in diesel engines can lead to reduced auto-ignition time.
Another study focused on pyrolysis as an effective method to convert feedstock into renewable drop-in fuel. The pyrolysis process was optimized to achieve ultra-high liquid yield levels of 92% for PPO and 98% for PSO, with minimum energy consumption. After blending with diesel, combustion/emission tests showed that PPO blends exhibited combustion characteristics similar to diesel, while PSO blends acted as emission enhancers, resulting in a twofold increase in particulate matter at high loads.
Plastic oil, derived from plastic waste pyrolysis, has also been found to be suitable for blending with diesel fuel to mitigate harmful exhaust emission issues, particularly reducing CO, NOx, and unburnt hydrocarbon emissions. This approach not only enhances the performance of diesel fuel but also contributes to eradicating plastic waste pollution and accelerating the circular economy of plastic materials.
While these blends show promise, it is important to note that the ideal way to reduce diesel particulate matter is to transition away from fossil fuels and internal combustion engines, a process known as decarbonization. This process will take time, and in the meantime, technologies such as diesel particulate filters can be employed to reduce emissions. For example, Rypos' active diesel particulate filters can filter out up to 95% of diesel particulate matter emissions, significantly improving air quality and reducing the impact on climate change.
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E-Diesel has a low flash point, which may present a safety issue
E-diesel, or ethanol-diesel blends, have been the subject of numerous studies examining their potential as an alternative fuel source. One key characteristic of E-diesel that has been identified is its low flash point, which can present safety issues in certain contexts.
The flash point of a fuel refers to the lowest temperature at which it releases vapours capable of forming an ignitable mixture with air. Fuels with lower flash points, like gasoline, tend to be more flammable and hazardous, as they can ignite more easily. Gasoline, for example, has a very low flash point of around -45°C/-49°F, making it extremely flammable. In contrast, diesel fuel typically has a higher flash point, usually above 52°C/126°F.
The low flash point of E-diesel can be a safety concern during handling and transportation. Lower flash points increase the risk of explosions, as the fuel can more easily form an ignitable mixture with air at lower temperatures. This poses significant challenges in ensuring safe working environments and complying with fire codes and occupational safety regulations.
While it is possible to raise the flash point of E-diesel by adding certain substances, this approach can adversely affect other fuel properties. Diluting the E-diesel with additional diesel fuel is also impractical, as it would require large volumes to rectify the issue. As a result, the recommended course of action to address low flash point E-diesel is to recycle or replace it with fresh, specification-compliant diesel fuel.
It is worth noting that the flash point is just one factor to consider when evaluating the safety and performance of E-diesel. Other characteristics, such as combustion emissions and engine performance, are also important considerations. While E-diesel may have a lower flash point than traditional diesel, it offers potential benefits in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating harmful exhaust emissions. Further research and development are ongoing to optimize the performance and safety characteristics of E-diesel blends.
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Plastic oil can be blended with diesel fuels to mitigate harmful exhaust emissions
Plastic oil, derived from the pyrolysis of plastic debris and municipal waste, has emerged as a promising alternative to diesel fuel. This process, known as plastic waste pyrolysis, involves converting plastic waste into oil, which can then be blended with diesel fuel. This approach not only helps eradicate plastic waste pollution but also contributes to the circular economy of plastic materials.
The resulting plastic oil shares similar carbon chain characteristics and physical properties to diesel fuel, making it suitable for blending. However, the presence of naphtha in plastic oil may not be well-suited for diesel engines, and its removal through distillation is recommended. Distilled waste plastic oil (WPOD) has been found to improve engine performance and emissions when blended with diesel fuel.
Engine tests have been conducted to evaluate the combustion characteristics and exhaust emissions of plastic oil blends. One study examined blends of plastic pyrolysis oil and diesel fuel, ranging from 0% to 100% at different engine loads. The results indicated that engines could run on plastic pyrolysis oil at high loads, demonstrating performance comparable to diesel fuel. However, at lower loads, a longer ignition delay period caused stability issues.
Another study focused on waste plastic oil-biodiesel blends, comparing their physical and chemical properties, engine performance, combustion characteristics, and exhaust emissions to those of conventional diesel fuel. The use of distilled waste plastic oil (WPOD) in blends with diesel fuel showed significant improvements in brake power, brake thermal efficiency, and a reduction in brake-specific fuel consumption.
Furthermore, the addition of plastic oil to diesel fuel has been found to mitigate harmful exhaust emissions, particularly reducing CO, NOx, and unburnt hydrocarbon emissions. While plastic oil blends have shown potential in reducing certain emissions, it is important to note that they can contribute to higher levels of nitrogen oxides compared to diesel fuel alone. Overall, the blending of plastic oil with diesel fuels holds promise in mitigating harmful exhaust emissions while also offering an innovative solution to the global challenge of plastic waste management.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, ethanol can be blended with diesel fuel to make a fuel known as E-diesel or e-Diesel.
Blends of up to 15% ethanol in diesel fuel can be used in compression ignition engines.
E-diesel is partially renewable and can bring reductions in regulated diesel emissions, especially diesel particulate matter. It also helps reduce oil dependency.
E-diesel has a low flash point, which may present a safety issue. It also has a limited applicability due to its operational issues.
Examples of ethanol-diesel blends include blends of 10% ethanol and 90% diesel, 20% ethanol and 80% diesel, and 40% ethanol and 60% diesel. These blends have been tested and evaluated as clean fuel mixtures.
