Journal Description
Fuels
Fuels
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on fuel science, published quarterly online by MDPI. The Institute of Energy and Fuel Processing Technology (ITPE) is affiliated to Fuels and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 22.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 6.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2022).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
- Fuels is a companion journal of Energies.
Latest Articles
Experimental Kinetics Study on Diethyl Carbonate Oxidation
Fuels 2023, 4(2), 243-260; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels4020015 - 01 Jun 2023
Abstract
Diethyl carbonate (DEC) is a common component of the liquid electrolyte in lithium ion batteries (LIBs). As such, understanding DEC combustion chemistry is imperative to improving chemical kinetic modeling of LIB fires. To this end, a comprehensive experimental study was conducted to collect
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Diethyl carbonate (DEC) is a common component of the liquid electrolyte in lithium ion batteries (LIBs). As such, understanding DEC combustion chemistry is imperative to improving chemical kinetic modeling of LIB fires. To this end, a comprehensive experimental study was conducted to collect ignition delay times, CO time histories, and laminar flame speeds during DEC combustion. Ignition delay times were collected using a heated shock tube at real fuel–air conditions for three equivalence ratios (ϕ = 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0) near atmospheric pressure and for temperatures between 1182 and 1406 K. Another shock tube was used to collect CO time histories using a laser absorption diagnostic. These experiments were conducted for the same equivalence ratios, but highly diluted in argon and helium (79.25% Ar + 20% He) at an average pressure of 1.27 atm and a temperature range of 1236–1669 K. Finally, a heated constant-volume vessel was used to collect laminar flame speeds of DEC at an initial temperature and pressure of 403 K and 1 atm, respectively, for equivalence ratios between 0.79 and 1.38. The results are compared with different mechanisms from the literature. Good agreement is seen for the ignition delay time and flame speed measurements. However, significant deviations are observed for the CO time histories. A detailed discussion of the chemical kinetics is presented to elucidate the important reactions and direct future modeling efforts.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Fuel Combustion Chemistry)
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Aspen Plus® Modeling and Simulation of an Industrial Biomass Direct Liquefaction Process
Fuels 2023, 4(2), 221-242; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels4020014 - 26 May 2023
Abstract
The current energy and climate crisis calls for immediate action in replacing fossil fuels with those derived from renewable sources. The Energreen process performs the direct liquefaction of biomass to produce a liquid biofuel for the cement industry and an aqueous solution of
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The current energy and climate crisis calls for immediate action in replacing fossil fuels with those derived from renewable sources. The Energreen process performs the direct liquefaction of biomass to produce a liquid biofuel for the cement industry and an aqueous solution of added-value compounds for further processing. The present work details the development of an Aspen Plus® model to simulate this biomass liquefaction process. The proposed model describes the Energreen liquefaction process using simplified reaction kinetics and thermodynamic models. The model was validated using data from a real liquefaction pilot plant with a deviation of 6.4%. The simulation, conducted with several biomass samples of variable compositions, showed that the process is robust enough to deal with different compositions and, due to the substitution of the fossil fuels presently used in the cement plant, it will allow savings of up to USD 102,000 per year to be achieved. Several analyses of the sensitivity of the results to the process variables were performed and it was possible to identify the reactor temperature and the reaction activation energy as the most impactful parameters on the process output. Overall, the results allow us to conclude that the proposed model is a solid framework for the optimization of industrial liquefaction processes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable and Sustainable Biofuel Production: Technical, Economic and Environmental Aspects)
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Further Development of Gasoline from the bioliq® Process with Focus on Particulate and Hydrocarbon Emissions
by
, , , , , and
Fuels 2023, 4(2), 205-220; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels4020013 - 15 May 2023
Abstract
The production of CO2-neutral fuels is a key technology to achieve the European Union’s targets of greenhouse gas reduction in the transport sector. For a straightforward application such as drop-in fuel, regenerative gasoline must meet emission requirements without causing significant changes
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The production of CO2-neutral fuels is a key technology to achieve the European Union’s targets of greenhouse gas reduction in the transport sector. For a straightforward application such as drop-in fuel, regenerative gasoline must meet emission requirements without causing significant changes in engine parameters. The objective of this work was to demonstrate the emission reduction potential of fuel from the bioliq® plant by reducing the content of heavy aromatics in the product refinement. For three blends with varying contents of bioliq® fuel, the spray behavior was studied in a pressurized chamber and the particulate and hydrocarbon emissions were investigated using a single-cylinder research engine. With increasing bioliq® fuel content, atomization was degraded by lower flash boiling at low pressure. This effect vanished at higher chamber pressures. Measurements of particulate and hydrocarbon emissions showed significant improvements of 50% to 100% and 10%, respectively, compared to previously investigated bioliq® fuel fractions from 2017. The formation of particulate emissions is virtually unaffected by the blending of bioliq® fuel, due to the absence of heavy aromatics in the refined bioliq® product. Hydrocarbon emissions increased by 20% with higher bioliq® fuel content and late injection timings due to inferior mixture formation as a result of slightly reduced atomization. However, near the optimum injection timing, the hydrocarbon emissions are independent of the bioliq® fuel admixture.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Synthetic Fuel)
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Synthesis and Characterization of Epoxidized Beechwood Pyrolysis Bio-Oil as a Curing Agent of Bio-Based Novolac Resin
Fuels 2023, 4(2), 186-204; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels4020012 - 15 May 2023
Abstract
A bio-oil-based epoxy (BOE) resin was synthesized using phenolic compounds from beechwood pyrolysis oil. These compounds were separated from crude pyrolysis oil by coupling two methods: fractional condensation and water extraction. The chemical structure of the BOE resin was characterized by NMR and
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A bio-oil-based epoxy (BOE) resin was synthesized using phenolic compounds from beechwood pyrolysis oil. These compounds were separated from crude pyrolysis oil by coupling two methods: fractional condensation and water extraction. The chemical structure of the BOE resin was characterized by NMR and FTIR analyses. BOE resin was used as a curing agent of bio-oil glyoxal novolac (BOG) resin to gradually replace bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA). The thermal properties of cured resins and kinetic parameters of the curing reaction using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were discussed. Incorporating the BOE resin resulted in a lower curing temperature and activation energy compared to using DGEBA. These results indicate that the water-insoluble fraction of pyrolysis oil condensate can potentially be used to synthesize high-thermal performance and sustainable epoxidized pyrolysis bio-oil resins and also demonstrate its application as a curing agent of bio-oil glyoxal novolac (BOG) resin.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Sustainable Technologies in Biofuel Production)
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Open AccessArticle
2D and 3D TEM Characterisation of Benzene and Ethylene Soot
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, , , , , and
Fuels 2023, 4(2), 174-185; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels4020011 - 28 Apr 2023
Abstract
Flame-generated soot particles from two different fuels, benzene (B) and ethylene (E), at different ageing conditions, were analysed to assess their morphological and structural features. Samples were collected at 6, 10 and 14 mm from the nozzle location. Traditional 2D transmission electron microscopy
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Flame-generated soot particles from two different fuels, benzene (B) and ethylene (E), at different ageing conditions, were analysed to assess their morphological and structural features. Samples were collected at 6, 10 and 14 mm from the nozzle location. Traditional 2D transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a novel 3D TEM were used to investigate morphology variations. High-resolution TEM (HRTEM) was used to capture structural characteristics. Samples were then placed on lacey carbon microgrids. A field emission gun TEM was used to capture images of the agglomerates. Tilt series of ±60 degrees were acquired at 1-degree steps to perform the 3D reconstruction. IMOD software and backwards projection were used to reconstruct the tomogram from the tilt series. The 2D analysis revealed that soot particles’ agglomerations for both fuels change from a bundle to a chain-like structure as they “age”, i.e., extracted at a higher “flame height”. In B, the primary particle diameter increases as they get “older,” whereas in E, the opposite happens, and overall, E particles are bigger than B ones. The nanostructure presents ordered regions with parallel-stacked layers of carbon lamellae. This is more evident in the aged soot samples, with the difference that in E a thick amorphous layer is present at the edge of the particles, which is not observable for B. A nanostructure analysis suggests a trend of increasing fringes length as the soot ages, going from 1.04 nm of B6 to 1.22 nm of B10 to 1.05 nm of B14 and from 1.139 nm of E6 to 1.20 nm of E14 (±0.02 nm). The tortuosity does not vary greatly across all the samples, ranging between 1.132 and 1.149 (±0.004). Separation is also quite similar everywhere, with 0.404 nm of B6, 0.392 nm of B10, 0.399 nm of B14, 0.397 nm of E6 and 0.396 nm of E14 (±0.002 nm). Ring structures and particle overlaps, two examples of geometrical characteristics concealed in 2D, can be seen in the 3D reconstructions. Furthermore, the comparison between 3D and 2D volume and surface area raises questions about the reliability of those parameters as derived from 2D measurements. This study advances knowledge of how soot structure can be affected by the fuel type and emphasises the significance of how soot is investigated.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Biogenic and Not Biogenic Residuals/Byproducts from Thermochemical Processes: Diagnostic, Product Characterization, and Emissions Control)
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Standard-Compliant Gasoline by Upgrading a DTG-Based Fuel through Hydroprocessing the Heavy-Ends and Blending of Oxygenates
Fuels 2023, 4(2), 156-173; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels4020010 - 12 Apr 2023
Abstract
Methanol-to-gasoline (MTG) and dimethyl ether-to-gasoline (DTG) fuels are rich in heavy aromatics such as 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene, resulting in low volatilities due to a lack of light ends, increased emission tendencies and drivability problems due to crystallization. Approaches addressing these issues mainly focus on single
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Methanol-to-gasoline (MTG) and dimethyl ether-to-gasoline (DTG) fuels are rich in heavy aromatics such as 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene, resulting in low volatilities due to a lack of light ends, increased emission tendencies and drivability problems due to crystallization. Approaches addressing these issues mainly focus on single aspects or are optimized for petroleum-based feedstocks. This research article introduces an upgrading strategy for MTG and DTG fuels through hydroprocessing (HP) heavy-ends and applying a sophisticated blending concept. Different product qualities were prepared by HP heavy gasoline (HG) and Fischer-Tropsch wax using commercially available Pt/HZSM-5 and Pt/SAPO-11 catalysts in a fixed-bed reactor. The products were used for blending experiments, focusing on gasoline volatility characteristics. Accordingly, methanol, ethanol, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), and ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) were evaluated in a second blending experiment. The results were finally considered for preparing blends meeting EN 228. HP of HG was found to improve the amount of light-ends and the vapor pressure of the DTG fuel with increasing reaction temperature without, however, satisfying EN 228. The front-end volatility was further improved by blending methanol due to the formation of near-azeotropic mixtures, while ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) considerably supported the mid-range volatility. A final blend with an alcohol content of less than 3 vol.%, mostly meeting EN 228, could be provided, making it suitable even for older vehicles.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Synthetic Fuel)
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Numerical Investigation of Performance, Combustion, and Emission Characteristics of Various Microalgae Biodiesel on CI Engine
Fuels 2023, 4(2), 132-155; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels4020009 - 29 Mar 2023
Abstract
Biodiesel is being considered a possible alternative fuel due to its similarity with diesel and environmental benefits. This current work involves a numerical investigation of CI engine characteristics operating on D100 (diesel) and Dunaliella tertiolecta (DMB20), Scenedesmus obliquus (SOMB20), Scenedesmus dimorphu (SDMB20), and
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Biodiesel is being considered a possible alternative fuel due to its similarity with diesel and environmental benefits. This current work involves a numerical investigation of CI engine characteristics operating on D100 (diesel) and Dunaliella tertiolecta (DMB20), Scenedesmus obliquus (SOMB20), Scenedesmus dimorphu (SDMB20), and Chlorella protothecoides (CMB20) microalgae biodiesel blend. A diesel engine of 3.7 kW was used with variable compression ratios (CRs) (15.5, 16.5, 17.5, and 18.5) and constant speed (1500 rpm). Comparative analysis was performed for engine characteristics, including emission, combustion, and performance. Cylinder pressure, heat release rate, brake thermal efficiency, specific fuel consumption, particulate matter, oxide of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc., were evaluated using the blended fuel. The results show that the maximum cylinder pressure falls, SFC increases, and EGT and BTE were reduced for all blends at full load. In terms of emission characteristics, PM and smoke were lowered when compared to diesel, but a slight increment in NOx and CO2 was observed. Among all the blends, SOMB20 shows the most decrement in PM and smoke emissions by 14.16% and 11.6%, respectively, at CR 16.5. CMB20 shows a maximum increment in SFC by 3.22% at CR 17.5. A minimum reduction in CP and HRR was shown by DMB20 irrespective of CRs.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofuel Value Chains: Innovations and Sustainability)
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Effect of Torrefaction on the Physiochemical Properties of White Spruce Sawdust for Biofuel Production
Fuels 2023, 4(1), 111-131; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels4010008 - 17 Mar 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
Torrefaction pretreatment is a mild form of pyrolysis that has the potential to produce a high-quality raw material for making biofuel that serves as a replacement for coal in the bioenergy industry. Microwave-assisted torrefaction was conducted on white spruce sawdust (WSS) at temperatures
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Torrefaction pretreatment is a mild form of pyrolysis that has the potential to produce a high-quality raw material for making biofuel that serves as a replacement for coal in the bioenergy industry. Microwave-assisted torrefaction was conducted on white spruce sawdust (WSS) at temperatures of 200 °C, 250 °C, and 300 °C and retention times of 5 min, 7 min, and 9 min in an inert environment. The torrefaction process produces a solid carbon, commonly known as biochar, and condensable (torrefaction liquid (TL)) and non-condensable gases. In this study, torrefaction characteristics were investigated to observe its effects on the thermal and physiochemical properties of the pellets produced. During the torrefaction process, a significant mass loss associated with the decomposition of hemicellulose was observed. The hemicellulose content drastically reduced to approximately 1.8% and the cellulose content was reduced by approximately 10%, while the lignin gained approximately 35% as the severity increased. This led to an improvement in the higher heating value (HHV), hydrophobicity, bulk, particle density, pellet dimensional stability, and pellet density. However, the pellet tensile strength decreased as the torrefaction severity increased. Pellet tensile strength is a critical indicator of biomass pellets that expresses the force required to crush or damage a pellet. Therefore, to enhance the tensile strength of the pellets, the introduction of a binder was necessary. Torrefaction liquid and sawdust were used as additives at different proportions during pelletization. The addition of binders (torrefaction liquid and sawdust) to the pellet formulation increased the tensile strength of the torrefied WSS by approximately 50%. The OH groups in the biomass break down to a limited degree due to dehydration. This hinders the formation of H bonds, thereby increasing the chances that the pretreated biomass will become hydrophobic. The SEM graphs showed that the torrefied WSS pellets demonstrated more firmly glued surfaces with fewer pores spaces when set side by side with the raw pellets. The thermogravimetric analysis conducted showed that the torrefaction of WSS slightly reduced its thermal stability.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Sustainable Technologies in Biofuel Production)
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Design and Performance Analysis of Dry Gas Fishbone Wells for Lower Carbon Footprint
Fuels 2023, 4(1), 92-110; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels4010007 - 27 Feb 2023
Cited by 1
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Multilateral well drilling technology has recently assisted the drilling industry in improving borehole contact area and reducing operation time, while maintaining a competitive cost. The most advanced multilateral well drilling method is Fishbone drilling (FbD). This method has been utilized in several hydrocarbon
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Multilateral well drilling technology has recently assisted the drilling industry in improving borehole contact area and reducing operation time, while maintaining a competitive cost. The most advanced multilateral well drilling method is Fishbone drilling (FbD). This method has been utilized in several hydrocarbon fields worldwide, resulting in high recovery enhancement and reduced carbon emissions from drilling. FbD involves drilling several branches from laterals and can be considered as an alternative method to hydraulic fracturing to increase the stimulated reservoir volume. However, the expected productivity of applying a Fishbone well from one field to another can vary due to various challenges such as Fishbone well design, reservoir lithology, and accessibility. Another challenge is the lack of existing analytical models and the effect of each Fishbone parameter on the cumulative production, as well as the interaction between them. In this paper, analytical and empirical productivity models were modified for FbD in a dry gas reservoir. The modified analytical model showed a higher accuracy with respect to the existing model. It was also compared with the modified empirical model, which proved its higher accuracy. Finally, machine learning algorithms were developed to predict FbD productivity, which showed close results with both analytical and empirical models.
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Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of Vaporizing Diesel Spray with High-Speed Laser Absorption Scattering Technique for Measuring Vapor and Liquid Phase Concentration Distributions
Fuels 2023, 4(1), 75-91; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels4010006 - 16 Feb 2023
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The Conventional Laser Absorption Scattering (C-LAS) technique is used to measure the mixture concentration and visualize the vapor phase. The former is determined by the attenuation of visible and ultraviolet light whereas the latter is achieved via light absorption and scattering theory. The
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The Conventional Laser Absorption Scattering (C-LAS) technique is used to measure the mixture concentration and visualize the vapor phase. The former is determined by the attenuation of visible and ultraviolet light whereas the latter is achieved via light absorption and scattering theory. The C-LAS uses the Nd: YAG pulsed laser and CCD cameras to provide one spray shot at a particular instance which requires time and effort. However, the temporal measurement of a single spray shot is not possible. To record the distribution of the whole vapor phase in an injection event and measure liquid and vapor concentrations inside the spray, a High-Speed Laser Absorption Scattering (HS-LAS) technique was developed. The HS-LAS consists of continuous diode light sources, high-speed video cameras, and an image intensifier for UV light, which can provide the temporal variation of a single-shot spray. In the experiment, a commercial seven-hole injector with a hole diameter of 0.123 mm allowing high injection pressure of up to 100 MPa was used to avoid the potential inconsistencies with a single-hole test injector. The diesel surrogate fuel which consists of 97.5% n-tridecane and 2.5% of volume-based 1-methylnaphthalene was used. The injection amount of 5.0 mg/hole was selected to investigate the structure and mixture formation process of the spray. The findings of the experiments show that this imaging approach is a promising diagnostic technique for concurrently obtaining quantitative information on the quantity of vapor and droplets in a fuel spray. Furthermore, the turbulent/vortex fluid dynamics’ temporal development/variation can be investigated.
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A Critical Review of Extraction Methods for Vanadium from Petcoke Ash
Fuels 2023, 4(1), 58-74; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels4010005 - 08 Feb 2023
Cited by 1
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Petcoke is a solid carbon-rich residue produced during petroleum refining. Petcoke mineral matter is rich in vanadium that, when alloyed with other metals, can significantly improve its properties. Vanadium extraction from steel slags is well studied, while extraction from secondary sources such as
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Petcoke is a solid carbon-rich residue produced during petroleum refining. Petcoke mineral matter is rich in vanadium that, when alloyed with other metals, can significantly improve its properties. Vanadium extraction from steel slags is well studied, while extraction from secondary sources such as petcoke is not well understood. Vanadium is one of the 50 critical minerals identified by the United States Department of Interior. Considering the annual production of petcoke, it is a valuable secondary source of vanadium, especially in places with no steel production. This review paper critically examines the compositional differences between steel and petcoke slags and the various extraction methods that apply to vanadium production, particularly from petcoke, considering the environmental issues associated with each technique. Information on the characterization of US petcoke is also included to identify specific extraction methods for vanadium.
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Open AccessArticle
Applied Intelligent Grey Wolf Optimizer (IGWO) to Improve the Performance of CI Engine Running on Emulsion Diesel Fuel Blends
Fuels 2023, 4(1), 35-57; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels4010004 - 31 Jan 2023
Cited by 5
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Water-in-diesel (W/D) emulsion fuel is a potential alternative fuel that can simultaneously lower NOx exhaust emissions and improves combustion efficiency. Additionally, there are no additional costs or engine modifications required when using W/D emulsion fuel. The proportion of water added and engine speed
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Water-in-diesel (W/D) emulsion fuel is a potential alternative fuel that can simultaneously lower NOx exhaust emissions and improves combustion efficiency. Additionally, there are no additional costs or engine modifications required when using W/D emulsion fuel. The proportion of water added and engine speed is crucial factors influencing engine behavior. This study aims to examine the impact of the W/D emulsion diesel fuel on engine performance and NOx pollutant emissions using a compression ignition (CI) engine. The emulsion fuel had water content ranging from 0 to 30% with a 5% increment, and 2% surfactant was employed. The tests were performed at speeds ranging from 1000 to 3000 rpm. All W/D emulsion fuel was compared to a standard of pure diesel in all tests. A four-cylinder, four-stroke, water-cooled, direct-injection diesel engine test bed was used for the experiments. The performance and exhaust emissions of the diesel engine were measured at full load and various engine speeds using a dynamometer and an exhaust gas analyzer, respectively. The second purpose of this study is to illustrate the application of two optimizers, grey wolf optimizer (GWO) and intelligent grey wolf optimizer (IGOW), along with using multivariate polynomial regression (MPR) to identify the optimum (W/D) emulsion blend percentage and engine speed to enhance the performance, reduce fuel consumption, and reduce NOX exhaust emissions of a diesel engine operating. The engine speed and proportion of water in the fuel mixture were the independent variables (inputs), while brake power (BP), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), and NOx were the dependent variables (outcomes). It was experimentally observed that utilizing emulsified gasoline generally enhances engine performance and decreases emissions in general. Experimentally, at 5% water content and 2000 rpm, the BSFC has a minimal value of 0.258 kJ/kW·h. Under the same conditions, the maximum BP of 11.6 kW and BTE of 32.8% were achieved. According to the IGWO process findings, adding 9% water to diesel fuel and running the engine at a speed of 1998 rpm produced the highest BP (11.2 kW) and BTE (33.3%) and the lowest BSFC (0.259 kg/kW·h) and reduced NOx by 14.3% compared with the CI engine powered by pure diesel. The accuracy of the model is high, as indicated by a correlation coefficient R2 exceeding 0.97 and a mean absolute error (MAE) less than 0.04. In terms of the optimizer, the IGWO performs better than GWO in determining the optimal water addition and engine speed. This is attributed to the IGWO has excellent exploratory capability in the early stages of searching.
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Open AccessEditorial
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Fuels in 2022
Fuels 2023, 4(1), 33-34; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels4010003 - 20 Jan 2023
Abstract
High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
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Open AccessArticle
Impact of N,N-Bis(2-ethoxyethyl) Fatty Acid Amides on the Lubrication Performance of Kerosene Fuel F-34 for Use in CI Engines
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, , , , and
Fuels 2023, 4(1), 19-32; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels4010002 - 13 Jan 2023
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In an attempt to avoid serious problems that can affect the efficiency of refueling ground-operated vehicles and aircraft during military operations, the Armed Forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are introducing the use of a unique fuel for both air and
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In an attempt to avoid serious problems that can affect the efficiency of refueling ground-operated vehicles and aircraft during military operations, the Armed Forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are introducing the use of a unique fuel for both air and land use. The fuel that has been selected is the F-34, similar to Jet A-1, which is used in civil aviation, in order to replace diesel fuel in many applications. It has to be mentioned that tests performed with this fuel, which is kerosene type on the high frequency reciprocating rig (HFRR) have shown that such fuel is responsible for severe wear. This very high wear is related to the very low lubricity of aviation fuel. Having the idea to improve the lubricity of aviation fuel to the level of fuels used in compression ignition engines (diesel fuel), seven N,N-Bis(2-ethoxyethyl) fatty acid amides were formulated from various vegetable oils (sunflower oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, tobacco seed oil, coconut oil, used frying oil), and they were evaluated as lubricity improvers of the aviation fuel. The required tribological measurements for lubricity rating were carried out by employing ISO 12156-1 test method on an HFRR instrument. The test conditions during the measurements were in the range of 55% to 58% for the relative humidity and 24 °C for the temperature. The results from the tribological measurements showed that all N,N-Bis(2-ethoxyethyl) fatty acid amides used were rated as efficient in order to provide an acceptable mean wear scar diameter (below 460 μm) at concentrations from 150 to 300 ppm. Additive concentrations below 150 ppm did not improve the lubricity at the required level. The increase of N,N-Bis(2-ethoxyethyl) fatty acid amides at concentrations over 300 ppm did not have any significant decrease in the wear scar diameter. A comparison between the N,N-Bis(2-ethoxyethyl) fatty acid amides showed that those formulated by non-polyunsaturated oils like olive oil and coconut oil seem to have better lubricity improver characteristics.
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Open AccessArticle
Techno-Economic Analysis of Large Scale Production of Poly(oxymethylene) Dimethyl Ether Fuels from Methanol in Water-Tolerant Processes
Fuels 2023, 4(1), 1-18; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels4010001 - 06 Jan 2023
Abstract
Poly(oxymethylene) dimethyl ether (OME) are a much-discussed and promising synthetic and renewable fuel for reducing soot and, if produced as e-fuel, CO2 emissions. OME production is generally based on the platform chemical methanol as an intermediate. Thus, the OME production cost is
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Poly(oxymethylene) dimethyl ether (OME) are a much-discussed and promising synthetic and renewable fuel for reducing soot and, if produced as e-fuel, CO2 emissions. OME production is generally based on the platform chemical methanol as an intermediate. Thus, the OME production cost is strongly dependent on the methanol cost. This work investigates OME production from methanol. Seven routes for providing methanolic formaldehyde solutions are conceptually designed for the first time and simulated in a process simulator. They are coupled with a state-of-the-art OME synthesis to evaluate the economics of the overall production chain from methanol to OME. For a plant size of 100 kt/a, the average levelized product cost of OME is 79.08 EUR/t plus 1.31 times the cost of methanol in EUR/t.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Synthetic Fuel)
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Open AccessArticle
Optimization of Solid-State Fermentation of Switchgrass Using White-Rot Fungi for Biofuel Production
Fuels 2022, 3(4), 730-752; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels3040043 - 06 Dec 2022
Abstract
Biological delignification using white-rot fungi is a possible approach in the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. Despite the considerable promise of this low-input, environmentally-friendly pretreatment strategy, its large-scale application is still limited. Therefore, understanding the best combination of factors which affect biological pretreatment and
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Biological delignification using white-rot fungi is a possible approach in the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. Despite the considerable promise of this low-input, environmentally-friendly pretreatment strategy, its large-scale application is still limited. Therefore, understanding the best combination of factors which affect biological pretreatment and its impact on enzymatic hydrolysis is essential for its commercialization. The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of fungal pretreatment on the enzymatic digestibility of switchgrass under solid-state fermentation (SSF) using Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PC), Trametes versicolor 52J (Tv 52J), and a mutant strain of Trametes versicolor that is cellobiose dehydrogenase-deficient (Tv m4D). Response surface methodology and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to ascertain the optimum pretreatment conditions and the effects of pretreatment factors on delignification, cellulose loss, and total available carbohydrate (TAC). Pretreatment with Tv m4D gave the highest TAC (73.4%), while the highest delignification (23.6%) was observed in the PC-treated sample. Fermentation temperature significantly affected the response variables for the wild-type fungal strains, while fermentation time was the main significant factor for Tv m4D. The result of enzymatic hydrolysis with fungus-treated switchgrass at optimum pretreatment conditions showed that pretreatment with the white-rot fungi enhanced enzymatic digestibility with wild-type T. versicolor (52J)-treated switchgrass, yielding approximately 64.9% and 74% more total reducing sugar before and after densification, respectively, than the untreated switchgrass sample. Pretreatment using PC and Tv 52J at low severity positively contributed to enzymatic digestibility but resulted in switchgrass pellets with low unit density and tensile strength compared to the pellets from the untreated switchgrass.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Sustainable Technologies in Biofuel Production)
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Modeling the Coal Tar Pitch Primary Carbonization Process
Fuels 2022, 3(4), 698-729; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels3040042 - 26 Nov 2022
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The properties of the carbon materials obtained as the final product of coal tar pitch carbonization process are a consequence of the type of chemical and physical phenomena occurring through the process. A new simplified approach for modeling of the primary carbonization is
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The properties of the carbon materials obtained as the final product of coal tar pitch carbonization process are a consequence of the type of chemical and physical phenomena occurring through the process. A new simplified approach for modeling of the primary carbonization is presented to provide the semi-quantitative knowledge about the process useful for improving the efficiency of the industries that deal with this process. The proposed approach is based on defining thermodynamic and kinetic equations simply representing numerous phenomena happening during primary carbonization. Partial pressures of emitted volatiles in a simple pitch system are studied. The model enables estimating the mass and enthalpy changes of pitch through thermal treatment consistent with experimental data for mass losses of pitch heat treated up to 550 °C. Application of the model to describe molecular weight distribution changes of pitch during primary carbonization is demonstrated, showing a good agreement between the presented results and the investigations reported by Greinke. For the first time, the effect of important parameters in pitch carbonization, such as the heating rate of the pitch and the carrier gas flow rate, on the emission rate of volatiles is successfully modeled. The present model is well able to estimate the energy requirement for thermal treatment of pitch up to 350 °C.
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Investigating the Effect of Volatiles on Sub-23 nm Particle Number Measurements for a Downsized GDI Engine with a Catalytic Stripper and Digital Filtering
Fuels 2022, 3(4), 682-697; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels3040041 - 21 Nov 2022
Abstract
Recent efforts of both researchers and regulators regarding particulate emissions have focused on the contribution and presence of sub-23 nm particulates. Despite being previously excluded from emissions legislation with the particle measurement programme (PMP), the latest regulatory proposals suggest lowering the cut-off sizes
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Recent efforts of both researchers and regulators regarding particulate emissions have focused on the contribution and presence of sub-23 nm particulates. Despite being previously excluded from emissions legislation with the particle measurement programme (PMP), the latest regulatory proposals suggest lowering the cut-off sizes for counting efficiencies and the use of catalytic strippers to include solid particles in this size range. This work investigated particulate emissions of a 1.0 L gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine using a differential mobility spectrometer (DMS) in combination with a catalytic stripper. Direct comparison of measurements taken with and without the catalytic stripper reveals that the catalytic stripper noticeably reduced variability in sub-23 nm particle concentration measurements. A significant portion of particles in this size regime remained (58–92%), suggesting a non-volatile nature for these particles. Digital filtering functions for imposing defined counting efficiencies were assessed with datasets acquired with the catalytic stripper; i.e., particle size distributions (PSDs) with removed volatiles. An updated filtering function for counting efficiency thresholds of d65 = 10 nm and d90 = 15 nm showed an increase in particulate numbers between 1.5% and up to 11.2%, compared to the closest previous digital filtering function. However, this increase is highly dependent on the underlying PSD. For a matrix of operating conditions (1250 to 2250 rpm and fast-idle to 40 Nm brake torque), the highest emissions occurred at fast-idle 1250 rpm with using the updated filtering function and catalytic stripper. This setup showed an increase in particulate number of +27% to +390% over the test matrix when compared to DMS measurements without the catalytic stripper and applied counting efficiency thresholds of d50 = 23 nm and d90 = 41.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Biogenic and Not Biogenic Residuals/Byproducts from Thermochemical Processes: Diagnostic, Product Characterization, and Emissions Control)
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Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition in Stochiometric Propane–Hydrogen–Air Mixtures
Fuels 2022, 3(4), 667-681; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels3040040 - 14 Nov 2022
Cited by 2
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Hydrocarbon–hydrogen blends are often considered as perspective environmentally friendly fuels for power plants, piston engines, heating appliances, home stoves, etc. However, the addition of hydrogen to a hydrocarbon fuel poses a potential risk of accidental explosion due to the high reactivity of hydrogen.
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Hydrocarbon–hydrogen blends are often considered as perspective environmentally friendly fuels for power plants, piston engines, heating appliances, home stoves, etc. However, the addition of hydrogen to a hydrocarbon fuel poses a potential risk of accidental explosion due to the high reactivity of hydrogen. In this manuscript, the detonability of stoichiometric C3H8–H2–air mixtures is studied experimentally in terms of the run-up time and distance of deflagration to detonation transition (DDT). The hydrogen volume fraction in the mixtures varied from 0 to 1. Three different configurations of detonation tubes were used to ensure the DDT in the mixtures of the various compositions. The measured dependences of the DDT run-up time and distance on the hydrogen volume fraction were found to be nonlinear and, in some cases, nonmonotonic with local maxima. Blended fuel detonability is shown to increase sharply only at a relatively large hydrogen volume fraction (above 70%), i.e., the addition of hydrogen to propane in amounts less than 70% vol. does not affect the detonability of the blended fuel significantly. The observed nonlinear/nonmonotonic dependences are shown to be the manifestation of the physicochemical properties of hydrogen-containing mixtures. An increase in the hydrogen volume fraction is accompanied by effects leading to both an increase and a decrease in mixture sensitivity to the DDT. Thus, on the one hand, the increase in the hydrogen volume fraction increases the mixture sensitivity to DDT due to an increase in the laminar flame velocity and a decrease in the self-ignition delay at isotherms above 1000 K and pressures relevant to DDT. On the other hand, the mixture sensitivity to DDT decreases due to the increase in the speed of sound in the hydrogen-containing mixture, thus leading to a decrease in the Mach number of the lead shock wave propagating ahead of the flame, and to a corresponding increase in the self-ignition delay. Moreover, for C3H8–H2–air mixtures at isotherms below 1000 K and pressures relevant to DDT, the self-ignition delay increases with hydrogen volume fraction.
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Use of Biomass as Alternative Fuel in Magnesia Sector
by
, , , , , and
Fuels 2022, 3(4), 642-666; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels3040039 - 09 Nov 2022
Abstract
The European Union has started a progressive decarbonization pathway with the aim to become carbon neutral by 2050. Energy-intensive industries (EEIs) are expected to play an important role in this transition as they represent 24% of the final energy consumption. To stay competitive
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The European Union has started a progressive decarbonization pathway with the aim to become carbon neutral by 2050. Energy-intensive industries (EEIs) are expected to play an important role in this transition as they represent 24% of the final energy consumption. To stay competitive as EEI, a clear and consistent long-term strategy is required. In the magnesia sector, an essential portion of CO2 emissions result from solid fossil fuels (MgCO3, pet coke) during the production process. This study concerns the partial substitution of fossil fuels with biomass to reduce carbon emissions. An experimental campaign is conducted by implementing a new low-NOx burner at the magnesia plant of Grecian Magnesite (GM). Life cycle assessment (LCA) is performed to quantify the carbon reduction potential of various biomass mixtures. The experimental analysis revealed that even with a 100% pet coke feed of the new NOx burner, NOx emissions are decreased by 41%, while the emissions of CO and SOx increase slightly. By applying a biomass/pet coke mixture as fuel input, where 50% of the required energy input results from biomass, a further 21% of NOx emission reduction is achieved. In this case, SOx and CO emissions are additionally reduced by 50% and 13%, respectively. LCA results confirmed the sustainable impact of applying biomass. Carbon emissions could be significantly decreased by 32.5% for CCM products to 1.51 ton of CO2eq and by 38.2% for DBM products to 1.64 ton of CO2eq per ton of MgO in a best case scenario. Since the calcination of MgCO3 releases an essential and unavoidable amount of CO2 naturally bound in the mineral, biomass usage as a fuel is a promising way to become sustainable and resilient against future increased CO2 prices.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Sustainable Technologies in Biofuel Production)
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