Can High Biodiesel Blends Be Used in Cold Highlands Environment?
Nursyairah Jalil1*; Harrison Lau Lik Nang1 and Rifqi Irzuan Abdul Jalal2The use of biodiesel in compression ignition engines has attracted global attention as it alleviates global warming concerning the environment. Nevertheless, its low temperature flow characteristic remains a major challenge when used as a substitute for petroleum diesel in cold places such as highlands and areas with moderate temperatures. The use of biodiesel blends could possibly cause fuel starvation and operational issues at low temperatures as solidified materials could clog fuel lines and filters due to their high content of saturated components (Joshi and Pegg, 2007). Cold temperatures lead to a decrease in fuel viscosity, and resulted in engine fuel supply and performance issues (Dwivedi and Sharma, 2014). These issues are more prominent in biodiesel deriving from oils with high content of saturated fatty acids (Hoekman and Robbins, 2012). Biodiesel tends to precipitate when exposed to cold temperatures in the presence of unreacted saturated monoglycerides that could lead to filter clogging and injectors choking (Dwivedi and Sharma, 2013).
Author information:
1 Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.
2Taylor’s University, 1, Jalan Taylors, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
*E-mail: nursyairah@mpob.gov.my