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Article
Publication date: 17 August 2018

Daoyi Wu, Yufu Xu, Lulu Yao, Tao You and Xianguo Hu

This paper aims to study the upgradation of the lubricating performance of the renewable base oil , and to study the tribological behavior of graphene oxide (GO) sheets used as…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the upgradation of the lubricating performance of the renewable base oil , and to study the tribological behavior of graphene oxide (GO) sheets used as lubricating additives in bio-oil for iron/steel contact.

Design/methodology/approach

A multifunctional end-face tribometer was used to characterize the friction coefficient and wear loss of the tribosystem under different lubricants.

Findings

The experimental results show that GO sheets with small size benefit lubricating effects and the optimal concentration of GO sheets in bio-oil is 0.4-0.6 per cent, which can form a complete lubricating film on the frictional interfaces and obtain a low friction coefficient and wear loss. Higher concentration of GO sheets can result in a significant aggregation of the sheets, reducing the content of the lubricating components in the bio-oil, which results in the increase in friction and wear; at this stage, the main wear pattern was ascribed to adhesive wear.

Practical implications

These results show a promising prospect of improving the tribological performance of renewable base oil with the introduction of GO sheets as additives.

Originality/value

No literature has covered the tribological behaviour of GO sheets in bio-oil. This study contributes to accelerating the application of bio-oil.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 70 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 September 2010

Tarja Ketola and Tiina Salmi

The aim of this research is to conduct a holistic sustainability life cycle assessment (LCA) comparison of different kinds of biofuels, integrating environmental, social, cultural…

1857

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this research is to conduct a holistic sustainability life cycle assessment (LCA) comparison of different kinds of biofuels, integrating environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability. The feasibility of a vision that by year 2015 households, companies, and other organizations all over the world will turn their sewages into biofuels, instead of discharging them into the environment is tested through these comparisons.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews of biofuels' experts in Finnish companies, industry organizations, research institutions, and non‐governmental organization were conducted.

Findings

Biogases are environmentally more sustainable than bio‐oils, field biomass, wood‐based biomass and peat, all of which cause loss of biodiversity. Bio‐oils and field biomass are socio‐culturally unsustainable when they affect farming for food. Launching any kind of biofuel system is expensive, but running it reaps benefits. Biogases, bio‐oils and liquid field biomass use the cradle‐to‐grave approach; solid field biomass, wood‐based biomass and peat use the cradle‐to‐cradle approach in their life cycles. Biogases made of sewage have an endless supply with little need for an endless life cycle, which, however, could also be developed.

Practical implications

Refining sewage into biofuels solves two global environmental problems at once: carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels contributing to climate change and over‐fertilization of waterways causing sea, lake and river deaths. Hence, the launching expenses are well worth the effort. Yet other biofuels compete so heavily that large‐scale global turning of sewage into biofuels by 2015 is unlikely.

Originality/value

This is the first holistic sustainability LCA comparison of biofuels which integrates environmental, socio‐cultural and economic sustainability views of industry, research and civil society experts.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 21 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2017

Najibah Ab Latif and Salmiah Kasolang

The purpose of this study is to conduct an investigation into the potential characteristics of Pistia stratiotes at different maturity stages. The focus of interest was to…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conduct an investigation into the potential characteristics of Pistia stratiotes at different maturity stages. The focus of interest was to specifically look at oleophilicity properties based on contact angle (CA) measurement.

Design/methodology/approach

The morphological characteristics were also examined using a variable pressure scanning electron microscope. Three different oils, namely, Bio Oil 1, Bio Oil 2 and MP-R 10W/40 semi-synthetic oil, were tested on the Pistia leaf surface to measure the CA and wetting properties.

Findings

It was found that both types of bio oils had distinct CA values compared to that of the synthetic oil. A maximum difference of 65° to 75° was recorded in CA values.

Originality/value

Based on the results, the maturity of leaves was found to affect the CA values.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 69 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 February 2017

Ali Bahadir, Turgay Kar, Sedat Keles and Kamil Kaygusuz

The purpose of this paper is to investigate fast pyrolysis of maple fruit as an energy sources. This could serve as a solution to the energy sources problem.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate fast pyrolysis of maple fruit as an energy sources. This could serve as a solution to the energy sources problem.

Design/methodology/approach

Fast pyrolysis of maple fruit (samara) was achieved in a fixed bed reactor. The pyrolysis experiments have been conducted on the sample of maple seeds to particularly determine the effects of pyrolysis temperature, particle size and sweep gas flow rate on the pyrolysis product yields.

Findings

The oil of maple fruit from fast pyrolysis has good properties to be a potential candidate as a biofuel or as a source of chemicals. In addition to being environmentally desirable, it can reduce the energy cost, e.g. that Turkey imports a majority of its energy.

Originality/value

The use of maple fruit for fast pyrolysis and pyrolysis conditions impact on the yields of pyrolysis liquid can be considered as novel aspects of this paper.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 February 2018

Stefano Cordiner, Alessandro Manni, Vincenzo Mulone and Vittorio Rocco

Thermochemical conversion processes are one of the possible solutions for the flexible production of electric and thermal power from biomass. The pyrolysis degradation process…

Abstract

Purpose

Thermochemical conversion processes are one of the possible solutions for the flexible production of electric and thermal power from biomass. The pyrolysis degradation process presents, among the others, the interesting features of biofuels and high energy density bio-oil production potential high conversion rate. In this paper, numerical results of a slow batch and continuous fast pyrolyzers, are presented, aiming at validating both a tridimensional computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method (CFD–DEM) and a monodimensional distributed activation energy model (DAEM) represents with data collected in dedicated experiments. The purpose of this paper is then to provide reliable models for industrial scale-up and direct design purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

The slow pyrolysis experimental system, a batch of small-scale constant-pressure bomb for allothermic conversion processes, is presented. A DEM numerical model has been implemented by means of a modified OpenFOAM solver. The fast pyrolysis experimental system and a lab scale screw reactor designed for biomass fast pyrolysis conversion are also presented along with a 1D numerical model to represent its operation. The model which is developed for continuous stationary feeding conditions and based on a four-parallel reaction chemical framework is presented in detail.

Findings

The slow pyrolysis numerical results are compared with experimental data in terms of both gaseous species production and reduction of the bed height showing good predictive capabilities. Fast pyrolysis numerical results have been compared to the experimental data obtained from the fast pyrolysis process of spruce wood pellet. The comparison shows that the chemical reaction modeling based on a Gaussian DAEM is capable of giving results in very good agreement with the bio-oil yield evaluated experimentally.

Originality/value

As general results of the proposed activities, a mixed experimental and numerical approach has demonstrated a very good potential in developing design tools for pyrolysis development.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 April 2019

Sarah Gabashwediwe Mungodla, Linda Zikhona Linganiso, Sukoluhle Mlambo and Tshwafo Motaung

In 2008, a number of Southern African countries cultivated about 900,000 ha of Jatropha, with a number of biodiesel plants ready for production; however, none of the projects…

Abstract

Purpose

In 2008, a number of Southern African countries cultivated about 900,000 ha of Jatropha, with a number of biodiesel plants ready for production; however, none of the projects succeeded. In 2014, KiOR advanced biofuel Energy Company in the USA announced bankruptcy due to incompetent technology. Studies disclose that the reasons for biofuel plants failure are not only due to lack of incentives and unclear policies but also due to lack of economic feasibility and low production yields. This paper aims to review the techno-economy assessment of second-generation biofuel technologies. The purpose of this paper is to summarize specific techno-economic indicators such as production cost, technology efficiency and process life cycle analysis for advanced biofuel technology and to narrate and illustrate a clear view of what requires assessment to deploy a feasible advanced biofuel technology. This study also reviews assessment of biomass supply chain, feedstock availability and site selection criteria. The review also elaborates on the use of different processes, forecasting and simulation-modeling tools used in different techno-economic analysis studies. The review provides guidance for conducting a technical and economic feasibility study for the advanced biofuels energy business.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim of this review is, therefore, to evaluate the techno-economic feasibility studies for the establishment of viable industrial scale production of second-generation biofuels. It does so by grouping studies based on technology selection, feedstock availability and suitability, process simulation and economies as well as technology environmental impact assessment.

Findings

In conclusion, techno-economic analysis tools offer researchers insight in terms of where their research and development should focus, to attain the most significant enhancement for the economics of a technology. The study patterns within the scope of techno-economics of advanced biofuel reveal that there is no generic answer as to which technology would be feasible at a commercial scale. It is therefore important to keep in mind that models can only simplify and give a simulation of reality to a certain extent. Nevertheless, reviewed studies do not reach the same results, but some results are logically similar.

Originality/value

The originality of this article specifically illustrates important technical and economic indicators that should be considered when conducting feasibility studies for advance biofuels.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 13 April 2023

Lyailya Maratovna Mutaliyeva and Ulf Henning Richter

Bioenergy remains the largest branch of renewable energy, and microalgae are a promising object of research among other types of biomasses whose scale for energy purposes is…

Abstract

Bioenergy remains the largest branch of renewable energy, and microalgae are a promising object of research among other types of biomasses whose scale for energy purposes is increasing. On the other hand, the growth of global energy production and urbanization, which results in high rates of municipal waste and wastewater generation, requires the development of integrated technologies that allow waste to be disposed of as fully as possible. Sustainable investments in the production of energy by various technologies are one of the methods to solve this complex problem. In this chapter, we study the methods of microalgae utilization of nutrients from wastewater and by-product liquid waste of sustainable investments from microalgae by hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology. Wastewater has a complex composition, and the treatment of nitrogen and phosphorus and other biogenic elements, as well as heavy metals, using biological objects is optimal and cost-effective. Also the water phase after HTL is a by-product that has limited energy value. Biofuel investments have higher growth rates and at the same time do not compete with the investments in fossil fuels. Biofuel investments' cost of seaweed fuel can be reduced through high-value-added related products, such as food and feed additives, and pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

Article
Publication date: 5 November 2020

Wani Khalid Shafi and M.S. Charoo

The paper aims to investigate the effect of zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) on wear and extreme pressure (EP) capabilities of hazelnut oil.

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the effect of zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) on wear and extreme pressure (EP) capabilities of hazelnut oil.

Design/methodology/approach

A four-ball tribometer is used to study the effect of ZDDP on the antiwear (AW) and EP performance of hazelnut oil as a lubricant. The AW/EP tests are carried out following ASTM D4172 and ASTM D2783 standards. The wear mechanism of steel balls is studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The ZDDP is added in 1Wt.%, 2Wt.% and 3Wt.% concentration, and its presence on surfaces is indicated by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX).

Findings

The maximum improvement in the wear properties for hazelnut oil is equal to 43.7% and 45.7% at 1Wt.% and 3Wt. % ZDDP, respectively. Also, the load wear index of hazelnut oil increases from 29 to 73.1 at 3Wt.% ZDDP. The improvement in AW and EP properties is attributed to the protective layer formation by ZDDP.

Originality/value

The paper is a novel study investigating the effect of ZDDP additive in hazelnut oil. The results could prove beneficial in making the hazelnut oil a viable replacement of mineral oils.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-06-2020-0217/

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 73 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2023

Gokulnath R. and Booma Devi

Diesel has traditionally been considered the best-suited and most widely used fuel in various sectors, including manufacturing industries, power production, automobiles and…

Abstract

Purpose

Diesel has traditionally been considered the best-suited and most widely used fuel in various sectors, including manufacturing industries, power production, automobiles and transportation. However, with the ongoing crisis of fossil fuel inadequacy, the search for alternative fuels and their application in these sectors has become increasingly important. One particularly interesting and beneficial alternative fuel is biodiesel derived from bio sources.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, an attempt was made to use biodiesel in an unconventional micro gas turbine engine. It will remove the concentric use of diesel engines for power production by improving fuel efficiency as well as increasing the power production rate. Before the fuel is used enormously, it has to be checked in many ways such as performance, emission and combustion analysis experimentally.

Findings

In this paper, a detailed experimental study was made for the use of Spirulina microalgae biodiesel in a micro gas turbine. A small-scale setup with the primary micro gas turbine and secondary instruments such as a data acquisition system and AVL gas analyser. The reason for selecting the third-generation microalgae is due to its high lipid and biodiesel production rate. For the conduction of experimental tests, certain conditions were followed in addition that the engine rotating rpm was varied from 4,000, 5,000 and 6,000 rpm. The favourable and predicted results were obtained with the use of microalgae biodiesel.

Originality/value

The performance and combustion results were not exactly equal or greater for biodiesel blends but close to the values of pure diesel; however, the reduction in the emission of CO was at the appreciable level for the used spirulina microalgae biodiesel. The emission of nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide was a little higher than the use of pure diesel. This experimental analysis results proved that the use of spirulina microalgae biodiesel is both economical and effective replacement for fossil fuel.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 February 2022

Balaji V., Kaliappan S., Madhuvanesan D.M., Ezhumalai D.S., Boopathi S., Patil Pravin P. and Saiprakash Mani

The purpose of the study is to examine the influence of the corn biofuel on the Jet engine. Each tests were carried out in a small gas turbine setup. The performance…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine the influence of the corn biofuel on the Jet engine. Each tests were carried out in a small gas turbine setup. The performance characteristics of thrust, thrust-specific fuel consumption, exhaust gas temperature and emission characteristics of Carbon monoxide(CO), Carbon dioxide (CO2), Oxygen (O2), Unburned hydrocarbons (UHC) and Nitrogen of oxides (NO) emissions were measured and compared with Jet-A fuel to find the suitability of the biofuel used.

Design/methodology/approach

Upgrading and using biofuels in aviation sector have been emerging as a fruitful method to diminish the CO emission into the atmosphere. This research paper explores the possibility of using nanoparticles-enriched bio-oil as a fuel for jet engines. The biofuel taken is corn oil and the added nanoparticles are Al2O3.

Findings

The biofuel blends used are B0 (100% Jet-A fuel), B10 (10 % corn oil biofuel + 90% Jet-A fuel), B20 (20% corn oil biofuel + 80% Jet-A fuel) and B30 (30% corn oil biofuel + 70% Jet-A fuel). All fuel blends were mixed with the moderate dosage level of 30 ppm. All tests were conducted at different rpm as 50,000, 60,000, 70,000 and 80,000 rpm.

Originality/value

The results proved that within the lower limit, use of biofuel increased the performance characteristics and reduced the emission characteristics except the emission of NO. The moderate-level biofuel with Jet-A fuel showed the equally better performance to the neat Jet-A fuel.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 94 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

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