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SUNFLOWER OIL METHYL ESTER AS A DIESEL FUEL

A research program to investigate the chemistry, fuel performance, and economics of chemically modified sunflower oil for use as an emergency replacement diesel fuel is discussed. The idea of using vegetable oils as diesel fuels is an old one going back over 55 years to about the time when the diesel engine was invented. Current research on sunflower oil methyl ester is being done to find a solution to the problem of unburned or partially burned fuel causing varnish build-up in engines and fouling of injectors. Also of concern is the reactivity of unmodified sunflower oil and polymerization in the crankcase. Methyl ester formation represents one chemical approach to overcome the problems associated with the relative viscosity of sunflower oil when used as a diesel fuel replacement. Sunflower oil methyl ester is being prepared at the University of North Dakota Engineering Experiment Station. Physical and chemical properties of this fuel at varying levels of refinement are being used to determine fuel properties. Engine testing carried out to date indicates that unrefined methyl ester, defined as at least 90% methyl ester with unreacted or partially reacted sunflower oil as the remainder, has about the same tendency to foul engines as Number 2 diesel fuel.

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Presented at the American Solar Energy Society Meeting, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1 June 1983.
  • Corporate Authors:

    University of North Dakota

    Grand Forks, ND  United States  58202
  • Authors:
    • Hassett, D J
    • Hasan, A R
  • Publication Date: 1983-6

Media Info

  • Pagination: p. 131-136

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00457171
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Energy Research Abstracts
  • Report/Paper Numbers: CONF-830622-Pt. 3
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Aug 27 2004 9:52PM