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Updated: Jul 9, 2025

Biomass Conversion to Produce Hydrocarbon Liquid Fuel Via Hot-vapor Filtered Fast Pyrolysis and Catalytic Hydrotreating
Published on: December 25, 2016
Upgrading Pyrolysis Bio-Oil through Esterification Process and Assessing the Performance and Emissions of
Sutthichai Khamhuatoey1, Sommas Kaewluan2, Jarernporn Thawornprasert1
1Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand.
This study explores a novel diesel-biodiesel-esterified pyrolysis bio-oil blend (D-B-EPB) for direct injection diesel engines. The D-B-EPB fuel demonstrated improved thermal efficiency and significant reductions in harmful emissions, offering a promising sustainable alternative.
Area of Science:
- * Combustion science and alternative fuels research.
- * Focus on renewable energy sources and engine performance optimization.
Background:
- * Pyrolysis bio-oil (PBO) derived from palm fruits offers a potential biofuel source.
- * Esterification is crucial for upgrading PBO into a usable fuel component (EPB).
- * Diesel engines are a primary target for reducing fossil fuel dependency.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To evaluate the performance and emissions of direct injection diesel engines using D-B-EPB blends.
- * To optimize the esterification process for producing high-purity methyl ester (ME) from PBO.
- * To determine the stability and optimal blending ratios of D-B-EPB fuels.
Main Methods:
- * Pyrolysis of palm fruit biomass to produce PBO.
- * Response surface methodology to optimize EPB production (methanol, sulfuric acid, reaction time).
- * Ternary phase diagram analysis for blend stability.
- * Engine performance and emission testing of optimized D30B60EPB10 blend.
Main Results:
- * Optimized esterification yielded 72.73 wt % ME purity.
- * D30B60EPB10 blend met diesel fuel standards for density and viscosity.
- * Brake thermal efficiency increased by 3.88% for D30B60EPB10 compared to diesel.
- * Significant emission reductions observed: CO (8.73%), CO2 (30.13%), NOx (37.55%), smoke opacity (59.75%).
Conclusions:
- * The D-B-EPB blend, specifically D30B60EPB10, is a viable biofuel alternative for diesel engines.
- * This blend offers improved engine efficiency and substantial environmental benefits through reduced emissions.
- * The research supports the use of biofuels derived from biomass, benefiting rural economies.
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