Alternative fuels produced from different feedstocks or processing technologies will differ in chemical composition from each other and from petroleum-based fuels.  This poster will show that composition changes impact fuel physical properties, combustion characteristics, and interaction with seawater in a ship's ballasting tank.  Combustion of an algae-derived hydrotreated renewable diesel in a highly-instrumented legacy military diesel engine showed differences in ignition delay, brake torque and brake fuel consumption when compared with petroleum-based diesel. To understand combustion differences, the algal fuel's composition was analyzed using GC/MS, and its flash point, density, viscosity, and surface tension were measured.  Based on GC/MS analysis, mixtures of the major components were prepared to match physical properties.  The optimal mixture will be used in combustion tests. To determine the impact of fuel changes on seawater ballasting, seawater was equilibrated with the fuel, and the fuel/seawater interfacial tension and the fuel's water and salt content were measured.

Characterization of algal hydrotreated renewal diesel fuel and its mixtures with petroleum-based F76 fuel and its impact on naval seawater ballasting

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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