Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #167624

Title: COLD FLOW PROPERTIES OF BIODIESEL: THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Author
item Dunn, Robert - Bob

Submitted to: Great Lakes Regional American Chemical Society Symposium
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/17/2004
Publication Date: 10/17/2004
Citation: Dunn, R.O. 2004. Cold flow properties of biodiesel: things you should know [abstract]. Great Lakes Regional American Chemical Society Symposium. p.162.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from vegetable oil or animal fat that can be employed in compression-ignition (diesel) engines. Although biodiesel has many attractive fuel characteristics, it is more prone to start-up and operability issues during cold weather than conventional diesel fuels (petro-diesel). This work reviews recent advances in improving the cold flow properties of biodiesel for applications as a neat fuel and in blends with petro-diesel. Pertinent fuel parameters including cloud point (CP), pour point (PP), cold filter plugging point (CFPP) and low-temperature flow test (LTFT) are discussed in relation to assessing performance in the field. Though many approaches have been investigated, research and development of cold flow additives are emphasized in this work. In addition to an examination on the use of commercial petro-diesel additives, perspectives on designing new additives specifically for improving biodiesel are discussed.