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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Bio-oils Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #419293
Research Project: Development of New Value-Added Processes and Products from Advancing Oilseed Crops

Location: Bio-oils Research

Title: Fuel properties of biodiesel and biodiesel blends derived from Orychophragmus violaceus

Author
item NOONAN, MICHAEL - Northeastern Illinois University
item Walter, Erin
item Winfield, Demichael

Submitted to: Illinois Heartland American Chemical Society (ACS) Regional Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/2/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: With the higher cost of commodity crops, there is interest in utilizing alternative crops as biofuel feedstocks. One such potential crop is Orychophragmus violaceus (Brassicaceae; common names: Chinese violet cress, February orchid), an annual or biennial native to China and North Korea that can grow in marginal lands. Unlike typical seed oils, Orychophragmus violaceus (Ov) contains the long-chain fatty acids nebraskanic [7,18-(OH)2-24:1] and wuhanic [7,18-(OH)2-24:2] acids. This work aims to determine Ov’s viability as biodiesel. Base-catalyzed transesterification was performed to yield fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). The product consisted of 42.30% dihydroxy FAMEs, and FAME properties were tested using the ASTM D6751 standard for biodiesel. The cloud and pour points were 9.0°C and 1.0°C, respectively. The cold filter plugging point was -3.3°C. These cold flow properties were less favorable for biodiesel in colder environments. The induction period at 110°C (IP110) was 1.62 h. Despite the IP110 not meeting the D6751 standard of 3 hrs, it is higher than most biodiesel. The kinematic viscosity at 40°C and 100°C was determined to be 3.190 mm2 s-1 and 1.554 mm2 s-1, respectively, which meets the D6751 standard. The lubricity of the biodiesel was 210 µm, which is significantly lower than the lubricity of ultra-low-sulfur-diesel (ULSD) of 632 µm. Our preliminary data suggests that Ov FAMEs may be suitable as an additive for ULSD blends due to its excellent lubricity and moderate oxidative stability. Blending of Ov FAMEs and ULSD will be performed, and resultant properties will be analyzed.