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This study aimed to improve the production of biodiesel from white palm larvae (WPL) and to evaluate its potential as a feedstock. The larvae were grown using kitchen and palm waste for 21 days, and the crude oil was then extracted. The extracted oil was analyzed for its physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition. The analysis found that the feedstock oil contained a high quantity of monounsaturated fatty acids, indicating its suitability for biodiesel production. To optimize the production process, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed. A central composite design was used to study four operating conditions: temperature, methanol‐to‐oil mole ratio, esterification time, and catalyst loading for esterification, as well as transesterification time and catalyst concentration. The best conditions for esterification were a methanol‐to‐oil ratio of 18:1, a temperature of 70 °C, 120 min of reaction time, and a 4% H2SO4 catalyst. For transesterification, the optimal conditions were a methanol‐to‐oil ratio of 10:1, a temperature of 65 °C, 90 min of reaction time, and a 2% KOH catalyst concentration. The experimental data fit well with models, with significant P‐values and high R2 values. The biodiesel produced under the optimized conditions met the fuel quality standards set by Brazilian, European, and American standards. In conclusion, this study successfully optimized the biodiesel production process from white palm larvae and confirmed its suitability as a feedstock. The feedstock oil had properties that were suitable for biodiesel production, and the optimized conditions resulted in biodiesel that met fuel‐quality standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water content is an essential parameter for assessing the quality of solid biofuels. In terms of economic, technical and environmental aspects a continuous determination of the solid fuel water content is sought. This article investigates the use of microwave technology for the continuous measurement of fuel water content. For this purpose, a microwave sensor was evaluated with five different types of wood chips (forest residues, beech, pine, and ash). The results of the online measurements showed a strong correlation with the reference method r < 0.9 for most materials. This means that continuous water content determination of wood fuels using microwave technology is fundamentally possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuels should behave appropriately in all sections of the engine system: the engine, fuel delivery system, and tank. Fuel quality can be linked to the following three crucial areas: performance, fitness for current use, and stability. Classical methods of diesel fuel examination mostly rely on the absolute value measurement of one specific parameter while stabilizing outside conditions. In contrast, multiparametric methods depend on simultaneously measuring a set of parameters. Therefore, multiparametric methods open the possibility of intriguing new examinations and classifications of diesel fuel quality while raising specific issues relating to the instrumentation and construction of sensing devices. This paper presents a review, based on the published literature and the authors' research, of the current state-of-the-art multiparametric methods for rapid diesel fuel quality classification and related instrumentation, systematizing the various types of methods from the point of view of the principles of their operation. The main conclusion is that different measuring procedures use similar methods of data processing. Moreover, the heavy, costly, and complex devices that enable standard examinations can be converted to simpler devices in the future, whose cost of use is significantly lower. However, to achieve this, progress in electronic devices is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the findings of a study of the pelleting process of pine sawdust with the addition of waste in the form of potato pulp (as a natural binder), in the context of producing fuel pellets. The process of pelleting was carried out for sawdust and for a mixture of sawdust and potato pulp (10, 15, 20, and 25%). The highest moisture content was obtained in the case of pellets produced from a mixture of straw with a 25% potato pulp content, i.e., 26.54% (with a potato pulp moisture content of 85.08%). Increasing the potato pulp content in a mixture with sawdust from 10 to 25% reduced the power demand of the pelletizer by approx. 20% (from 7.35 to 5.92 kW). The obtained density values for pellets made from a mixture of sawdust and potato pulp (over 1000 kg∙m−3) with a potato pulp content of 10% make it possible to conclude that the obtained pellets meet the requirements of the ISO 17225-2:2021-11 standard. Increasing the potato pulp content from 0 to 25% caused a slight decrease in the heat of combustion, i.e., from 20.45 to 20.32 MJ∙kg−1, as well as in the calorific value, from 19.02 to 18.83 MJ∙kg−1 (both for dry sawdust matter and the mixture). The results of the laboratory tests were used to verify the densification process of mixtures of sawdust and potato pulp under industrial conditions at the PANBAH plant, using pelleting mixtures with a 5%, 10%, and 25% content of potato pulp. Industrial research also confirmed that the use of the addition of potato pulp in a mixture with sawdust significantly reduces the power demand of the pelletizer, and it also increases the kinetic strength of the obtained pellets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgal lipids are precursors to the production of biodiesel, as well as a source of valuable dietary components in the biotechnological industries. So, this study aimed to assess the effects of nutritional (nitrogen, and phosphorus) starvations and salinity stress (NaCl) on the biomass, lipid content, fatty acids profile, and predicted biodiesel properties of green microalga Monoraphidium braunii. The results showed that biomass, biomass productivity, and photosynthetic pigment contents (Chl. a, b, and carotenoids) of M. braunii were markedly decreased by nitrogen and phosphorus depletion and recorded the maximum values in cultures treated with full of N and P concentrations (control, 100%). These parameters were considerably increased at the low salinity level (up to 150 mM NaCl), while an increasing salinity level (up to 250 mM NaCl) reduces the biomass, its productivity, and pigment contents. Nutritional limitations and salt stress (NaCl) resulted in significantly enhanced accumulation of lipid and productivity of M. braunii, which represented more than twofold of the control. Furthermore, these conditions have enhanced the profile of fatty acid and biodiesel quality-related parameters. The current study exposed strategies to improve M. braunii lipid productivity for biodiesel production on a small scale in vitro in terms of fuel quality under low nutrients and salinity stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Density is an important indicator for evaluating diesel fuel quality that directly affects the injection timing and injection rule of the engine, and also has a significant impact on the spray broken particle size, the spray penetration distance, the spray cone angle, and so forth, which in turn affects the combustion process and pollutant emission of the compression-ignition engine. Therefore, it is important to accurately predict the diesel fuel mixture density in industrial and compression-ignition engines. However, the mathematical models for predicting the density of diesel fuel mixture with changed temperature are relatively lacking and less accurate, especially for ternary diesel fuel mixtures with different physicochemical properties. This paper proposes a mathematical model including binary and ternary diesel mixtures under changed fuel volume fraction and temperature, and published data were used for verification. The data verification results show that: for the density prediction of binary diesel fuel mixtures at constant temperature, the average relative deviation (ARD) is 0.0245%, the RMS error (RMSE) is 0.000344, and the correlation coefficient (R) is 0.9993. For the density prediction of binary diesel fuel mixtures at changed temperature, the ARD is 0.0609%, the RMSE is 0.000695, and R is 0.9980. For the density prediction of ternary diesel fuel mixtures at constant temperature, the ARD is lower than 0.0571%, the RMSE is lower than 0.000610, and R is higher than 0.9861. For the density prediction of ternary diesel fuel mixtures at changed temperature, the ARD is 0.0484%, the RMSE is 0.000513, and R is 0.9996. The diesel mixed fuel density prediction model proposed in this paper has good accuracy and calculation convenience, and provides important reference value for measuring or designing the density of diesel mixed fuel in the field of compression-ignition engines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most abundant municipal polymer waste due to its widespread use in plastic industry. Therefore, its catalytic recycling into valuable products is of great interest. This study aims to achieve catalytic pyrolysis of PET into useful hydrocarbons. The pyrolysis of PET was carried out in the presence of aluminum in the temperature range of 450–650°C using a batch steel reactor, which resulted in wax, pyro-gases, and coke. The amount of wax was maximum at 500°C, whereas higher temperature favored formation of pyro-gases; however, pyrolysis oil formation was not observed. The gas chromatography mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis revealed that PET was degraded mainly into benzene derivatives through random scission of ester linkages. Knowing this fact, PET was copyrolized with polyethylene (which is readily convertible to pyrolysis oil) so as to increase aromatic hydrocarbons in pyrolysis oil by the interaction of degradation fragments of both polymers. The copyrolysis resulted in aromatics in the pyrolysis oil, which were further increased by the application of aluminum catalyst. Long chain paraffins were predominant in thermal pyrolysis oil with relatively higher amounts of carboxylic acids, alcohols, and ketones, which rendered the fuel heavier and acidic. In contrast, the catalytic pyrolysis oil contained lighter hydrocarbons with lower amount of acidic and oxygenated compounds, which could be attributed to enhanced scission and deoxygenation reactions by aluminum catalyst. The catalytic process also increased isoparaffins, olefins, and naphthenes in pyrolysis oil. These functionalities could further improve the fuel quality and combustion properties of pyrolysis oil. These findings have broader implications in terms of producing better fuel from waste plastics with the desirable fuel properties, as well as their mitigation from the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of fuel depends on its chemical composition, which influences engine performance. Gas chromatography, a cornerstone of global oil and fuel R&D, remains crucial for ensuring the quality of petroleum products and regulatory compliance. Scientists use the most accurate analysis (PIONA) as a tool derived from gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to identify and quantify hydrocarbons that influence resistance to detonation, which is determined by the research octane number (RON). This study introduces the "average carbon number (ACN)", calculated from the molar chemical composition of commercial gasoline samples sold in Ecuador (Extra gasoline and Súper gasoline). A quantitative comparison of the ACN with techniques applied using standardized international procedures reveals that the ACN characterizes gasoline samples by providing insight into the distribution shape of carbon graphs. A comprehensive statistical analysis demonstrates the potential usefulness of ACN in characterizing fuel composition, highlighting its relevance in broader fuel quality assessments without the need for carbon distribution plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The project aims to address the critical issue of urban air pollution caused by vehicular emissions. By integrating Machine Learning (ML) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, this project seeks to develop a real-time monitoring and control system to mitigate vehicular pollution. IoT sensors will be deployed on vehicles and in strategic urban locations to collect real-time data on pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM). This data will be analyzed using advanced ML algorithms to identify patterns, predict pollution levels, and recommend actionable measures to reduce emissions. The project will also incorporate engine model and fuel quality data to provide a comprehensive analysis of emission and traffic-related pollution. The expected outcome is an intelligent, data-driven system capable of providing timely insights and interventions, thereby contributing to cleaner air and healthier urban environments. This approach not only enhances pollution monitoring and control but also supports sustainable urban planning and public health initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia as a fuel has been known for several years, but only relatively recently has it attracted interest for study and use as a marine fuel. A forthcoming generation of sustainable, economically viable, and safe technologies for the large-scale onboard storage of ammonia as a marine fuel is being developed. This article presents a structured approach to carrying out Quality Function Deployment (QFD) for evaluating a project solution at the strategic level. The "House of Quality" (HoQ) method is utilised since it provides the means for inter-functional planning and communications among people with different problems and responsibilities. The project requirements are defined and lead to functional technical characteristics to satisfy these needs. The approach allows for the application of a weighting scheme to rank the perceived relative importance of the requirements, the difficulty involved in implementing the technologies, and the relationship between requirements and functional technical characteristics. QFD analysis prioritises safety compliance, technical specifications, emission control, and operational efficiency. The added value of this work is beyond the life of a project since it may provide assistance to the stakeholders in assessing the applicability of ammonia fuel solutions given the resources available to them. This feature will enable the justification of further investment into specific technologies based on their potential impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, for the first time, various surfactants such as oleic acid, oleylamine, Tween 20 and Span 20 were used as static dissipating additives (SDA) for kerosene fuel to enhance their electrical conductivity. The ability of the surfactant dispersed kerosene fuel to store, transport, and process was revealed in terms of process safety parameters such as electrical conductivity, retention period, and viscosity. The results indicated an enhancement of the electrical conductivity of the kerosene fuel up to 1689 pS/m for a 500 ppm addition of surfactants. The surfactant dispersed fuel was measured for electrical conductivity with a varying temperature range from 30 to 70 °C. The addition of 0.05% by weight surfactants increased the viscosity of the kerosene fuel by 20.7%, however, without degrading the fuel quality. A laudable reduction in the retention period of 10 days was also observed. This study revealed that the surfactants selected in this study are found to be potential additives to reduce the ignition hazards of kerosene fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The constant development of electronic devices and components allows for older systems (which have been well received) with electronic control of combustion processes in municipal thermal energy to be improved to new levels, with significant economic and ecological effects. This article presents details of the development of an improved natural gas combustion quality control system in the modernized DKVR 6.5-13 steam boiler. This paper presents the results of comparative tests of this boiler obtained for various variants of the system operation. It has been proven that maximum boiler efficiency indicators and minimum toxicity of exhaust gases discharged into the atmosphere can be achieved by using a proposed control system. The system uses the regulated residual chemical underburning method, based on simultaneous control of the oxygen and carbon dioxide content in the exhaust gases. As a result of the use of the proposed method, an increase in boiler efficiency was achieved by 1.5–2.1% compared with standard automatic regulation and an increase by 0.3–0.8% compared with regulation based only on the oxygen content in the exhaust gases. These results were achieved by reducing the excess air coefficient. In addition, nitrogen oxide emissions were reduced by 25–30%, which, with a justified safe carbon monoxide content in exhaust gases of up to 250 ppm, reduced the exhaust gas toxicity index to 20%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uganda hosts Africa's largest refugee population, exceeding 1.5 million in early 2023. While commended for its progressive refugee policies, which grant freedom of movement and work opportunities, the influx of displaced people since 2015 has strained shared environmental resources, including slow-growing indigenous trees utilized for construction and fuel. Efforts to preserve indigenous biodiversity have promoted the growth and use of faster-growing exotic tree species. However, local communities often favor indigenous trees as fuel sources, despite limited evidence supporting their superiority. This study assessed fuel properties of selected indigenous and exotic tree species in Lamwo District, Northern Uganda. Laboratory analysis of wood samples revealed no significant differences in moisture content, fixed carbon, volatile matter, or Fuel Value Index (FVI) among the species. The study therefore recommends promoting fast-growing exotic species like Eucalyptus grandis, Caliandra calothyrsus, and Senna siamea, urging international agencies, NGOs, and community-led organizations to leverage the findings for behavior change campaigns. This approach would facilitate species regeneration, alleviate pressure on natural forests, and supplement Uganda's investment strategy in Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) such as LPG and solar e-cooking technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a risk assessment approach for analyzing the causes of malfunction-related main engine slowdowns. A fuzzy Bayesian Network-based methodology is used to assess the factors contributing to the engine's slow-down processes. The model addresses the complexity and uncertainty inherent in maritime operations with fuzzy sets where numerous interrelated factors can affect engine performance, and the Bayesian network to capture probabilistic dependencies. It considers various potential causes of the slow-down of ship engines that the manufacturer provides. Results demonstrate the model's ability to identify the influential factors leading to engine slow-down events and quantify the overall risk. Integrating fuzzy logic and Bayesian Networks comprehensively assesses relevant risk factors. It enables maritime stakeholders to manage engine performance and improves operational safety proactively. Findings can inform decision-makers, enabling the implementation of targeted maintenance strategies, fuel quality control measures, and crew training programs in the maritime industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work is focused on the production of liquid hydrocarbon fuel from plastic waste. To perform the experiments, polypropylene waste (PPW) and polyethylene terephthalate (PETW) were selected and pyrolyzed in a semi‐batch reactor at a temperature of 500°C. Nearly 72.28 wt.% of liquid fuel was recovered from 100 g of plastic waste feed through non‐catalytic pyrolysis process. The application of catalyst GO‐Szr to the pyrolysis process increased the oil yield to 92.76 wt.%. The oil properties were studied, to assess the characteristics and to compare with that of diesel fuel. The properties of oil were found to possess very good diesel properties such as kinematic viscosity of 2.18 mm2/s, density of 790 kg/m3, cloud and pour point less than −11°C, Sulphur content less than 3 ppm and cetane number was found to be as high as 72.44. From these studies, it is highlighted that waste plastics pyrolysis is a suitable option to produce diesel‐like fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the quality of 30 biomass pellets sold for residential use in Poland. It provides data on their physical, chemical, and petrographic properties and compares them to existing standards and the information provided by the fuel producers. The results reveal considerable variations in the quality of the pellets and show that some of the purchased samples are not within the DINplus and/or ENplus certification thresholds. Among all 30 purchased samples, only one passes the quality thresholds set by the PL-US BIO, a newly established quality certification in Poland that combines quality assessment following DINplus with optical microscopy analysis. The primary issues causing a decrease in pellet quality include elevated ash and fines content, compromised mechanical durability, too low ash melting temperature, and additions of undesired additions like bark, inorganic matter, and petroleum products. Our research highlights the need for improved fuel quality control measures, and transparent and accurate product labeling, as well as the need for a comprehensive and publicly available national database of solid biomass fuel producers and fuels sold. These are essential steps toward increasing customers' awareness and trust, encouraging them to embrace biomass fuels as reliable and sustainable sources of energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen fuel, which is essential for the hydrogen economy, including hydrogen cell vehicles, must be of high quality for optimal hydrogen cell use. Currently, hydrogen fuel quality control is mainly done by offline analysis with periodic sampling. However, with the anticipated surge in hydrogen charging stations, there's a pressing need for cost‐effective, high‐throughput online analysis systems. Additionally, the miniaturization of these analytical instruments for field application is also a challenge. In this study, we present a compact, real‐time hydrogen fuel analyzer based on gas chromatography with a pulsed discharge helium ionization detector. Its dual‐column system efficiently analyzes major impurities in hydrogen fuel in less than 30 min. Indicator species (CO, CO2, CH4, O2, N2, and additional hydrogen sulfide [H2S]) are determined by examining hydrogen production and supply processes. The analyzer's measurement capability is consistent with µmol/mol‐level analysis, providing valuable real‐time information for hydrogen infrastructure managers. Additionally, it can analyze H2S, a crucial marker of sulfur compounds acting as catalytic poisons in fuel cells. This real‐time analyzer offers efficient, informed decision‐making support for hydrogen infrastructure managers, enhancing the overall reliability of hydrogen fuel in fuel‐cell electric vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deployment of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) is critical to achieve zero emissions. A key parameter influencing FCEV performance and durability is hydrogen fuel quality. The real impact of contaminants on FCEV performance is not well understood and requires reliable measurements from real-life events (e.g., hydrogen fuel in poor-performing FCEVs) and controlled studies on the impact of synthetic hydrogen fuel on FCEV performance. This paper presents a novel methodology to flow traceable hydrogen synthetic fuel directly into the FCEV tank. Four different synthetic fuels containing N2 (90–200 µmol/mol), CO (0.14–5 µmol/mol), and H2S (4–11 nmol/mol) were supplied to an FCEV and subsequently sampled and analyzed. The synthetic fuels containing known contaminants powered the FCEV and provided real-life performance testing of the fuel cell system. The results showed, for the first time, that synthetic hydrogen fuel can be used in FCEVs without the requirement of a large infrastructure. In addition, this study carried out a traceable H2 contamination impact study with an FCEV. The impact of CO and H2S at ISO 14687:2019 threshold levels on FCEV performance showed that small exceedances of the threshold levels had a significant impact, even for short exposures. The methodology proposed can be deployed to evaluate the composition of any hydrogen fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a study on the process of the pelletization of pine sawdust with the addition of herbaceous waste from elderberry, in the working system of a pellet press with a flat matrix, in the context of producing fuel pellets. Based on the research, the impact of the addition of herbal waste in the form of elderberry waste on the granulation process of pine sawdust and the assessment of the quality of the obtained pellets were determined. The addition of herbaceous waste from elderberry to pine sawdust had a beneficial effect on the kinetic durability of the obtained fuel pellets, with an increase of up to approximately 1.3% (from 98.03 to 99.31%). Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the mechanical strength of all the tested pellets is higher than 97.5%, which is consistent with the ISO 17225-1:2021-11 standard. The bulk density of pellets with the addition of herbaceous waste from elderberry increased (from 649.34 to 658.50 kg∙m−3) as did their density (from 1231.38 to 1263.90 kg∙m−3). The addition of herbaceous waste from elderberry in amounts ranging from 10% to 20% did not have a significant effect on the power requirements of the pelletizer, which decreased compared to the pelletization process of pure pine sawdust. The percentage of this decrease compared to the pelleting process with pure pine sawdust was approximately 10%. The addition of herbaceous waste from elderberry to pine sawdust slightly reduces the energy value (i.e., the heat of combustion and the calorific value) of the obtained pellets. The addition of 30% elderberry waste resulted in a decrease in the heat of combustion from 20.27 to 19.96 MJ·kgd.m.−1, while the calorific value of the pellets decreased from 19.98 to 18.69 MJ·kgd.m.−1 compared to pine sawdust pellets. Hence, adding herbaceous waste from elderberry seems to be a good way of managing large amounts of waste of this kind generated in herbal processing plants. This method of waste management opens new perspectives towards more sustainable and economically effective energy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compatible model systems were developed for estimating fuel load dynamics in Ulex europaeus (gorse) and in Erica australis (Spanish heath) dominated shrub communities at stand level. The models were based on intensive, detailed destructive field sampling and were fitted simultaneously to fulfill the additivity principle. The models enable, for the first time, estimation of the biomass dynamics of the total shrub layer, size fractions and vegetative stage, with reasonably good accuracy. The approach used addresses the high variability in shrub biomass estimates by using a site index (SI) based on biomass levels at a reference age of 10 years. Analysis of the effect of climatic variables on site index confirmed the preference of gorse for mild temperatures and the ability of high heath communities to tolerate a wider range of temperatures. In the gorse communities, SI tended to increase as summer rainfall and the mean temperature of the coldest month increased. However, in the heath communities, no relationships were observed between SI and any of the climatic variables analyzed. The study findings may be useful for assessing and monitoring fuel hazards, updating fuel mapping, planning and implementing fuel reduction treatments and predicting fire behavior, among other important ecological and biomass use-related applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of the fuels determine the quality of the combustion process and implicitly the performance of the turbojet engine. The optimal heterogeneous combustion process of an aviation fuel is ensured by a stoichiometric ratio (fuel/fuel), a combustion temperature and a maximum loading degree of the combustion chamber. The article includes a numerical analysis instrumented with Gasturb software that highlights the influence of fuel quality and combustion process characteristics of a Rolls Royce Viper turbojet engine on its performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed at testing the benefits of protecting woodchips with an acrylic crusting product developed for the coal energy industry. In the test carried out, four conical wood chips piles were built, two consisting of fresh biomass, the other two of dry wood chips. A fourth larger pile was built as a reference. One dry and one fresh pile were superficially treated with 25 kg of protective acrylic solution diluted in 250 L of water, providing an average application of coating agent of approximately 85 g m−2, while the other two worked as controls. To monitor the piles' temperature variation, thermal sensors were placed in the inner part of the five piles during their construction. Moisture content (MC) and dry matter (DM) variations in woodchip piles were recorded. The piles treated with the coating agent did not show any significant differences with the untreated piles: in wet material, the protective film slightly reduced the moisture dispersal from the pile from evaporation rather than limiting water intake from rain; in dry material, this confirms the inability of the coating agent to limit water intake from rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roasting is an important step in the pretreatment of biomass upgrading. Roasting can improve the fuel quality of biomass, reduce the O/C and H/C ratios in the biomass, and provide the biomass with a fuel quality comparable to that of lignite. Therefore, studying the structure and component evolution laws during biomass roasting treatment is important for the rational and efficient utilization of biomass. When the roasting temperature is 200–300 °C, the cellulose and hemicellulose in the biomass undergo a depolymerization reaction, releasing many monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with high reactivity. The proportion of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in biomass roasting products can be effectively regulated by controlling the reaction temperature, residence time, catalyst, baking atmosphere, and other factors in the biomass roasting process. This paper focuses on the dissociation law of organic components in the pretreatment process of biomass roasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petrodiesel is an unsustainable and undependable fuel owing to its environmental concerns and depleting reserves. Biodiesel is a sustainable alternative fuel to petrodiesel with a better fuel quality and minimum environmental impacts. However, cost-effective biodiesel production requires the use of a sustainable feedstock and process optimization. This study explored biodiesel yield optimization from mixed microalgae oil (MO) and waste cooking oil (WCO). The use of mixed feedstock for biodiesel production relieves the rising demands; lowers feedstock costs; and improves the fuel quality, engine performance, and pollutants emission characteristics. MO was extracted from dried microalgae biomass by the Soxhlet method using hexane. The MO and WCO were purified and characterized, and an oil blend with suitable properties (best in kinematic viscosity, density, higher heating value, and acid value compared to other blends) was selected. The transesterification experiments designed by central composite design were optimized using the response surface methodology. Experimental results underwent regression analysis to develop a quadratic model equation for predicting the optimum level of parameters and biodiesel yield. Model fitness and variables effects on biodiesel yield were studied using analysis of variance. The optimization experiment achieved 98.82% oil conversion rate at the catalyst loading of 2.0 w/v%, molar ratio of 12:1 v/v, reaction temperature of 60 ℃, and reaction time of 100 min. A triplicate validation experiments achieved 97.72% conversion rate, which is very close to the model predicted result (99.1%). Biodiesel from MO-WCO showed a better cetane number (77.76), iodine value (12.90 gI2/100 g), acid value (0.049 mg KOH/g), HHV (43.25 MJ/kg), kinematic viscosity (4.50 mm2/s), pour point (–2.5 ℃), and flash point (180 ℃). In conclusion, the study revealed that transesterification of blended MO-WCO led to a maximum biodiesel and the reaction time and temperature were found to be the most significant factors affecting the yield of biodiesel. Furthermore, biodiesel from blended MO-WCO is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative fuel source which can contribute towards a promising industrial scale biodiesel production in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To quantify the role of soil fertility in the spatial variability of fire activity and to identify the mechanisms that drive this variability. Location: The five Mediterranean‐type climate regions of the world. Time Period: 2002–present. Major Taxa Studied: Terrestrial plants. Methods: We compiled remotely sensed data on fire activity, climate, net primary productivity and chemical soil properties for bioclimatically homogeneous zones within the five Mediterranean‐type climate regions of the world. Putative direct and indirect effects of the environmental variables on fire activity were evaluated through structural equation modelling. Results: Fire activity increased with net primary productivity, as expected for ecosystems with fuel‐limited fire regimes. Soil acidity and the concentration of exchangeable aluminium also increased fire activity, supporting the idea that low fertility promotes plant characteristics that favour fire initiation and spread. Main Conclusions: Our research supports a positive relationship between wildfires and low soil fertility in Mediterranean‐type climate regions across the globe. Therefore, soil fertility should be incorporated into models predicting future fires in a warming world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review presents state-of-the-art for representative sampling of hydrogen from hydrogen refueling stations. Documented sampling strategies are presented as well as examples of commercially available equipment for sampling at the hydrogen refueling nozzle. Filter media used for sampling is listed and the performance of some of the filters evaluated. It was found that the filtration efficiency of 0.2 and 5 μm filters were not significantly different when exposed to 200 and 300 nm particles. Several procedures for gravimetric analysis are presented and some of the challenges are identified to be filter degradation, pinhole formation and conditioning of the filter prior to measurement. Lack of standardization of procedures was identified as a limitation for result comparison. Finally, the review summarizes results including particulate concentration in hydrogen fuel quality data published. It was found that less than 10% of the samples were in violation with the tolerance limit. • Review of known sampling methodologies for particulate matter in hydrogen fuel. • Review of gravimetric and visual methods for assessment of particulate matter. • Presentation of public hydrogen fuel quality data for particulates. • Identification of challenges and shortcomings in current methods used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of research on the impact of changing the cross-section of an atomizer's flow channel, which is caused by changing the flow geometry of the passive part of the needle on the drop diameter distribution of the fuel spray. A three-hole type H1LMK, 148/1 atomizer with hole diameters, dN, equal to 0.34 mm, is analyzed. A nozzle with a standard (i.e., unmodified) needle and three nozzles using needles with a modified profile in the flow part of the needle, marked by the code signatures 1L, 2L, and 3L, are tested. An increasing level of fuel turbulence characterizes the needles during the flow along their flow part due to the use of one (1L), two (2L), and three (3L) de Laval toroidal nozzles, respectively, obtained by mechanically shaping the outer surface of the flow part of the spray needle. The spray produced is tested using the Malvern Spraytec STP 500 device cooperating with the dedicated Malvern version 4.0. During the tests, measurements and an analysis of the spray droplet size distribution over the entire injection duration, equal to 7 ± 2 ms, are made for each nozzle. The experiment makes it possible to determine the effect of the nozzle needles' profiles on the time distribution of the actual droplet diameters; the time distribution of the Sauter mean droplet diameters, D[3,2]; the percentile shares of the droplet diameters Dv (10), Dv (50), and Dv (90); the distribution span during the development of the spray stream; and the time distribution of the shares of the droplets with diameters belonging to selected diameter classes D[x1−x2] in the spray. The results of the measurements of the drop diameter distribution indicate that using atomizers with a modification to the flow channel allows for an increase in the share of droplets with smaller diameters compared to the standard atomizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing the research directions of leading aviation companies, it is evident that biocomponents will soon become a very important addition to the fuel used in turbine aircraft engines. Similarly, intensive efforts are underway to implement this type of solution in the armed forces. Here, the situation is more complex. All military fuels are intended for long-term storage, and bio-additives significantly alter the properties of fuels during this specific storage process. These changes invariably result in the deterioration of fuel quality parameters. The article presents an analysis and conclusions related to biocomponents as additives to F-35 fuel (NATO code-the military equivalent of Jet A-1 fuel). F-35 aviation fuel mixtures with the addition of biocomponents (HVO-Hydrorefined Vegetable Oil) at concentrations of 0–20% (V/V) were independently composed and stored for extended periods (0–6 months). The disadvantages and potential problems of this solution are discussed. The research has demonstrated that using biocomponents in the mixtures significantly alters the course of the distillation curve and increases the fuel’s electrical conductivity. Another adverse effect observed was a significant deterioration in the fuel’s low-temperature properties. The research indicates that using a bio-additive like HVO in F-35 fuel will require addressing many challenges. At the level of laboratory tests, it is to determine the limit value of the share of a biocomponent in a mixture at which the normative values are not yet violated and to confirm or rule out whether the mixtures are suitable for long-term storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of catalysts with adequate stability for the n -hexane hydroisomerization reaction is always a challenge in refineries. Therefore, in this work, the metal-organic framework UiO-66, heteropoly phosphomolybdic acid (HPMo), and bifunctional (Pd + Pt)/HPMo/UiO-66 samples were synthesized, characterized by experimental techniques, and tested in the n-hexane hydroisomerization reaction. As a result, the microporous (0.2%Pd+0.3%Pt)/30%HPMo/UiO-66 bifunctional catalyst exhibited an iso-hexane selectivity of 86% and n -hexane conversion of 72.1% after 36 h of reaction time. In addition, the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model was used to examine the kinetics of this reaction due to the inhibitory effect of hydrogen. The results provided an acceptable fit to the experimental data and allowed the determination of the kinetic parameters. Accordingly, the apparent activation energy of this bifunctional catalyst and the adsorption heats of hydrogen and n -hexane were calculated at 26.27, −16.12, and −7.82 kJ mol−1, respectively. [Display omitted] • Hydroisomerization of n-hexane was performed over (Pd + Pt)/HPMo/UiO-66 sample. • Bifunctional catalyst (0.2%Pd+0.3%Pt)/30%HPMo/UiO-66 exhibited 75% nC 6 conversion. • The highest iC 6 selectivity was achieved at 90.1%. • Kinetic study was carried out using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. • The apparent activation energy was obtained at 26.27 kJ mol−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the article is to check whether there are indications that light waves can be used to monitor fuel quality. Design/methodology/approach: Tests of deposits released in fuels during long-term storage were carried out. The research involved observing with the unaided eye illuminated samples of fuels stored in glass vials. The research was qualitative in nature. Samples of diesel oil, gasoline were tested. The phenomena occurring in materials under the influence of aging processes were determined and the relationships between the tested material, its quality and the impact of light rays on the sample were explained using physic-chemical phenomena. Findings: The novelty of the article is to show that fuels after the storage process can significantly differ in quality from the starting material and that it is possible to monitor fuel quality using spectroscopic methods. Research limitations/implications: The research conducted is qualitative and not quantitative. Practical implications: It is suggested to use methods of continuous monitoring of stored fuels using light spectroscopy methods. Originality/value: It is to show that fuels from one manufacturer and stored in the same tank age at different times. Fuels have different properties and significantly differ in quality compared to the input material. Therefore, there is a real need for continuous monitoring of fuel quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the quality of fuel is essential to comprehend its impact on the environment and human health. In this study, the evaluation of fuel quality standards at the consumer level was conducted by analyzing the motor fuels in Khulna, Bangladesh. A total of 32 samples of petrol (regular gasoline), and octane (premium gasoline) were collected from the fuel stations in the Khulna City Corporation area and analyzed with an FTIR-Fuel Analyzer. Fuel properties, such as research octane number (RON), motor octane number (MON), ethanol content, olefins content, and oxygen content were analyzed. For petrol, the average RON, MON, olefins, and oxygen content were 95.34, 85.70, 8.23 %v/v, and 0.78 %m/m, respectively, and for octane, they were 96.96, 85.39, 1.25 %v/v, and 0.09 %m/m, respectively. Almost all of these parameters complied with both Bangladesh standard and Euro 5 fuel specifications, and those that did not comply were very close to their standard values. However, benzene concentration, which was not specified in Bangladesh Standard, was the most alarming metric for octane since none of the samples matched the Euro 5 fuel specifications of the maximum concentration of 1 %v/v benzene; on average it was 3.70 %v/v. Although petrol benzene content (average 1.50 %v/v) was not as bad as it was for octane, it was still nowhere near good enough, with only 25% of the samples within the recommended level among the studied sample. This information holds significance in establishing the fuel profile and facilitating the identification of distinct samples linked to adulteration. Therefore, the analysis of motor fuel qualities is essential for maintaining the environment, human health, and the economy of a country.

Fuels should behave appropriately in all sections of the engine system: the engine, fuel delivery system, and tank. Fuel quality can be linked to the following three crucial areas: performance, fitness for current use, and stability. Classical methods of diesel fuel examination mostly rely on the absolute value measurement of one specific parameter while stabilizing outside conditions. In contrast, multiparametric methods depend on simultaneously measuring a set of parameters. Therefore, multiparametric methods open the possibility of intriguing new examinations and classifications of diesel fuel quality while raising specific issues relating to the instrumentation and construction of sensing devices. This paper presents a review, based on the published literature and the authors’ research, of the current state-of-the-art multiparametric methods for rapid diesel fuel quality classification and related instrumentation, systematizing the various types of methods from the point of view of the principles of their operation. The main conclusion is that different measuring procedures use similar methods of data processing. Moreover, the heavy, costly, and complex devices that enable standard examinations can be converted to simpler devices in the future, whose cost of use is significantly lower. However, to achieve this, progress in electronic devices is required.

Purpose: The aim of the article is to determine the quality of aged fuels. It has been shown that laboratory tests of resins formed in fuels are insufficient to determine the quality of gasoline. Design/methodology/approach: Morphological tests of deposits released in fuels during longterm storage were carried out. The research was qualitative in nature. Morphological tests of deposits released in fuels during long-term storage were carried out. The research was qualitative in nature. Samples of diesel oil, ON95 and ON98 gasoline were tested. Findings: The novelty of the article is to show that fuels from one manufacturer and stored in the same tank, depending on the fraction, have different properties and significantly differ in quality. In the article different mechanisms of resin release in fuels and their impact on fuel quality were demonstrated. Research limitations/implications: Glass containers were used in the tests, limiting chemical reactions between the tested fuel and the vessel material. On the other hand, aging processes in glass vessels occur slower than in steel tanks. Due to the roughness of the surface, deposits in glass vessels flow off the walls more easily than in steel and PET vessels. Practical implications: It is suggested to thoroughly clean fuel tanks intended for transport or storage and to extend the quality testing of liquid fuels such as gasoline by institutions supervising the quality of fuels on the market. Originality/value: It is to show that fuels from one manufacturer and stored in the same tank, depending on the fraction, have different properties and significantly differ in quality. The article is addressed to institutions dealing with fuel storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coke oven gas from steel industries offers a valuable hydrogen rich fuel but is accompanied by impurities, such as CH 4 and CO 2 , that contribute to the environmental footprint. The process of extracting H 2 from coke oven gas not only provides clean energy from the alternative source, but also prevents the release of these impurities. Motivated by the promising H 2 source alternative, a 2-bed, 6-step pressure swing adsorption system operating under non-isothermal conditions was used to purify H 2 from coke oven gas. A validated multi-component adsorption model was developed via Aspen Adsorption to simulate and optimize the process. The validated model revealed strong correlations between the factors (adsorption pressure, adsorption temperature, adsorption time, and H 2 concentration) and responses (purity and recovery of H 2). The findings indicated that increasing the H 2 feed concentration resulted in an improvement in H 2 purity but a decline in recovery. Conversely, an extended duration of adsorption exhibited an adverse influence on both the purity and recovery of H 2. Furthermore, the study indicates that higher adsorption pressure and temperature were correlated with lower H 2 purity but improved recovery performance. To optimize the pressure swing adsorption process, the desirability function was applied within the response surface methodology model, enabling the determination of optimal conditions for the purification process. The optimized H 2 purity and recovery were found to be 99.995% and 62.758%, respectively, at H 2 feed concentration of 49%, adsorption time of 160 s, pressure of 6 atm, and adsorption temperature of 293 K. [Display omitted] • H 2 purification from coke oven gas mixture was conducted using layered bed system. • Response surface methodology was used to optimize the studied parameters. • Dynamic model was built via Aspen Adsorption and validated by breakthrough curves. • H2 purity of 99.508% and recovery of 62.758% were recorded. • Optimum point is 49% H 2 feed content, 160 sec adsorption time, 6 atm pressure, and temperature of 293 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Napier grass is a herbaceous biomass that can be used as biofuel; however, its high ash, potassium, sulfur and chlorine content may cause problems when combusted. Napier grass was submitted to vapothermal carbonization (VTC) and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) processes at 190 and 220 °C to compare their ability to enhance its fuel properties. The different water distribution between phases in the two processes was verified: up to 14.5% of the water vaporized to steam in the VTC ran at 220 °C, while over 99% of the water remained in the liquid state and in contact with the solids during all HTC runs. Both processes improved the calorific value of the Napier grass (up to 20.6% for VTC220 and up to 29.8% for HTC220) due to the higher C content in the chars. Both processes reduced the sulfur content, removing up to 15.3% of it with VTC190 and 28.5% of it with HTC190 compared to that of Napier grass. In contrast, the two processes had different effects on the ash and chlorine content. While HTC removed both ash and Cl from the Napier grass, VTC concentrated it in the chars (ash: 5.6%wt. Napier grass, 3.3%wt. HTC chars, 7.1%wt. VTC; chlorine: 1.08%wt. Napier grass, 0.19%wt. HTC chars, 1.24%wt. VTC). Only the HTC process leached high percentages of Cl (up to 80%), S (up to 70%), sodium (Na, up to 80%) and potassium (K, up to 90%) into the process water. This may prevent fouling and slagging problems when burning HTC char. The biofuel qualities of the raw Napier grass, VTC, and HTC chars were evaluated using two standards: the international standard for solid biofuels, EN ISO 17225, and the Korean regulation for biomass solid recovered fuels (Bio-SRF). Napier grass and VTC chars presented problems regarding Cl content thresholds for both EN ISO 17225 and Bio-SRF. Both VTC and HTC chars along with the Napier grass fulfilled the requirements for heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cd) except for copper. The choice of process in practical applications will depend on the goal; HTC improves fuel quality and VTC has higher high solid, carbon and energy yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycerol is a by-product obtained in the transesterification reaction together with biodiesel, a necessary renewable fuel. The presence of glycerol in fuel can bring up environmental harm and engine damage, making fuel quality control important. In this context, composite electrodes (CE) were developed with low-cost materials like syringes, copper wire, graphite, and paraffin. The surface of composite electrodes was modified with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and hydroxide nickel (Ni(OH)2). SEM, EDX, Raman, and FT-IR ATR characterized the developed material. The electrooxidation of glycerol in an alkaline medium containing 0.10 M of NaOH was investigated by CV. In the presence of glycerol, the modified electrode increased the anodic and cathodic peak current with an anodic peak potential shift to 0.54 V. The electrodes were employed in a study of the determination of glycerol in real biodiesel samples by a chronoamperometric technique. The modified electrode showed a sensitivity of 1.63 × 103 µA mM and a LOD for glycerol of 2.24 × 10–5 M (R = 0.996). The mean response time of the modified electrodes to glycerol was 1.85 s. These electrodes show good reproducibility and competitive detection limit compared to the literature. The proposed method presented satisfactory results, with 94.98 and 100.39% sample recoveries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions demands a significant increase in the use of wood as a renewable energy source. However, environmental restrictions determine limits on the further growth of harvesting volume. Therefore, a viable solution to enhance the share of energy wood in Estonia's energy balance involves focusing on less exploited assortments of raw material and implementing precise logistics planning. In recent years, mild winters have posed challenges to the extraction of residues and local transport of wood fuels, taking place on soft and unfrozen soils. In such conditions, ensuring a reliable supply of wood fuels becomes rather complicated. When piles of logging residues on unfrozen soils are inaccessible, there is a need to process older piles. The quality of wood chips from such piles is lower compared to the norm. To investigate the impact of extra long-term storage of residues in piles, a study was conducted at the Järvselja Training and Experimental Forest Centre. In 2010, sample piles were created in birch and spruce final felling areas. Over an eight-year period, samples were regularly taken from the piles to analyse the properties of woody biomass during storage. The study results indicate that the quality of fuel from covered piles changes slowly during the first two years of storage. Subsequently, the degradation speed equalizes in both uncovered and covered piles. Despite extensive degradation and loss of dry matter during long-term storage (approximately 29% for Norway spruce and 55% for silver birch after eight years), the quality of dry fuels still meets standard requirements and remains acceptable for boiler houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the concept of a new mobile fuel laboratory, which will enable the verification of the quality of JP/F-34 aviation fuel. Using external benchmarking, a multi-criteria analysis and subsequent comparison of analogous solutions at national and international level is performed. Focus is placed on fulfilling the requirements of the Army of the Czech Republic to verify the quality of JP/F-34 type aviation fuel in accordance with the relevant national and international technical standards, including the logistical support of the laboratory. The concept of a set of modular ISO 1C containers with corresponding laboratory equipment and estimation of capacities for practical use in the conditions of the Czech Army is proposed. It includes 3D visualization of the proposed mobile container laboratory - ISO 1C modular container set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It investigates compliance quality improvement and carbon reduction in the fuel vehicle supply chain. In our model, a manufacturer with carbon social responsibility first determines the level of carbon reduction, vehicle fuel consumption reduction, and compliance quality improvement. Multiple retailers then select the level of marketing effort. The analysis of decentralized, cost‐sharing, and revenue‐sharing decisions shows that the ranking of carbon and fuel consumption reduction and compliance quality improvement under the three models depends on the parameters. Cost‐sharing and revenue‐sharing can improve the utility of supply chain members, but the sharing modes that they prefer are different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the gradual reduction of fossil fuel resources and their role in environmental issues, biodiesel-derived products have received much attention as fuel additives to enhance their properties and reduce emissions. The present work reports the engine performance and emission characteristics for a fuel blend consisting of solketal, a derivative of glycerol and gasoline. In this study, 5–10 vol% solketal was mixed with gasoline by ultrasonic processor to prepare a solketal-gasoline fuel blend. The blending of additives will affect the volumetric transport properties as well as the combustion quality of the fuel. Some important properties like thermal conductivity, surface tension, adiabatic compressibility, relative association, and intermolecular free path length were measured at different temperatures by measuring the ultrasonic velocity in the fuel blend. Four-stroke SI engine performance was studied in terms of brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and brake thermal efficiency (BTE). BSFC increases by 15%, and BTE shows a marginal reduction of about 5.39% at 28.13 N·m torque with a 10% solketal-gasoline blend. The exhaust analysis indicates that CO emissions decrease and NOx and CO2 increase compared to pure gasoline as fuel, the brake thermal efficiency indicates a marginal reduction of about 5.39% for 10% solketal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing lignocellulosic biomass as a renewable energy source for the production of sustainable fuel is of paramount importance. This study focuses on the catalytic co-pyrolysis of Mesua ferrea L. de-oiled cake (MDC) and Garlic husk (GH) as potential feedstocks for bio-fuel production. The pyrolysis experiments were conducted using a semi-batch reactor under inert conditions at temperatures of 500, 550, and 600 °C, with a heating rate of 10 °C min−1, a particle size below 1 mm, and an inert gas flow rate of 80 mL min−1. The findings reveal that temperature significantly influences the yield of pyrolytic products. However, GC-MS analysis detected higher oxygenated compounds in the bio-oil, negatively impacting its heating value. To improve fuel quality, co-pyrolysis with and without a catalyst for a feedstock ratio of 1:1 w/w was performed. Red mud, an alkaline waste mainly composed of Fe2O3, Al2O3, and SiO2, is a hazardous environmental concern from aluminum production and is used as a catalyst. The red-mud catalysts reduced oxygen concentration and increased carbon content, acidity, and heating value in the pyrolytic oil. GC-MS analysis of the bio-oil confirmed that using catalysts combined with MDC and GH significantly decreased the concentration of acidic and aromatic compounds, thereby improving the pyrolytic oil's higher heating value (HHV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of aeration rate and feedstock density on the biodrying process to improve the quality of type 2 wet refuse-derived fuel. The aeration rate and feedstock density were varied to investigate these parameters' effect on the system's performance. The experiments used 0.3 m³ lysimeters with continuous negative ventilation and five days of operation. In Experiment A, aeration rates of 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 m³/kg/day were tested with a feedstock bulk density of 232 kg/m³. In Experiment B, the optimum aeration rates determined in Experiment A (0.5 and 0.6 m³/kg/day) were used, and the feedstock density was varied (232 kg/m³, 250 kg/m³, and 270 kg/m³). The results showed that an aeration rate of 0.5 m³/kg/day was the most efficient for a feedstock density of 232 kg/m³; when the aeration rate was increased to 0.6 m³/kg/day, a feedstock density of 250 kg/m³ was the most effective. However, a feedstock density of 270 kg/m³ was not found to be practical for use in the quality improvement system. When the feedstock density is increased, the water in the feedstock and the water resulting from the biodegradation process cannot evaporate due to the feedstock layer's low porosity, and the system requires an increased aeration rate. Furthermore, the increase in density scaled with increased initial volatile solid content, initial organic content, and initial moisture content, which significantly impacted the final moisture content based on multivariate regression analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mechanized1 harvesting system combined with whole-tree chipping was investigated on two harvesting sites in central and eastern Ohio, USA. Production and machine rate data of the operations were collected through time-motion studies, with chipping sub-tasks (elements) defined as: feeding, chipping, and loading. Chipping cycles averaged 21.5 min to produce 13.3 dry (21.3 green) tonnes per truckload, providing an hourly rate of 37.3 dry tonnes per productive machine hour (PMH), excluding delays. Total cycle time including truck delivery averaged 183 min, resulting in an hourly production rate of 4.4 dry tonnes/PMH delivered. The complete harvesting system included one feller-buncher, two grapple skidders, and a chipper. Harvesting cost ranged from (USD) $22.2 to $27.8/dry tonne, at the landing. Trucking cost was $0.48/dry tonne/km for the average hauling distance of 78 km. The total delivered cost amounted to $59.9–$65.5 per dry tonne. Chips were sampled from the operations and characterized to evaluate their quality as a bioenergy fuel, according to ANSI Standard AD17225–4:2014 Solid Biofuels. Results of chip properties indicated 37.5% green moisture (i.e. water mass fraction), 0.212 g/cm3 bulk density, 10.5% bark content, 0.49% ash, and 18.59 MJ/Kg calorific heating value. Size distribution of wood chips was categorized into small (3–<16 mm) 46%, medium (16–<45 mm) 45%, and large (45–63 mm) 3%, respectively. Fines (<3 mm) composed less than 1% while 4.5% were oversize (>63 mm). These whole-tree chips were found to meet the requirements of the highest grade (A1) of the U.S. wood chip fuel quality standard for bioenergy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for clean and efficient fuels in the world reflects the rapid growth in automotive vehicles and more stringent environmental regulations. Hence, the refining industry must employ diverse strategies to obtain a gasoline pool made up of streams from different processes focused on improving the fuel quality and the octane ratings suitable for the current demanding automotive performance. The composition of gasoline varies mainly from each country's policies, climate, environmental regulations, financial capacity, and local producer's oil refining infrastructure. However, a generally accepted composition by source of the gasoline pool is: FCC naphtha and reformate, making up about 60%, light straight-run naphtha and alkylate gasoline, around 30%, isomerate, close to 5%, and variable proportions of butane, oxygenating agents, such as methyl-ter-butyl ether (MTBE), ter-amyl-methyl ether (TAME) and/or ethanol and additives for the remaining 5%. This review is focused on the recent research in the advancement and development of catalysts for the different processes used by the oil refining industry to improve the composition and properties of gasoline fuels. A detailed section on the Fischer-Tropsch process, where liquid hydrocarbons are potentially employed to further produce clean gasoline, is also discussed. A section devoted to research on biogasoline as a potential renewable fuel is also addressed. Finally, a discussion of the physicochemical properties of the gasoline blending components is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuel properties of solid biofuels are essential aspects for the energy‐efficient and low‐emission operation of biomass heat and power plants. Hence, fuel quality parameters are often defined and used for pricing in supply contracts. To simplify and accelerate analytical approaches, rapid analysis devices are required to determine fuel properties such as water‐ and ash content, calorific value, and chemical composition on‐site. This article gives an overview about available technologies and, if applicable, their current state of use as rapid analysis devices for solid biofuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed at testing the benefits of protecting woodchips with an acrylic crusting product developed for the coal energy industry. In the test carried out, four conical wood chips piles were built, two consisting of fresh biomass, the other two of dry wood chips. A fourth larger pile was built as a reference. One dry and one fresh pile were superficially treated with 25 kg of protective acrylic solution diluted in 250 L of water, providing an average application of coating agent of approximately 85 g m−2, while the other two worked as controls. To monitor the piles’ temperature variation, thermal sensors were placed in the inner part of the five piles during their construction. Moisture content (MC) and dry matter (DM) variations in woodchip piles were recorded. The piles treated with the coating agent did not show any significant differences with the untreated piles: in wet material, the protective film slightly reduced the moisture dispersal from the pile from evaporation rather than limiting water intake from rain; in dry material, this confirms the inability of the coating agent to limit water intake from rainfall.