HYDROPROCESSED VEGETABLE-OILS FOR DIESEL FUEL IMPROVEMENT

The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC), in cooperation with Natural R esources Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, investigated the use of conventional refinery technology to convert vegetable oils int o a product resembling diesel fuel. SRC found that the use of a medium severity refinery hydroprocess yielded a product ('super cetane') in the diesel boiling range with a high cetane value (55-90). Preliminary engine testing by ORTECH has shown that the impact of the 'super ceta ne'/diesel mixture ('green diesel') on engine emissions is similar to the impact cetane enhancement via a nitrate additive has when added to conventional diesel fuel Advantages of hydroprocessing over esterific ation in the Canadian context include lower processing cost, compatibi lity with infrastructure, engines and fuel standards, and feed stock f lexibility. Further research in the areas of process optimization, alt ernative feed stock selection, cold flow properties, and multi-cylinde r emission resting is planned. In cooperation with a commercialization partner Arbokem Inc., pilot testing of the hydroprocess was done and was proven successful. A fleet demonstration and evaluation is current ly underway. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.