Impact of PME Over Crystals Formation and Rig Test Performances Degradation

The use of biodiesel has risen worldwide in the last decade. Different countries use different biodiesel feedstocks which will depend on the resources available locally. Some problems due to biodiesel content and feedstock quality have been pointed out in the literature, which include cold flow properties issues of several methyl esters, especially Palm Methyl Ester (PME). The present work was carried out on diesel-biodiesel blends from 0 to 30%v/vPME in order to evaluate the impact of crystals formation on fuel filter plugging using a rig test. The fuel was maintained at 5°C and 20°C during soaking. The crystal particles formation was evaluated by the Turbiscan™ technique (based on multiple light scattering with near infra-red light), followed by particles mass weight determination by filtration. The fuel was then evaluated in the test rig until performances degradation in terms of fuel flow rate and filter pressure drop. Results show particles formation and aggregation during soaking. Also, the rig test has pointed out a fuel flow rate decrease at low load engine conditions.