NExBTL diesel, in contrast to rapeseed methyl ester, is a clear and colorless paraffin, and contains no oxygen. It is used to improve the quality of petro-diesel; its' quality is higher since it has a homogenous source, namely plant-synthesized fatty acids. It doesn't require any special engine repairs and it doesn't foul systems like ester biodiesel. It is produced by direct hydrogenation of the plant oil (chemically, triglyceride) into alkane, water and carbon oxides on a nickel-molybdenum catalyst. The total CO2 produced in the entire lifecycle is only 0.45 to 1.33 kg CO2/kg oil, in contrast to transesterified fuel with 1.4-2.0 kg CO2/kg oil, or mineral diesel with 3.4 kg CO2/kg oil. [www.termo.hut.fi/Ene-39/006/biodiesel1.ppt] Therefore, it's not only an "oil derivative" like ester.
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SF Bay Area
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Re: 2nd generation Biodiesel
Tue, January 15, 2008 - 5:05 PMI have an older diesel... how does this biodiesel affect the natural rubber in older engines? -
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Re: 2nd generation Biodiesel
Thu, January 17, 2008 - 9:14 PMIf indeed it's feedstock is plant-derived fatty acids, it would have similar if not identical lubricity and solvent properties as today's bio. Namely, replace any butyl rubber lines with Viton. Replace fuel filter as req'd. Done. -
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Re: 2nd generation Biodiesel
Tue, January 29, 2008 - 3:12 PMIf the triglycerides are completely hydrogenated down to alkanes the solvent and lubricity properties would be completely different than biodiesel. The alkanes would have a lower molecular weight and reduced polarity compared to the corresponding esters. This should lead to a thinner, more volatile fuel with reduced solvent properties. -
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Re: 2nd generation Biodiesel
Tue, January 29, 2008 - 3:17 PMI couldn't find details on the process at the link given above. If it is like most other "complete" hydrogenations (all the way to alkanes), extreme pressure and often high temperatures would be required necessitating special thick walled pressure reactors. Would love more details
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