Vegetable Oil SVO WVO waste cooking oil as biofuel

[SunWizard]

Notice that the German spec for VO fuel gives a minimum value of 220C (428F) and confirms that a higher flash point is better.

I just found that the auto-ignition temp of motor oil is 932F (500C) this explains why it is so smoky, and leads to carbon deposits, and is not a very good fuel additive. ATF is similar, and the question of burning both of these oils comes up often. Here is some science to explain why not to burn them.

[Welder]

Notice that the German spec for VO fuel gives a minimum value of 220C (428F) and confirms that a higher flash point is better.

I just found that the auto-ignition temp of motor oil is 932F (500C) this explains why it is so smoky, and leads to carbon deposits, and is not a very good fuel additive. ATF is similar, and the question of burning both of these oils comes up often. Here is some science to explain why not to burn them.

Thank you Sun for confirming what I've been saying for years now. Unfortunately, because I still haven't converted to SVO yet, I'm sometimes dismissed as a misguided inexperienced newbie. A.C.R.E.V.O recomends 150 geg C, not 80 deg C. People always read the part where A.C.R.E.V.O. recomends 80 deg C and somehow miss the fact that the temp was referring to a 10% ethanol blend, NOT SVO/WVO.

[SunWizard]

I think you are confusing your temps. ACREVO is talking about the VO temps for lower emissions. This thread is talking about flash point and auto-ignition temps. I am saying auto-ignition temp is the thing that matters for a diesel engine. A higher flash point just makes it safer to handle.

[SkySkiJason]

That ACREVO study suggests that at 150C they got the most complete combustion...

[Welder]

That ACREVO study suggests that at 150C they got the most complete combustion...

Thanks Jason, I was going to say something like that.

Actually A.C.R.E.V.O. didn't combust anything. It was a spray comparisson of canola under an increasing temp. The 80 deg C we often hear referred to is actually meant for 10% ethanol blends, not SVO.

Sunwizard, maybe I am a little confused. I think I've been a little sleep deprived lately...

[HoldOnTight]

SSJason, and others,
There seems to be a lot of effort to develop algoil. Some seem interested in developing their own bioreactor, processing and use. Yet, I think there is very little we know about the charactiristics of this oil. Is it like soy or canola or ...completely different?
1. SSJ, can you test this oil if people provide samples to you?
2. If anyone has access to this algae produced oil, can you provide a sample to SSJ and provide source information (such as algae species) used to develop this oil?

Seems to me a byproduct of the oil is oxygen...which historically we all know assists in the production of poly...

So, seems like fertile ground for understanding.

Thanks!

[SkySkiJason]

I'm curious as well. IIRC, they can tailor the algae to produce oils that are better for certain fuels. I think the oxygen is released during growth of algae, just like any other plant?

But, I'm not sure I can measure the flash point of straight VO. It is around 600F. Even if I could, I'm not sure how much it tells us about its use as a fuel.

I will try to measure FP of straight VO next week...

[coachgeo]

should we not be more concerned with "pressure ignition point" not "flash ignition point" ?

Whats the value of knowing the flash point of VO's in a non compressed state; except when it comes to making home heating fuel burners?

Guess that answer falls in this: In compression ignition machine (diesel engine) is the high compression's ability to create high heat the sole reason the ignition of the fuel oil occurs or is their other factors too? If there are then how well does knowing flash points correlate to ignition under compression when these other factors are brought into play?

Exagerated example; if one could keep fuel oil at a constant cool temp (but still liquid) while it is being compressed will it still eventually ignite if the pressure builds high enough?

[SunWizard]

should we not be more concerned with "pressure ignition point" not "flash ignition point" ?

The figure that matters is the auto-ignition temp, where lower is better fuel for a diesel. Pressure doesn't matter, 1000psi VO if still cold it won't ignite. (unless the pressurizing also raised the temp - as in a diesel - temp is what matters) Flash point doesn't matter much, and higher is better. Reasons why given by me earlier in this thread, with links.

[HoldOnTight]

One question I have is this: If oil is generated by algae in water and produces oil and oxygen, then isn't that the recipe for polymerized oil? I suppose it isn't any different with corn or soy or other oils, or is it?

Could someone planting "diesel trees" today for oil production end up with plastic trees! Never mind that the trees would consume valuable land as opposed to Vertigro processing plants located on land without much agricultural value.

So, testing Algoil seems to be appropriate, but I think it will be difficult to get a sample for viscosity-longevity testing...this is hush-hush research.

[SunWizard]

All oil plants make oxygen. There is no poly until the oil is extracted, then exposed to heat and oxygen. Store algae oil properly and its as good as other VO. There is a local company making algae oil and its good fuel:
http://www.solixbiofuels.com/html/home.html