ABSTRACT
The maritime industry has begun utilizing biodiesel blends from 2022 on trial basis, with various agencies reporting positive feedback on their performance. However, a barrier to the widespread adoption of biodiesel is its high production cost. Untreated bio-oil and off-spec biodiesel offer potential as more cost-effective biofuel alternatives.
There is limited research on the suitability of bio-oil samples for maritime applications. Nonetheless, bio-oil and off-spec FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters) products have the potential to serve as sustainable fuels in the maritime sector, either through the production of marine biofuel or as components of fuel blends.
To determine the feasibility of using bio-marine oil blended with conventional fuel oil in ships, the study examines the physical and chemical characteristics, storage stability and corrosivity properties of these fuels.
The characteristics of bio-oil blended with residual fuels are assessed in terms of fundamental properties such as density, viscosity, flash point, carbon residue, and water content. Stability properties are analyzed by testing total sediment existent and total sediment potential, with storage
stability evaluated through accelerated stability testing.
Due to the high oxygen content in bio-oils, which may impact their energy content and ignition-combustion properties, the energy content and ignition combustion characteristics of these blends were measured using ASTM D240 and FIA-FCA tests. Cold flow properties were analyzed through pour point and wax appearance temperature tests.
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to determine the composition of the biofuel blends, providing a detailed analysis of their constituents.