Different scenarios of glycerin conversion to combustible products and their effects on compression ignition engine as fuel additive : a review

Abstract

In biodiesel production by trans-esterification, one of the essential compound is glycerin. Global glycerin production is increasing significantly, projecting a global value reduction for glycerol. Consequently the scientific community had been encouraged to investigate converting glycerol into more valuable products. In this research, the primary sources and processes of biodiesel production are surveyed. Where the processes that involve glycerin are reviewed and the diesel engine performance and emissions under variant states are discussed. According to the results of this study, it is reported that the choice of an optimal diesel/biodiesel significantly depends on the materials, additives and the engine condition. Glycerol etherification, carboxylation, and glycerol carbonate, however, had been identified as the widely manufactured and used additives. It is further observed that the use of these such additives has reduced several emissions, which is an important factor. In addition, it is suggested that using glycerin additives improves the properties of biodiesel. Acetone, on the other hand is introduced as one of the most important additives in the combination of diesel and biodiesel fuel due to the reduction of maximum emission. The presence of hydroxyl groups can reduce NOx. Finally, the diethyl ether additive can be mentioned which increases the thermal efficiency and increases the brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC).