Christopher T. Lloyd

Instability Reactions and Recycled Soybean-Derived Biodiesel Fuel Liquids

Abstract It has been suggested that renewable energy sources be considered as replacements or diluents for middle distillate ground transportation fuels. It is vital for the operational considerations of these fuels to investigate the many positives and negatives that this use could prompt. In proposing such a replacement, considerations must be given to the many problems that could arise. Problems to be studied include fuel storage stability, fuel solubility, and oxidative stability. Unlike newly manufactured soy oils, it was found that this recycled soy oil was not stable in fuels. The question was, what in the recycled oil led to the observed fuel degradation.

Soybean Biodiesel: Instability Reactions

Abstract It has been suggested that renewable energy sources be considered as replacements for middle distillate ground transportation and marine fuels. It is vital for the operational considerations of these fuels to investigate the many positives and negatives of incorporating these renewable energy sources in such systems. In proposing such a replacement, considerations must be given to the many problems that could arise including fuel storage stability, fuel solubility, oxidative stability, and seawater stability. Contrary to air environments, water environments have a pH factor that has to be considered. United States Navy shipboard fuel tanks compensate for diminishing fuel by the addition of seawater to the fuel tank. It was found that this would lead to fuel instability problems such as filter stoppage and other serious engine damage. Studies were performed to determine what in the soybean-derived biodiesels led to the observed fuel degradation.

Storage tank stability of soybean-derived biodiesel.

Abstract The petroleum fraction known as middle distillate that is used for transportation purposes consists of diesel, jet fuels. Many agricultural-based oils have been considered and used in petroleum fuel blends or as petroleum replacements. Soybean-derived biofuels have proven to be an excellent substitute for petroleum diesel fuel applications, such as cars, trucks, trains, and ships. However, biofuel replacements have not been studied for long-term storage tank stability. This type of storage stability would involve mixtures with not only biofuel but also water and air. The tank contents would be in constant contact with water bottoms and air because of draw down and refilling of partially empty storage tanks. The results of this study are important because the Department of Defense will be purchasing diesel fuel that contains up to 5% biodiesel. This article examines the storage tank stability, by ASTM method D-5304, of soy-derived biodiesel petroleum blended fuel in an environment of air and dissolved water.

Recycled Soybean Derived Cooking Oils as Blending Stocks for Middle Distillate Transportation Fuels

It has been proposed that biodiesel liquids be used as blending stocks for middle distillate ground transportation fuels by the Department of Defense. The U.S. Navy is considering allowing up to 20% biodiesel to be added as a blending stock to petroleum diesel fuels. It is important for operational consideration to look at the many problems this could present. Among the more important considerations are storage stability, filterability, fuel solubility, oxidative stability and induced instability reactions. This article reports on the use of recycled soybean derived fuel liquids. The fuel liquid was derived from recycled restaurant cooking oil with no added antioxidant after reprocessing. We compare this biodiesel in blends of both 10% and 20% with stable and unstable middle distillate fuels for storage stability, oxidative stability, solubility, and chemical instability results.

Synthesis of Novel 7α-Thiol-Bridged Progesterone Derivatives

Abstract Novel synthetic routes to the formation of progesterone derivatives are of interest due to their potential role in the treatment of breast cancer. This multi-step synthesis proceeds via the dehydrogenation of the endocyclic ketone moiety of the steroid, affording the resulting α,β–γ,δ-unsaturated system. This is followed by 1,6-conjugate addition of p-aminothiophenol, affording the C7 thiol-bridged progesterone analog. The resulting compound was then subjected to a selection of isocyanates affording a variety of novel progesterone derivatives for their medicinal evaluation.

Laboratory study on the immobilization of bacterial spores in arid environments.

In this study, two effective, non-toxic, wind erosion palliative materials were analyzed for their efficacy in preventing the spread of bacterial spores. Desert sand was employed in a laboratory setting with a non-toxic simulant bacterium in an attempt to accurately represent the spreadability of the hantavirus. Spore simulants were used instead of viruses due to availability, decreased susceptibility to desiccation and detection ability without involving tissue cultures. The simulant was used to contaminate sand in a controlled environment, and an artificial turbulence was introduced using compressed air to generate airflow that could be expected in a desert environment. The airborne spores were identified both qualitatively and quantitatively through microscopy, Gram staining, plating, and incubation to monitor effectiveness. A water-based polysaccharide product, Surtac, was found to be most effective for the immobilization of bacteria on sand and greatly reduced the amount of contaminant that becomes airborne. The results suggest that the two wind erosion products used in this study may be successfully employed to reduce the ability of bacterial spores to spread in arid regions.

Oxidative Instability of Fuels: Nickel Catalyzed Reactions

Abstract The reactions that lead to long-term storage instability of fuels are not fully understood. Various reports in the literature link particular fuels with specific reactions, usually oxidation or free radical processes. Trace quantities of metals are present in all processed fuels. The metal source can be naturally occurring or present from fuel handling. The usual case is to look at the reaction of the metal or metal ion with molecular oxygen or other active oxygen species such as hydroperoxides. This article reports on the reaction of a nitrogen heterocycle, indole. We propose a mechanism that shows that catalytic amounts of nickel can produce compounds of higher molecular weight and increased polarity.