Production of solketal, a fuel additive, through microwave heating and catalysis

Abstract

Many efforts are being geared toward finding new sources of alternative energy to replace the currently used non-renewable fossil fuels. Among the renewable energy resources being looked into, biofuels are receiving intensive attention. The use of biofuels and fossil fuels lead to fuel gelling and chocking of nozzle as well as having an effect of corrosion on different parts of the engine. This can be mitigated by use of fuel additives. Fuel additives are materials that improve the cleanliness of different parts of the engine (such as fuel injector, intake valve, etc.), promote complete combustion of fuel, reduce fuel gelling and choking of nozzle as well as reduce corrosion impact on different parts of the engine. This in turn leads to improved engine performance, reduced emissions, and reduced fuel consumption. Fuel additives can also reduce particulate emissions of diesel fuel and increase oxygen concentration. Solketal, an oxygenate fuel additive, is one of the fuel additives used to improve engine and fuel performance. It is primarily produced from glycerol, a by-product obtained from the production of biodiesel. It helps to reduce the soot, reduce the particulate emission, and improve the cold flow properties of liquid.