A method for determining the suitability of a renewable fuel by measuring its electrical conductivity and acid number

摘要

A method for determining the suitability of an acid oil or fat as a renewable fuel for combustion in a compression ignition engine comprises (a) measuring the electrical conductivity value at 60°C and acid number value of a sample of the acid oil or fat; (b) determining whether the values fall within the hatched region in figure 2; and (c) if the values fall in the hatched region, determining that the acid oil or fat is suitable for combustion in a compression ignition engine. A method for reducing the electrical conductivity of a fuel is also outlined wherein the method involves centrifuging the fuel to remove conductive impurities and impurities with a high dielectric constant. The method may further include an additional step of passing the centrifuged oil through an evaporator, wherein the evaporation may be conducted at reduced pressures and increased temperatures. An engine assembly for combusting acid oils is also provided.