Research on Fuel Property of Palm Oil Methyl Ester

Abstract

AIST has conducted joint research with MTEC/NSTDA and TISTR for the standardizatin and upgrading of biodiesel fuel. Palm oil methyl ester from crude palm oil(crude PME) which was made in Thailand was used as a test fuel, and fuel property, material compatibility and emission characteristic were evaluated. By coexisting metal material, oxidation dagradation of crude PME accelerated. Especially, copper significantly accelerated degradation of PME. The influence of zinc on oxidation degradation is not so strong compared with other metal material, however zinc itself was found to be corroded by crud PME. For the emission characteristics, CO and THC decreased by blending crude PME. NOx emission increases with the incrase of crude PME by high engine load. PM emission increases by blending crude PME at low engine load.