Published: July 22, 2008 06:18 pm            

Rose-Hulman researchers find vegetable oils as possible lubricant

TERRE HAUTE — Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology students and professors have discovered that natural vegetable oils could replace motor oil mixtures as lubricants for two-stroke engines.

They also have examined ways to produce cost-effective bio-fuels from various sources, through research projects conducted during the past year on campus.

There is considerable interest in this research, supported by Hoosier Biodiesel Inc. of Evansville. Michael Mueller, head of Rose-Hulman’s Department of Chemistry, and junior chemical engineering student Ben Collins made a technical presentation on bio-lubricants at the recent Society of Automotive Engineers’ International Powertrains, Fuels and Lubricants Congress in Shanghai, China.

“This cutting-edge research in bio-fuels and bio-lubricants provides valuable insight on how we can limit the use of foreign oil,” Mueller stated. He noted that the work is being performed by undergraduate students using both state-of-the-art chemical instrumentation and engine testing on a dynamometer.

Students working on the project include Matt Colchin, a senior mechanical engineering major; Doug Hale, a senior mechanical engineering major; Liz Malola, a sophomore chemical engineering major; and Collins.

The nature of the research requires expertise in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and chemistry.

“The project requires the understanding of science and engineering,” Mueller noted.

The multi-disciplinary research team already has developed several different types of bio-based two-cycle engine oils. These bio-based lubricants have been shown to have superior lubricating properties to the synthetic oils currently commercially available.

Now, the students and chemistry professor have turned their attention to examining whether bio-fuels can be produced from canola oil, animal fat and waste frying oils, along with investigating the effects of these bio-fuel sources in power production and exhaust emissions in an automobile engine, through extensive engine tests.

In addition to using ethanol for automobiles, the Rose-Hulman team also is investigating the use of butanol. Butanol can also be produced from grains such as corn but contains more energy per gallon than ethanol. Butanol is a larger alcohol than ethanol that has similar performance properties to gasoline presently available at the gas station. Blends of alcohols with bio-diesel are being examined to determine if pure bio-based fuels burn cleaner and get similar, if not better, fuel economy than gasoline.

Another phase of the project is concerned with the actual manufacturing of biodiesel from various sources and its properties. This would include producing Biodiesel with no waste by-products. In the current method of making biodiesel, glycerin is a waste by-product that is generally discarded in a landfill.

“The properties of biodiesel that we are investigating include the cloud point and water content,” Mueller said.

Cloud point is the temperature at which a fuel begins to “cloud” and large waxy molecules form. This is detrimental in low temperatures as this will clog fuel systems.

Later this summer, the research team will investigate electrolyzing water to produce hydrogen as an augment fuel to run a spark ignition engine, according to Mueller.

“Our students are working on cutting-edge industry-type projects that could impact our daily lives,” Mueller said. He noted that all tests meet industry standards set by the American Society for Testing & Materials, enhancing the educational experience for students.

Rose-Hulman President Gerald S. Jakubowski commended the students and Mueller on the project, stating: “Research in science and mathematics is like design in engineering. These research projects provide great experience for our students and helps reinforce Rose-Hulman’s place as a leader in the hands-on application of science and engineering education.”

The students feel fortunate to be working on this research area. Usually, these types of projects are being completed by graduate- and doctorate-level students. Collins noted that he was the youngest presenter at the SAE world conference.

“I love automotive technology and this is an area that could have significant impact on the automotive industry,” stated Collins.

Colchin and Hale, also automotive technology “gearheads,” like the cross-disciplinary aspects of the research project.

“Who would have thought that elements of chemistry would be found in an engine laboratory? It’s a whole new world,” Colchin said.

        

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