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Abstract This work explores near‐term approaches for improving the low‐temperature properties of triglyceride oil‐derived fuels for direct‐injection compression‐ignition (diesel) engines. Methyl esters from transesterified soybean oil were evaluated as a neat fuel and in blends with petroleum middle distillates. Winterization showed that the cloud point (CP) of methyl soyate may be reduced to −16°C. Twelve cold‐flow additives marketed for distillates were tested by standard petroleum methodologies, including CP, pour point (PP), kinematic viscosity, cold filter plugging point (CFPP), and low‐temperature flow test (LTFT). Results showed that additive treatment significantly improves the PP of distillate/methyl ester blends; however, additives do not greatly affect CP or viscosity. Both CFPP and LTFT were nearly linear functions of CP, a result that compares well with earlier studies with untreated distillate/methyl ester blends. In particular, additives proved capable of reducing LTFT of neart methyl esters by 5–6°C. This work supports earlier research on the low‐temperature properties; that is, approaches for improving the cold flow of methyl ester‐based diesel fuels should continue to focus on reducing CP.
Dunn et al. (Sun,) studied this question.