Synthesis and Characterization of Diesel Lubricity Enhancer through Transesterification Reaction of Palm Oil with 1,2-Ethanediol

Desulphurization of diesel fuel is necessary to be done to reduce sulphur content in the air. However, the desulphurization process will reduce the lubrication properties of diesel fuel. In order to overcome the problem, it needs bioadditive to improve the lubricity. Lubricity of diesel fuel can be improved by the subsistence of chemical compound that is hydroxyethyl esther (HEE). HEE is synthesized through the transesterification reaction of palm oil (triglycerides) and 1,2 ethanediol at 150 °C for 5 hours and K2CO3 catalyst as well. The conversion of TG into the products is 72.90%. The characterization using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) indicates that the chemical compound in synthesis products comprise free fatty acids, hydroxyethyl esters and by-products. The obtained products can be used as bioadditives to improve the lubricity of diesel fuel.

Static and Dynamic Performance of Vector Control on Induction Motor with PID Controller: An Investigation on LabVIEW

A three-phase induction motor is often used in everyday life because of its high reliability. However, it is associated with some disadvantages, including difficulties in maintaining constant speed during load changes and speed regulation due to the decoupled system. Therefore, this study aims to adjust the three-phase induction motor control to become a separate amplifier DC motor by setting the vector control using the IFOC method, which changes the coupled to the decoupled system. The speed settings are equipped with a PID controller where its parameters, which are obtained using Ziegler Nichols, produce speed output with fast research time and small steady-state errors. This research was conducted to observe and analyze the performance of a controller based on the IFOC approach with a PID controller at speed differences, with static and dynamic conditions in the entire speed working area. In the first stage of the research, simulation is carried out with static conditions, namely changes in speed variations throughout the work area (low speed to high speed), the next stage is a simulation with dynamic conditions, which is to provide changes in the value of the load torque when the system is operating. The simulation result carried out with LabVIEW shows a response time of 1.13 ms, a settling time of 9.9 ms, and a steady error of 0.4% at the 500 Rpm set point. It also indicated dynamic characteristics with a recovery time of 4.9 ms at the 300 Rpm set point. When operated at low speed, IFOC with PID controller has a stable response. But In dynamic conditions, the use of a PID controller is considered unsuitable. This is because the PID controller is less fast and less robust in responding to the system when conditions change in the value of the load torque.

Experimental Study on the Effect of Nano Additives γAl2O3 and Equivalence Ratio to Bunsen Flame Characteristic of Biodiesel from Nyamplung (Calophyllum Inophyllum)

Nano γAl2O3 has been one of the nanometal oxides that has improved the characteristics of biodiesel. The effect of γAl2O3 nanoparticles addition on premixed flame combustion is investigated with an experiment on the laminar flame speed of Calophyllum inophyllum methyl ester 30% and 70% petrodiesel mixtures, at atmospheric pressure and preheated temperature T = 473K. The γAl2O3 nanoparticles added to CIME30 biodiesel were 0ppm, 100ppm, 200ppm, and 300ppm. Experiments were carried out on a bunsen burner. The equivalent ratio of the mixture between ϕ = 0.67 to 1.17. Experiments revealed that the addition of nanoparticles to CIME30 biodiesel expands the flammability limit and increases the laminar flame speed. CIME30 without nanoparticles, flame stable between ϕ = 0,76 -1,17. CIME30 with nanoparticles, flame stable between ϕ = 0,67 -1,17. Combustion of CIME30 required a lot of air. The highest laminar flame speed occurred at the equivalent ratio ϕ = 0.83. The highest laminar flame speed of CIME30 0, 100, 200, and 300 ppm were 30.77, 34.50, 35.90, 38.45 cm/s respectively. The higher the nano γAl2O3 concentration the higher the laminar flame speed. This occurs due to the catalytic effect of γAl2O3 on biodiesel and its mixtures.

The Effects of Rice Husk Particles Size as A Reinforcement Component on Resin-Based Brake Pad Performance: From Literature Review on the Use of Agricultural Waste as A Reinforcement Material, Chemical Polymerization Reaction of Epoxy Resin, to Experiments

This study aims to investigate the effect of rice husks’ particle size on resin-based brake pad performance (i.e. compressive strength, puncture strength, mass loss, wear rate, friction coefficient, and heat resistance). Bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin and cycloaliphatic amine were mixed to form resin and used as the brake pad's base material. In the experiment, rice husk with a specific particle size (i.e., 250, 500, dan 1000 μm) was added to the resin. Rice husk has received considerable interest due to its lignin, cellulose, and silica content, making it suitable as friction material due to its ceramic-like behavior. The experimental results showed small rice husk particles improved compressive strength, puncture strength, and bulk density. This can be obtained from the analysis of the maximum compressive strength for brake pad supported by particles with sizes of 250, 500, and 1000 μm having values of 0.238; 0.173; and 0.144 MPa, respectively. In contrast, large particles formed coarse surfaces and pores, decreased mass loss rate, and improve friction properties (i.e. wear rate, friction coefficient). The friction coefficient values of brake pad supported by particles with sizes of 250, 500, and 1000 µm were, respectively, 0.2075; 0.2070; and 0.3379. Particle size affected interpacking, interfacial bonding, pores number and size, thermal softening, mechanical properties, and friction properties of the brake pad. Comparison between the prepared resin-based and commercial brake pad was also done, confirming the utilization of agro-waste as a potential alternative for friction material in the brake pad.

Effect Methanol, Ethanol, Butanol on the Emissions Characteristics of Gasoline Engine

The increasing volume of motorized vehicles leads to an increase in dependence on fossil fuels and an increase in air pollution. The problem can be reduced by utilizing renewable alcohol fuels such as methanol, ethanol, and butanol. The high number of octane and oxygen content is the main reason. Therefore, this study aims to observe the exhaust emissions of the 160 cc gasoline engine with a mixture of methanol, ethanol, and butanol. The percentage of alcohol used is 0 % to 30 % by volume. The test was carried out in 2000, 3000, and 4000 rpm. The results of the study explained that the use of methanol, ethanol, butanol in the fuel mixture was proven to reduce exhaust emissions. CO and HC emissions decreased as the percentage of alcohol in the fuel increased. The highest reduction in CO and HC emission in methanol blended fuel was 30 %, 94.55 % and 82.71 %, respectively. Meanwhile, CO2 emissions increased by 34.88 % at 2000 rpm engine speed. Based on this test, the addition of methanol to fuel can reduce exhaust emissions better than ethanol and butanol.

Comparative Study of Municipal Solid Waste Fuel and Refuse Derived Fuel in the Gasification Process Using Multi Stage Downdraft Gasifier

Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a type of general waste that includes households, traditional markets, commercial areas, and the rest from public facilities, schools, offices, roads, and so on. Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) is obtained from the remnants of MSW which cannot be used anymore, which is flammable waste and is separated from parts that are difficult to burn through the process of chopping, sifting, and air classification. RDF has potential as an alternative energy source. In this study, RDF fuel was compared with MSW fuel both by proximate and calorific value, then the gasification process was carried out using a multi-stage downdraft gasifier to see gasification performance indicators such as syngas composition, LHV, cold gas efficiency, and tar concentration. The results showed that the gasification performance indicator for MSW biomass resulted in the syngas composition of CO = 19.08% v, H2 = 10.89% v, and CH4 = 1.54% v. The calorific value (Low Heating Value, LHV ) of syngas is 4,137 kJ/kg, cold gas efficiency is 70.14%, and tar content is 57.29 mg/Nm3. Meanwhile, RDF obtained the composition of CO gas: 18.68% v, H2: 9.5446% v, and CH4: 0% v. The maximum LHV syngas is 3365.08 kJ/kg, cold gas efficiency is 57.19 % and the smallest tar content is 80.24 mg/Nm3. When compared to RDF, MSW produces a better gasification performance indicator. However, RDF can still be used as an alternative energy source using the gasification process. The results of this study can be used to optimize the further RDF gasification process.

Synthesis of Bio-additive for Low Sulphur Diesel: Transesterification of Soybean Oil and Ethylene Glycol using K2CO3 Catalyst

The desulphurization process of diesel fuel is carried out to reduce the amount of SO2 emissions that can cause acid rain. However, the desulphurization process in diesel fuel not only removes the sulfur compounds but polyaromatic and polar compounds are also eliminated during this process. The loss of these two compounds can reduce the lubricity properties of diesel fuel. Therefore, it is necessary to add an additive compound that can increase the lubricity properties. In this research, 2-hydroxyethyl ester (HEE) was synthesized as an additive to increase the lubricity of diesel fuel. This compound was synthesized through the transesterification reaction of soybean oil and ethylene glycol with K2CO3 as the base catalyst. The composition of the synthesized additives was analyzed using the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Based on the results of GC-MS spectrum analysis, it is known that the 2-hydroxyethyl ester compound has been formed with a yield of 66.5% (relative to the area of the chromatogram peak). The HEE compound obtained is a mixture of 2 hydroxyethyl palmitate, 2 hydroxyethyl linoleate, 2 hydroxyethyl stearate, 2 hydroxyethyl arachidonate, 2 hydroxyethyl nervate, and 2 hydroxyethyl behenate.

Bogie Frame Structure Evaluation for Light-Rail Transit (LRT) Train: A Static Testing

A new bogie frame of Light-Rail Transit (LRT) is having its strength of structure verified with experimental static testing according to EN 13749 standards. Static testing of bogie frame structure of LRT is performed by using a combination of seven tensile and compression loads that comprise of operational loads (normal service) and over-loads (exceptional service). Measurement parameters of bogie frame are strain and deflection values. The strain and deflection values resulted at every step of the load test were measured and monitored to further be used as analytic data. This data is then compared to the stress data of finite element analysis to check its deviation value. Testing results show the maximum stress value is 81.48 MPa on operational load, meanwhile, for exceptional load case, maximum stress is 120.96 MPa and deflection value is 1.25 mm. The maximum stress value is still below yield strength of bogie frame material S 555J2 (y=355 MPa). According to testing data, structure of bogie frame LRT fulfill as the acceptance criteria.

Effect of Magnetic Field Induce Arc in Autogenous TIG Welding of 304 Stainless Steel Butt Joint

This paper reports the use of External Magnetic Field-Tungsten Inert Gas (EMF-TIG) method in butt joint applications to determine the effect of welding arc compression on the quality of butt joint of SS 304 thin plate was reported. The welding process was performed without using filler or autogenous welds. The external magnetic field was generated by placing a magnetic solenoid around the TIG welding torch. The results of this study showed that EMF-TIG welding can produce a more uniform bead width along the weld line compare with conventional TIG. Moreover, the D/W ratio obtained under external magnetic field was higher than without magnetic. However, the tensile strength of butt joint decreased with EMF-TIG because there is constriction in arc welding which produces shrinkage weld pool volume. In addition, high welding speeds result in a decrease in the tensile strength of both conventional TIG and EMF-TIG welds.

Performance and Fuel Consumption of Diesel Engine Fueled by Diesel Fuel and Waste Plastic Oil Blends: An Experimental Investigation

This study analyzes the performance of the diesel engine in terms of power, torque, specific fuel consumption, and thermal efficiency using diesel and pyrolysis oil. The waste plastic oil (WPO) used in this research was produced through a pyrolysis process using raw materials from Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE) mixed with diesel fuel in volume ratios WPO10, WPO20, WPO30, WPO40, and WPO50. In addition, a performance test was carried out on the single-cylinder diesel engine test bench. The results showed that performing the diesel engine with the addition of WPO increased the average power and torque by 5% and 3%, thereby producing a higher heating value. Furthermore, the concentration of WPO also reduces the level of specific fuel consumption to be more efficient, with a decrease in thermal efficiency. In conclusion, plastic waste pyrolysis oil is a promising alternative fuel applicable to a diesel engine.