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SNCF tests rapeseed oil fuel as diesel alternative
The move could cut
CO2 emissions by 60% and particulates by 80%.
April 16, 2021
Written by
David Haydock
Photo Credit: Biernacki / Région
Normandie
SNCF Voyageurs, working with the Normandy region, has launched a
three-month trial using rapeseed oil to replace diesel fuel on all
trains serving the Paris - Granville line.
A fleet of 15 Alstom Régiolis six-car articulated bi-mode multiple
units operate services on the line. The trains were built in 2014 and
are equipped with six roof-mounted 338kW MAN D2676 LE323 diesel
engines.
The trains operate in electric mode over the 82km Paris Montparnasse -
Dreux section, running under 1.5kV dc and then 25kV ac
electrification, before switching to diesel mode for the remaining
246km section from Dreux to Granville.
Following trials with a 30:70 mix of rapeseed and diesel oil, the use
of B100 oil made from 100% rapeseed was sanctioned for use in trains
in France in 2018, after being used in lorries.
The trials on trains in commercial service were approved after the
French Institute of Petroleum and New Energies (IFPEN) carried out
tests in 2019 with one of the MAN engines on a test rig without
significant modifications. Testing has far found that consumption of
rapeseed oil is slightly higher than for diesel.
The trials are part of SNCF’s Planeter project to reduce CO2 emissions
from trains used on TER regional services, with 61% of current
emissions stemming from the use of diesel engines.
Replacing diesel with B100 is expected to cut CO2 emissions by 60% and
particulates by 80%.
The rapeseed oil, produced by Valtris Camplor in Verdun, is supplied
to SNCF by Bolloré Energy.
SNCF is due to carry out similar tests with Bombardier AGC dual-mode
multiple units equipped with MAN 662kW D2842 LE606 engines on the
Paris Nord - Laon line.
A third test is under consideration, which would use rapeseed oil
(R-100?, GJS) to power Fret SNCF BB 60000 diesel locomotives,
which are equipped with a 1000kW Caterpillar CAT 3508B engine. The
locomotives are used for shunting and services in the Dunkerque port
area.
A trial is also due to be launched next winter on the Besançon -
Morteau line, where temperatures often fall as low as -20°C to observe
the effects of very cold temperatures on the viscosity of rapeseed
oil.
Depending on the results, SNCF will consider extending the replacement
of diesel fuel with rapeseed oil.
France has 1.1 million hectares of land dedicated to rapeseed
production, with each hectare producing around 500l of edible oil,
1000l of less refined fuel oil and 1900kg of animal feed. While France
produces enough edible oil to meet national demand, the French
agricultural industry is looking to increase to production of rapeseed
for animal feed to replace soya imports, which would likely increase
the quantity of fuel oil available for transport.
Yields In France on average.
Rapeseed Oil weighs 7.61 lbs. per gallon, R-100, The BTU content is
119,550 BTU per gallon. Rapeseed oil has 7.5% less BTU per gallon
compared to number 2 diesel fuel. 15,609 BTU per pound.
Diesel Number 2 is typically 128,488 BTU per gallon, BTU is 18,122 per
pound. Diesel #2 weighs 7.076 pounds per gallon. Engine ratings are
typically done at 560 feet above sea level at 28.56 inches of mercury
at 85 degrees F.
Engine Block Heaters set at 140 degrees for starting will aid engine
warm up. R-100 Fuel Oil should be preheated to 104 degrees F. A
Micro Motion F-25 Mass Meter will monitor specific gravity of the fuel
system and the consumption. The main fuel storage tank will need a
fuel quality survey for water and biological growth. The main fuel
storage tank should be a pressure vessel held at 40 psi with a dry
nitrogen head. Tanks can be formulated from pressure vessel steel in
1,000 gallon capacities. 5,000 gallons would be adequate with 41 inch
bulkheads.
Per acre, 1,695 pounds of crush meal. 172.8 gallons of canola oil or
1,315 pounds or 106 gallons of fuel oil and 66 gallons of edible oil.
Total pounds past the crusher per acre. 3,015 lbs. or 50 lbs. per
bushel or 60 bushels per acre
About 43.6 percent of the crush was oil which is a little above
average for cold press techniques. Hot press is 46% oil typical. Oil
content of the Canola can also vary.
Canola Price is 36 cents US per pound April 15, 2022.
About $2.73 per gallon
Crush 1,695 lbs. at breakeven $568 per ton. Premium on the crushing is
not known.
Note 2:
A typical Cat engine D-399 TA Electric Set producing 850 KW at 1200
rpm or 60 HZ requires, 65 gallons per hour of number diesel fuel at
4,000 feet of elevation.
To produce the same power the fuel setting needs to be reset at 7.5%
higher to produce the same horsepower. At 69.87 gallons per hour.
Note 3. A typical Cat 3508 will require about 22 cents per KW based on
Canola oil for $3.00 per gallon….
Note 4. A typical Cat 3512 making 1.4 megawatt with 106 gallons of
R-100 or Canola oil per hour…it will take 10 megawatt hours to build 1
ton of NH3. The cost to build ammonia at 22 cents per KW is 7 hours of
operation or $2100 of fuel is required.
Note 5. It is a changing world if your need power at 2.1 cents per KW
and your generator is 10 times more cost to run.
Green Play Ammonia™, Yielder® NFuel Energy.
Spokane, Washington. 99212
www.exactrix.com
509 995 1879 cell, Pacific.
Nathan1@greenplayammonia.com
exactrix@exactrix.com
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