Comparison of the composition and properties of canola and sunflower oil sediments with canola seed hull lipids

Modification of Canola Oil Physicochemical Properties by Hexane and Ethanol with Regards of Its Application in Diesel Engine

A mixture of canola oil (Co), n-hexane (Hex), and ethyl alcohol (Et) was proposed as a new energy material for powering diesel engines. For this purpose, surface tension, density, and viscosity measurements, as well as engine tests, were performed for 88%Co10%Hex2%Et and 83%Co15%Hex2%Et mixtures at 20 °C. The adsorption and volumetric properties of these mixtures were compared to those of individual mixture components, as well as diesel fuel (Df) and oleic, linoleic, α-linolenic, palmitic, and stearic acids. It was revealed that the values of surface tension, viscosity, and density of Co were higher than those of the Co components. The addition of 10% Hex and 2% Et to Co caused a more than twofold decrease in its viscosity, while the addition of 15% Hex and 2% Et caused a more than fourfold reduction of Co viscosity. In addition, a mixture of Co with 2% Et and 10% Hex had a density similar to that of Df. In turn, theoretical calculations showed that the addition of n-hexane and ethanol to canola oil only slightly changed its heat of combustion. Engine tests were carried out at fixed engine rotational speeds, with a direct gearbox ratio (4th gear). The quick-changing parameters of the combustion process were registered using an AVL Indimicro system. In these tests it was found that the addition of Et to the mixture of Co and Hex did not significantly shorten the auto-ignition delay, but the kinetic phase during combustion disappeared, which had an impact on the combustion start angle.

Erucic acid concentration of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) oils on the German food retail market

Rapeseed oil is one of the most important vegetable oils in Germany. It has a favorable fatty acid composition but also contains a certain amount of erucic acid (EA). As the result of toxicological considerations regarding this fatty acid, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for EA of 7 mg/kg body weight in 2016. On this basis, the maximum EA levels for vegetable oils allowed in the European Union have been reduced shortly from 50 to 20 g/kg, and for infant formula and follow-on formula from 10 to 4 g/kg. However, rapeseed oil is also recommended for the preparation of homemade food for infants and children. Little is known about the actual EA concentrations of rapeseed oils on the German retail market. Current data are especially important for the necessary reassessment of its recommendation in infant and child nutrition based on the established TDI. Three hundred representative rapeseed oil samples were purchased in retail stores across Germany. EA concentrations, determined by GC-FID, were in a range of 0.17-9.68 g/kg, with 241 samples being even below 4 g/kg. All oils were below the maximum level valid at the time of this investigation, and even below the newly established lower maximum level of 20 g/kg. The major part also met the requirements for infant and follow-on formula. The representative results provide valuable current data for the necessary reassessment of the dietary recommendations for infant and child nutrition based on the established TDI.

Combustion Process of Canola Oil and n-Hexane Mixtures in Dynamic Diesel Engine Operating Conditions

The article discusses the problem of using canola oil and n-hexane mixtures in diesel engines with storage tank fuel injection systems (common rail). The tests results of the combustion process in the dynamic operating conditions of an engine powered by these mixtures are presented. On the basis of the conducted considerations, it was found that the addition of n-hexane to canola oil does not change its energy properties and significantly improves physicochemical properties such as the surface tension and viscosity. It contributes to the improvement of the flammable mixture preparation process and influences the course of the combustion process.

Surface, Volumetric, and Wetting Properties of Oleic, Linoleic, and Linolenic Acids with Regards to Application of Canola Oil in Diesel Engines

Oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids are the main components of canola oil and their physiochemical properties decide on the use of canola oil as fuel for diesel engines. Therefore, the measurements of the surface tension of oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids being the components of the canola oil, as well as their contact angles on the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and engine valve, were made. Additionally, the surface tension and contact angle on PTFE, PMMA, and the engine valve of the oleic acid and n-hexane mixtures were measured. On the basis of the obtained results, the components and parameters of oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids’ surface tension were determined and compared to those of the canola oil. Next, applying the components and parameters of these acids, their adhesion work to PTFE, PMMA, and the engine valve was calculated by means of various methods.