Global oil demand is on the rise, driven strongly by the petrochemical and aviation sectors.1 However, the availability of traditional energy sources, in particular crude oil, is becoming increasingly limited.
The lack of crude oil and the unfortunate consequences of fossil fuels have inspired nations and industries to investigate alternate and sustainable options and drive the rapid growth of the renewables market.
This article will explore some of the key drivers of the renewable energy market before exploring how OptiFuel, an advanced Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy system, can be used to optimize gasoline, diesel, and renewable analysis while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Why is the Renewable Energy Market Growing?
The renewable energy market is being spurred on by a number of factors that shape the global energy landscape and accelerate the move toward sustainable and clean energy sources. Some of these factors are:
Policy shifts to meet demand: As crude oil reserves become depleted, governments globally are seeking renewable energy sources as sustainable methods to meet their energy demands. Countries like China and the United States have created policies and incentives that promote renewable energy, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, to reduce their crude oil and other fossil fuel dependency. 2
Affordable technology: Renewable energy is becoming economically viable and preferable to fossil fuels. For example, between 2010 and 2019, the cost of solar photovoltaic modules went down by 82 %, and new wind and solar projects are undercutting the least expensive existing coal-fired plants.3
Advanced biofuels offering solutions: It is estimated that the blending of conventional biofuels is significantly lower than the cap set by the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II. This directive outlines the national limits for EU member states and suggests a 14 % target for renewable fuel blending with fuels for road and rail by 2030.
Further to this, the directive limits food- and feed-based biofuels to either 7 % of the energy consumed in road and rail transportation or an upper limit increase of 1 % higher than the 2020 consumption level in a Member State.
Currently, the blending of advanced biofuels is estimated at approximately 1%. Given the potential for blended biofuels to increase and the predicted course of electricity and hydrogen technology in the coming decade, advanced biofuels stand out as the most readily available solution to help the transport sector achieve its 2030 objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.4,5
Climate change concerns: The impact of fossil fuel combustion on the environment, including crude oil, has instigated concern over air pollution, climate change, and greenhouse gas emissions. To create a reduction in emission levels in the transport sector, the Brazilian government has come up with a proposal to increase the already required blending of ethanol (derived from sugarcane and corn) in gasoline by 30 %.6
The Paris Agreement, signed by 194 parties, proposed to cap the global temperature increase to 2 °C this century. To achieve these targets, nations are moving to renewable energy sources, limiting their reliance on crude oil and reducing environmental impact.7
Image Credit: PAC L.P.
OptiFuel: Providing Solutions for Fuel Analysis
OptiFuel was designed by PAC as an advanced solution to assist users in analyzing the physical properties and chemical composition of diesel, gasoline fuels, and fuel blends to a regulatory-compliant standard. With sophisticated features, OptiFuel is ideal for accurately characterizing fuel and fuel blends. It is compact in size, making it suitable for refineries, terminals, pipelines, and mobile labs.
Comprehensive Analytical Capabilities
OptiFuel makes use of state-of-the-art analytical instruments and techniques that allow for a thorough evaluation of physical properties and chemical composition.
An ASTM D7777-compliant oscillating tube density module, able to measure from 0.6 g/cm3 to 1.2 g/ cm3, is installed into each device to offer direct density reading. As per the ASTM D1250-04 algorithm, hydrocarbon sample densities can be reported at 15 °C from 0.6 to 1.2 g/cm3,8 removing the need for an external density meter.
Accurate and Reliable Results
OptiFuel comes in a rugged yet elegant design and has been constructed using specially selected materials to ensure unmatched performance in any application.
Humidity and vibration-resistant mirrors, beam splitters, and a non-moving sample cell enable precise and repeatable measurements. With strict quality control measures and adherence to standard operating procedures, OptiFuel makes sure that users are confident in the accuracy of the obtained data.
Efficiency and Ease of Use
Ready for immediate use once installed, OptiFuel does not have complicated setup requirements or external software installation. It has a user-friendly interface that requires minimal training, with automatic detection features, simultaneous property measurements, and quick sample processing for fast and efficient analysis.
OptiFuel also offers hassle-free calibration. The unit comes with a comprehensive list of pre-calibrated factory models designed after hundreds of real-life samples of diesel and gasoline, adhering to ASTM E1655, ASTMD8321, and ASTM D8340 standards. These factory pre-sets can be expanded in the field as needed, offering flexibility for later situations and more robust analysis for every region.
Additionally, the calibrations are easy to clone and transfer to other units, ensuring consistent and reliable results. OptiFuel has internal instrument health monitoring to guarantee seamless performance while alerting users to any issues.
PAC offers dedicated remote service support, quickly resolving technical issues and limiting downtime to optimize productivity. The system also offers an impressive warranty for crucial components, helping to ensure long-term reliability and user peace of mind.
Conclusion
OptiFuel offers a solution for accurate, efficient, and regulatory-compliant analysis of the chemical composition and physical properties of diesel and gasoline fuels and fuel blends. It is an ideal option for fuel manufacturers looking for precise characterization of fuel blends.
In the context of the growing renewable market driven by factors like limited crude oil resources and worldwide climate change objectives, OptiFuel is promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources. It contributes significantly to the renewable market’s expansion, driving it toward a more sustainable future.
References and Further Reading
- International Energy Agency (IEA). (2021). Global Energy Review 2021. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-review-2021
- Muhammed G, et al. (2020). Development of Renewable Energy in China, USA, and Brazil: A Comparative Study on Renewable Energy Policies. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219136
- International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2020). Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2019. Retrieved from https://www.irena.org//media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2020/Jun/IRENA_Power_Generation_Costs_2019. pdf?rev=77ebbae10ca34ef98909a59e39470906
- Panoutsou C, et al. (2021). Advanced biofuels to decarbonise European transport by 2030: Markets, challenges, and policies that impact their successful market uptake. Energy Strategy Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2021.100633
- Baldino, C. (2023). ICCT Policy Update: Provisions for transport fuels in the European Union’s finalized “Fit for 55” package. Available at: https://theicct.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fuels-fit-for-55-red-iii-jul23.pdf
- Teixeira M. (2023). Higher Brazil ethanol blend would take extra 3.5% sugar from market -Citi. [Online] Reuters. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/article/brazil-ethanol-sugar-idUSL8N3955ZH (Accessed on 26 July 2023).
- United Nations. (2023). The Paris Agreement. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/paris-agreement
- PAC. 2022. OptiFuel Brochure.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by PAC L.P.
For more information on this source, please visit PAC L.P.