Fiat Powertrain explores biodiesel from Brazil-native macaúba
Photo: CNH Industrial
March 5, 2020
BY Ron Kotrba
Italy-based Fiat Powertrain (FPT) Industrial, a brand of Case New Holland (CNH) Industrial N.V., is investigating production and use of biodiesel made from Acrocomia aculeata, more commonly referred to as macaúba—a native palm tree to Brazil, the Caribbean and South Florida.
Macaúba oil was extracted by Cooper Riachão, a rural producers cooperative in the region of Montes Claros in the state of Minas Gerais, and biodiesel was transesterified in an experimental plant. Research was conducted at the Technical Center in Betim with the main focus on its application as a fuel for agricultural tractors.
The project was carried out in partnership with the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (PUC Minas), the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and Bchem Biofuels, using an FPT Industrial N67 Tier 3 engine fitted to Case IH and New Holland Agriculture tractors.
Advertisement
Mixtures of 10 and 20 percent of macaúba biodiesel were used. Results showed performance and consumption comparable to Brazilian commercial diesel, with reduction of carbon monoxide and particulate matter emissions.
While this project focused on use of macaúba biodiesel blends in agricultural tractors, tests for trucks and buses, as well as power generators, are planned for the future.
Advertisement
Related Stories
Wheels Up Experience Inc. on May 6 announced the launch of its new SAF program, under which Wheels Up will partner with Delta Air Lines to purchase SAF, allowing private fliers to participate regardless of their flight operator or departure airport.
The USDA reduced its estimate for 2024-’25 soybean use in biofuel production in its latest WASDE report, released May 12. The agency expects soybean oil use in biofuel to increase during the 2025-’26 marketing year.
HutanBio on May 8 announced that the production process for its proprietary HBx microalgal biofuel achieves net-negative carbon emissions, based on an independent cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) conducted by EcoAct.
According to a new economic contribution study released by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association on May 6, Iowa biofuels production has begun to reflect stagnant corn demand throughout the agriculture economy.
Repsol and Bunge on April 25 announced plans to incorporate the use of camelina and safflower feedstocks in the production of renewable fuels, including renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Upcoming Events
