The Comparison of Biodiesel Fuel Produced with Soybean Oil and Algae Oil
The purpose of this research was to compare a biodiesel fuel made with algae oil to a biodiesel fuel made with soybean oil to see which one would meet the standard filtration time of 15.6 seconds set by ASTM International for a cold soak filtration test. Biodiesel fuel is an alternative type of fuel that is more efficient for the environment. Compared to petroleum diesel, biodiesel fuel is a much cleaner-burning alternative. It gives off less carbon dioxide emissions and reduces the need for fossil fuels (Abishek). Since biodiesel is a renewable type of fuel, it can be created through different types of raw materials. Considering that it is produced domestically with natural resources, its use decreases society's dependence on imported fuel and contributes to our own economy. During experimentation, samples of biodiesel fuel were made with either soybean oil or algae oil. The fuels were then run through a cold soak filtration test. The researchers hypothesized that the biodiesel fuel made with algae oil would produce a better filtration time in seconds for the cold soak filtration test. After analyzing all of the data collected during experimentation, the researchers found that the hypothesis was rejected. The fuel made with algae oil had an average filtration time of 18.05 seconds, which is 2.45 seconds over the standard time set by ASTM International for a cold soak filtration test that it was being compared to.
Research Conducted By:
Ryan Jones
Sterling Heights High School
Yana Pasinos
Sterling Heights High School
Warren Consolidated Schools