Tuesday, November 14, 2006 - 10:05 AM
129-5
Canola-based motor oils.
Canola oil provides a basis for an emerging market in bio-based lubricants. Lubricants represent an 8.6 billion liter market annually in the United States. Of this market, 3.8 billion liters are used as motor oils. Using canola oil-based motor oils, fuel economy across 32 gasoline-powered vehicles averaged 3.5% above the petroleum control. In diesel applications, fuel economy increased by 4.8%. Using the same oil formulation, emissions in flex-fueled vehicles loaned by the U.S. Postal Service showed an 80% decrease in NOx, a 35% decrease in Hydrocarbons and a 25% decrease in carbon monoxide tailpipe emissions. Similar results were observed in 18 other vehicles. The oil in bench tests has been shown to be equivalent or superior to synthetic oil and can be manufactured at a cost midway between synthetic and conventional motor oils. Additional formulations using modified canola fatty acids have been evaluated and have similar bench readings. Results of all formulations will be compared. Environmental impacts will be reviewed.
Recorded presentation