Fuel, Vol.209, 442-448, 2017
Upgrading of palm oil renewable diesel through hydroisomerization and formulation of an optimal blend
Renewable diesel is the best alternative to replace biodiesel due to its improved properties, but like biodiesel, renewable diesel has poor cold-flow properties. The hydroisomerization process improves the pour and cloud points of renewable diesel, but it worsens the cetane number and the flame point, both are regulated by international standards. In this work, desoxygenated palm oil (HDO) was produced in high yield (82 wt%) using a sulphided NiMo/Al2O3 catalyst. Then, HDO was hydroisomerized at 50 bar and 350 degrees C, under hydrogen, with a Pt/SAPO11 catalyst, obtaining an isomer yield of 81%. TPR and TPO analyses showed that this catalyst can be reversibly reduced/oxidized at 155-160 degrees C, therefore, it was completely reduced at the reaction conditions. Characterization of the isomerized product (i-HDO) showed a beneficial effect on cold-flow properties but an adverse effect on flash point, distillation range and cetane index due to light hydrocarbons formed during hydroisomerization. Light hydrocarbons (