Ultrasonic studies of physicochemical parameters of biofuels in a broad range of pressures and temperatures

The aim of the study was to investigate the phase transitions in biofuel components by using ultrasonic methods on the example of methyl esters of fatty acids, in a wide range of pressures (from atmospheric pressure to 400 MPa) and for various temperatures from 5 to 20 °C. Investigation of phase transitions in biofuels at high pressures is of great importance in the design of injection systems in modern diesel engines (common rail). Direct examination of phase transitions in liquids under high pressure, using classical methods, is very difficult. To overcome this disadvantage, the authors applied ultrasonic methods (viscosity measurement), which in contrast to the classical methods allow in a relatively simple way the investigation high-pressure properties of liquids. Viscosity was measured by the original method that uses ultrasonic surface waves of the Bleustein-Gulyaev type, developed by the authors at the Institute of Fundamental Technological Research in Warsaw. From the measured viscosity isotherms, the occurrence and kinetics of high-pressure phase transitions in methyl esters were evaluated.