Isobutanol India has a New Cleaner Diesel

India is now focusing on a promising source of biofuels isobutanol, in its relentless quest to have a greener future. Following the roadblock of ethanol blending in diesel experiments, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is currently providing a strong effort to test the potential of isobutanol. This study is a milestone on the way to Indian policy of reduction of emissions and net-zero India by 2070.

Why the Switch from Ethanol?

Although there was a national success story on blending ethanol with petrol, the same could not be done with diesel. Ethanol had certain characteristic properties such as low flash point that predisposed it to become a volatile and dangerous associate of diesel. A weaker competitor is the less volatile alcohol known as Isobutanol. It combines better with diesel and increases their stability in combustion, and it also lowers fire risks by more than fifty percent, which gives it a safer and more effective solution to the diesel engines.

An Economical and Real To Life Opportunity.

One of the key benefits is that isobutanol can be made using the same source as ethanol sod sugarcane molasses and excess grains. This implies that the current ethanol production facilities can be effectively modified to produce isobutanol and this will generate a new source of revenues to the biofuel industry and also assist in the management of agricultural excesses.

Hurdles on the Path

It is not the way that is going to be easy. Isobutanol has less cetane number than pure diesel and may therefore be the cause of engine knocking. Scholars are investigating additives to overcome this. Miscibility also has issues under some conditions, but it is considered that blending with biodiesel can be a good solution.

The Road Ahead

Following the intensive testing of the feasibility and performance, ARAI has developed an 18 month pilot project to provide a comprehensive test of the real world performance and feasibility of isobutanol diesel blends. A successful trial would make India become a world pioneer in this particular blending technology. Policymakers and leaders in the industry are paying close attention to the results and are prepared to design enabling strategies to be adopted at large scales. This project is a considered combination of green consciousness and financial realism, which drives India to energy self-sufficiency.