UConn Research Unveils that Hemp Biodiesel has Low Cloud Point Level

A recent research at the University of Connecticut unveils that the bio-diesel made of industrial hemp has better cold flow attributes. The research conducted by Professor Richard Parnas of UConn indicates that the blending of hemp bio-diesel with other fuels makes it more tractable for use in cold weather conditions.

The research team from the University developed a small quantity of hemp bio-diesel and subjected it to a division of ASTM tests to assess its performance. Unlike other bio-diesel products that have their cloud point in the range of 0°C  hemp bio-diesel when tested with standard measurement know-how did not produce cloud point even up to minus 20°C. The team performed further tests utilizing more sensitive instruments to find out details such as its crystallization and light scattering events and registered the weak cloud point of the bio-diesel at - 5.6°C. According to Parnus, hemp bio-diesel does not require any special processing requirements and its unique cold weather properties is the most important result of the research.

The legal formalities of the US government does not allow the growing of industrial hemp though it is raised in many parts of the world for its use in making ropes, textile products and other related products. The Research team believes that the seeds which are normally wasted can be used for the production of bio-diesel as a spin-off product of the hemp industry.

Source: http://www.uconn.edu/