<![CDATA[The implementation of a 40% biodiesel blend (B40) in steam power plants presents operational challenges associated with fuel viscosity, hygroscopicity, oxidation stability, and particulate contamination. This study evaluates an integrated pretreatment approach combining additive treatment, ceramic membrane separation, and thermal conditioning to improve B40 fuel quality and mitigate potential operational risks in power generation systems. Experimental tests were conducted by varying the 2-Ethylhexyl nitrate (2-EHN) additive concentration at 200–1100 ppm, applying ceramic membrane filtration with a 0.01 μm pore size at 1–2 bar, and heating B40 to 40–50°C. Fuel quality was evaluated based on viscosity, cetane number, TFr, and particulate concentration, while combustion-related emissions were assessed using a 9-hp diesel engine. The results showed that heating B40 to 50°C reduced viscosity from 4.6 to 3.6 mPa·s, indicating improved fuel-flow characteristics. Additive treatment also substantially reduced measured particulate concentrations, with reductions of 77%, 87%, and 95% for particles ≥4, ≥6, and ≥14 μm, respectively, at 1000 ppm. The cetane number showed a favorable response at selected additive concentrations, particularly within the 400–900 ppm range. Combined additive treatment and thermal conditioning produced improvements in several fuel-quality parameters. At 100% engine load, CO emissions were approximately 250–270 mg/m³, while NOx decreased from approximately 740 to 510 mg/m³ under the tested conditions. From a K3L perspective, the integrated treatment requires controls for chemical handling, pressurized filtration, fuel heating, leakage, fire hazards, and waste management. Overall, the findings indicate that integrated pretreatment has potential to mitigate key B40 operational challenges, although further validation under actual PLTU operating conditions is required.]]>
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