Author Archive: Jim Lane

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to High-Efficiency Mixing Controlled Compression Ignition Combustion of Propane Dimethyl Ether (DME) Blends

October 14, 2025 | Jim Lane

This project develops Mixing Controlled Compression Ignition (MCCI) for propane/DME blends. Technology advances include a high-pressure fuel system capable of over 1100 bar injection and CFD optimization utilizing exhaust rebreathing to stabilize combustion. The impact is achieving diesel-equivalent efficiency (≥37.1%) and enabling a potential 15% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional propane engines, leveraging […]

Ethanol sourced Carbon Dioxide and the Energy Sector

October 14, 2025 | Jim Lane

By Sam Rushing, President, ADVANCED CRYOGENICS, LTD. Special to The Digest In the U.S., ethanol by-product carbon dioxide, is a dominant form of CO2 off-gas from all CO2 processes and source types; and this carbon dioxide is significant in the supply to energy – related projects. This (fossil fuel) energy related sector will remain in […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Ammonia for 4-stroke Marine Dual Fuel and Gas Engines (Retrofits and New)

October 13, 2025 | Jim Lane

This R&D integrates engine experiments and catalytic decomposition to maximize ammonia utilization in 4-stroke marine engines. Technical advances include fully commissioned safety systems and demonstrating over 95% diesel replacement using dual-fuel strategies. The impact is accelerating maritime decarbonization, achieving an 85% reduction in CO2-equivalent emissions by addressing challenging fuel properties and N2O formation.

Peak Whale: Pathways to SAF, XCF Global and the Quest for Biocrude

October 13, 2025 | Jim Lane

“Thar’ she blows!” The cry cracked across the waves like musket fire. The decks of the Elizabeth Starbuck were slick with oil and brine, the air heavy with salt and smoke. In the dawn light off the whale-rich grounds of New Zealand, 4000 leagues sou’west of Nantucket, three boats dropped from the davits and pulled […]

The Upcycle Diaries: Aidan & Aileen assess  the Future of Marine Fuels

October 12, 2025 | Jim Lane

Inside the race between LNG, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen — where data meets daylight and every molecule gets a second chance. Episode 1 – Four Fuels and a Vegan Burger They say the studio was once a broom closet. Now it’s home to The Upcycle Diaries, a semi-official, occasionally award-winning podcast about finding value in […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Low-Load Cycle Emission Control

October 9, 2025 | Jim Lane

Focused on enhancing low-temperature SCR activity for hard-to-electrify applications, this project leverages Operando EPR and DFT calculations to study Cu-zeolite kinetics. A key finding is that strong Brönsted acid sites (BAS) enhance low-temperature activity by promoting the hydrolysis and transfer of Cu(II) complexes. The team validated that NH3 overdosing inhibits NOx conversion by hindering the […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Challenges with Renewable Fuels

October 8, 2025 | Jim Lane

This project uses atomic-level insights (HAADF-STEM) to understand catalyst durability against biodiesel poisoning and H2-ICE exhaust. Technologically, highly stable Pd-core Pt/Pd-shell structures were identified in commercial catalysts for oxidation. Key findings show high H2O content increases low-temperature SCR N2O formation, while H2 slip reduces redox-active Cu(II) sites above $200C. H2-SCR concepts are advancing to significantly […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Low Greenhouse Gas NOx Control

October 7, 2025 | Jim Lane

This research fundamentally clarifies N2O formation mechanisms during low-temperature SCR using Cu-zeolite catalysts and advanced characterization (DRIFTS/EPR). Key findings indicate that N2O formation is driven by the gaseous NO2 pool and that Brönsted acid sites (BAS) catalyze NH4NO3 decomposition. This work supports advanced technological solutions, demonstrating that a multi-component catalyst bed arrangement (Fe-CHA and composite […]

The Fuel Carriers of the New Oceans

October 7, 2025 | Jim Lane

From Pearl Harbor’s smoke to the IMO’s clock, the maritime world faces its most decisive refueling mission since 1942. “The next Guadalcanal of this campaign won’t be a battle at sea — it will be a price curve, a port standard, a policy vote.” It began in smoke. Pearl Harbor, December 7th, 1941. The harbor […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Optimized Low Carbon Fuel Range Extenders (HiREX)

October 6, 2025 | Jim Lane

This project focuses on demonstrating a nonroad series hybrid powertrain to achieve more than 50% LCA GHG reduction. Technological foundations include optimized hybrid engines, high-temperature Motor/Generators/Inverters, and predictive control. Key findings include developing the series hybrid model and defining the Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV) architecture. A roadmap is progressing to evaluate future low-carbon powertrains, […]

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