Preparation of Bio-diesel from Jatropha Curcas Oil and Testing of Its Blends with Diesel on a CI Engine

Abstract

Depletion of oil reserves because of its increased demand led to the search of substitute fuels that had to be environmentally friendly, energy efficient as well as frugal. This is where biodiesel plays an important role. Out of the several other crude oils we chose jatropha because being nontoxic, it delivers a high oil content in its category i.e. non-edible, one of the major limitations of the globe, having such a population increase. Out of several catalysts with their concentration ranges, a number of experiments were accomplished for the suitable catalyst with its optimized concentration and several other reaction parameters for a two-step transesterification process were fixed. The blends of jatropha methyl ester and diesel blended in different volumetric ratios and was analysed with diesel fuel by testing on a single cylinder 4-stroke Kirloskar CI Engine. Engine parameters and emission characteristics were obtained using software Engine Test Express V5.0 by Legion Brothers and AVL DITEST 1000 XDS Gas Analyser respectively. As the fuel was tested on the engine, blends of biodiesel gave better outcomes in terms of exhaust emission and several engine parameters. The decrement in the brake specific fuel consumption was noted while at that position was an appreciable increase in terms of indicated power, mechanical efficiency, heat dissipated rate etc. as compared with diesel fuel. In terms of emissions, HC and CO emissions are found to be similar with a minor increase in NOx emissions as compared to diesel. Fuel properties and results obtained from diesel engine showed that B20 blend of jatropha methyl ester in diesel can be an alternative for diesel fuel without changing the engine setup. Good quality at a low price is difficult, but the most desired combination seems to be achieved by the results obtained.