1. 5th International Conference on Advances in Energy Research
Tezpur
University
Fuel Quality Assessment of Biodiesels Produced through Alcoholysis from Pongamia glabra, Mesua ferrea and their blend: A novel yet cinch approach 
Anuchaya Devi1, Vijay K. Das 2 , Velentina Das3 , Dhanapati Deka*4
1,3,4 Tezpur University, Department of Energy
2 Tezpur University, Department of Chemical Sciences
There are many non-edible oil seed bearing trees like Ratanjyot (jatropha curcas), mahua (Madhuca indica), rubber seed (Hevea brasilensis), nahor (Mesua ferrea), karabi (Thietiva peruviana) and karanja(Pongamia glabra) etc have been found to be a prominent source of oil for biodiesel production. Among these species Pongamia glabra and Mesua ferrea satisfy the most convincing species due to their various attributes like annual seed yield, life span of the seed bearing tree, and most importantly the oil content of the seeds.
Globally, it has been accepted that biodiesel is the future fuel and appeared as technically viable possibility for replacing petro diesel. Without requiring major engine modification biodiesel can compete with conventional diesel fuel. Moreover, biodiesel is also preferred due to its favourable lubrication properties, low carbon emission, environment friendly, biodegradable and non-toxic nature.
Biodiesel
VEGETABLE
OIL
Transesterification +
Glycerin
In this work an attempt has been made to improve fuel quality of biodiesel from two locally available non-edible vegetable oils as mentioned. The oil contents of Mesua ferrea and Pongamia glabra are 72% and 37% respectively. As the acid value of both the oils is high, hence, it has been reduced via esterification before going to transesterification.
We have expected Improvement in biodiesel quality by modifying their fatty acid/ester composition via blending of two oils in equal volumetric ratio. We have compared the results of blended [(1:1)] biodiesel with the individual biodiesel prepared from Mesua ferrea, Pongamia glabra and the standards.
1H-NMR spectra of Karanja (Pongamia glabra) oil and Nahor (Messua ferrea) oil
Table1: fatty acid composition of the Karanja(Pongamia glabra) and Nahor(Mesua ferrea) oil
Oil or fat
Oil/fat
content
(%)
Myristic
Acid
C14:0
Palmitic
C16:0
Stearic
C18:0
Oleic
C18:1
Linoleic
C18:2
Linolenic
C18:3
Mesua
ferrea 72
1.3
18.1
13.6
60.0
13.0
3.42
P. glabra 37 -
15.8
6.2
72.2
11.8
4.51
Table 2:Comparison of prepared biodiesel with standards
This figure revealing the enhancement in flash point, oxidation stability and kinematic viscosity in 1:1 blend which are amongst the most important properties of biodiesel fuel quality.
Flash point indicates the temperature at which a fuel ignites when exposed to spark.
Biodiesel quality can be affected by oxidation during storage; therefore, oxidation stability should be higher. The oxidation stability for blend (1:1) is high compared to the individual pongamia glabra and mesua ferrea biodiesel, which makes blend (1:1) more suitable for the purpose of storage.
Entry
Properties with units
Mesua
ferrea
Pongamia
glabra
Blend
(1:1)
ASTM D
6751
Europe
(EN
14214:200) 1
Density at 15°C(gm/cc)
0.87
0.89
0.86
--- 2
Cloud point (°C) 6 7 3
Pour point (°C) -1 4 -2
Acid value (mg/KOH/g)
0.21
0.4
0.33
0.5 5
Kinematic (cst) viscosity
at 40 °C
4.76
7.75
3.7
Flash point (°C)
129
127
133
93 min
120 min 8 9
Oxidation stability (h)
Calorific value (MJ/kg)
Carbon residue (%wt)
39.56
40.23
0.31 10
40.56
0.23
0.050max
6 h min
35 min
0.3
In this critical period where the diminishing fossil fuel is pressuring mankind to think for an alternative fuel which can be used in transportation and industries, therefore, researchers are exploring various alternative feedstocks for biodiesel production. Here, we have demonstrated the fuel quality of biodiesel produced from Mesua ferrea, Pongamia glabra and Blend of both oils in 1:1 ratio. This study suggests that Blend of both oils in 1:1 ratio can be the best alternative showing the best fuel properties among these prepared biodiesel samples. Moreover blending can help in increasing total feedstock amount with better quality of fuel rather than using them individually with relatively lower fuel quality.
Different unexplored oil seed bearing plant species are present in North-Eastern region, which are yet to be explored and can be used as promising feedstock for biodiesel production.
In future, various blends of several non-edible vegetable oils in different volumetric ratios will be prepared, which will help us in coming out with the best possible blending ratio through which the fuel quality of biodiesel is going to be enhanced.
Investigation on biodiesel additives to enhance its oxidation stability for prolong storage and engine testing of the produced biodiesel.
Anuchaya Devi thanks Tezpur University for the Institutional fellowship.
IIT Bombay
ICAER 2015