Effects of blend on the properties, performance and emission of palm kernel oil biodiesel

Abstract

The properties of different blends of palm kernel oil (PKO) biodiesel obtained from base catalyzed transesterification with diesel fuel were measured based on the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. The performance and emission analysis of diesel, PKO biodiesel and its blends with diesel were also carried out using a 2-cylinder in-line, water cooled naturally aspirated RD270 Ruggerini diesel engine at constant load. Diesel fuel produced maximum power and maximum torque of 18.16 kW and 64.30 NM at 3200 rpm and 2400 rpm, respectively. Similarly, the blend B20 gave a maximum power of 18.44 kW at 3600 rpm and maximum torque of 63.90 NM at 2400 rpm. However, the maximum power and torque of other blends were slightly lower than that of diesel. Also the concentration of CO and HC emissions for pure biodiesel (B100) and its blends were significantly lower than that of diesel. The cetane number, calorific value, kinematic viscosity at 40°C and pour point of the PKO biodiesel is 52.3, 32.50 MJ/Kg, 4.87 mm2/s and -1°C, respectively. The calorific value of diesel decreased from 44.218 MJ/Kg to 38.162 MJ/Kg with a blend of 20% PKO biodiesel. Also the cetane number, kinematic viscosity and pour point of diesel increased from 44.7, 4.35 mm2/s and −19.5°C to 47.3, 4.46 mm2/s and −10.3°C with a blend of 20% PKO biodiesel, respectively. Generally, the addition of biodiesel to diesel increases the cetane number, density, kinematic viscosity, flash point and pour point but on the other hand reduces the calorific value of the produced blend.