Experimental analysis on long term storage issues of vegetable oil and biodiesel fuel

Abstract

Biodiesel is an alternative diesel fuel consisting of alkyl monoesters of fatty acids derived from vegetable oils. It is renewable and reduces the emission of some pollutants. While using a new fuel, it is extremely important to strike a balance among many conflicting parameters involving not only the performance and emission characteristics of the engine, but also the overall life of the system. These include long term storage of biodiesel, changes in properties of biodiesel and vegetable oils when it comes to long storage conditions. In present work experimentation were carried out to study the long term storage compatibility of non-edible oils of Jatropha and Pongamia and biodiesel of jatropha. These oils were kept in containers for storage over the period of 24 months. The changes in storage sensitive properties such as FFA, Acid Value, Peroxide Value, and viscosity were monitored over the storage period. It was observed that in general FFA increases with storage. Increase in acid values of oils and biodiesel was observed after storage. The increase in viscosity of Jatropha oil due to storage. It was observed that biodiesel act as a good substitute for diesel and the changes in certain properties of oils due to long term storage can be minimized by addition of suitable anti-oxidants, additives which will resist the changes in such properties and ensure long term sustainability of vegetable oils and biodiesel fuels as substitute for diesel in CI engines.