Influence of Propanol as Additive with Diesel Jatropha Biodiesel Blend Fuel for Diesel Engine

Abstract

Fossil fuels are widely recognized as non-renewable energy resources. They play an important role in our daily life because they can be used in various applications such as the production of soap and cosmetics, as an energy source and for transportation. However, the use of these fossil fuels causes negative impacts on humans, animals and the environment. These happen due to the emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere. Not only that, the available fossil fuels are decreasing due to continuous usage by humans. As a result, researchers investigated finding alternative ways to overcome this issue by replacing diesel fuel with biodiesel. Biodiesel is more environmentally friendly relative to diesel fuel. A research study was conducted involving biodiesel. The purpose of this study was to produce Jatropha Biodiesel, as well as evaluate the properties of Jatropha biodiesel and diesel Jatropha biodiesel blended with propanol. The production of Jatropha Biodiesel was done by using two-step transesterification which was an acid-catalyzed transesterification and base-catalyzed transesterification. Different methanol to oil ratios had been used to identify the best ratio to reduce the FFA content in the CJO. 9:1 was the best methanol to oil ratio and then tested with different catalyst weights. It was found that an increase in the weight of catalyst might reduce the amount of biodiesel yield. In addition, this study also investigated and predicted the engine performance and characteristics of diesel Jatropha biodiesel blended with propanol at different blending ratios. The properties of these test fuels were studied. Bomb calorimeter, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis and Diesel Engine test were done. Thus, the calorific value and functional group of the test fuels were identified and determined. The calorific value of biodiesel was much higher than conventional diesel due to the existence of oxygen. This could be proven as the analysis of FT-IR also showed a (C=O) bond which reflected the presence of oxygen. The oxygen helped in combustion besides reducing the hydrocarbon released into the air. These findings were then reflected and related to the performance of diesel engines.