Predicted fuel characteristics of prunus avium seed oil as a candidate for biodiesel production

Abstract

Energy is an indispensable requirement for both developed and developing societies today. However, most of the energy needs are met by fossil fuels, these resources are not renewable. Many countries are evaluating alternative sources to meet energy demand and to sustain development. In this study, oil was obtained by using Prunus avium kernels, also known as Turkish Cherry cultivated from Pozantı which is on the Taurus Mountains. Oil characterization was performed by gas chromatography (GC) and free fatty acids were determined. Oleic acid (C18:1) and Linoleic acid (C18:2) determined as 38.938 and 40.963 respectively. The free fatty acids were then evaluated using the Biodiesel Analyzer v1.2 program. The predicted results were the total percentage of monosaturated fatty acids (MUFA) 39.408, total percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) 41.042, Allylic Position Equivalents (APE) 121.146, Bisallylic position equivalents (BAPE) 41.220 respectively. On the other hand, Long Chain Saturated Factor (LCSF) is calculated as 3.624. Higher Heating Value (HHV) was calculated as 37.65Mj/kg, Cloud Point (CP) 0.099, Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) -5.091° C, Density (d) 0.838 (g/cm3), Cetane Number (CN) 50.1, Iodine Value (IV) 109.878, Kinematic Viscosity 3.543, Flash Point (FP) 160.56, Saponification Value (SV) 191.354, and Oxidation Stability (OS) 5.468, respectively. As a result of this study, it was concluded that Prunus Avium kernel oil is a promising biodiesel candidate.