Suitability analysis of Gulmohar bio oil from pyrolysis process as a fuel for CI Engine

Abstract

ABSTRACT The current scenario focuses on the usage of renewable sources to meet the demand and environmental issues caused by the usage of fossil fuel. In this communication, a new feedstock, namely, Gulmohar Delonix regiafruit pod is used for the production of bio-oil through pyrolysis process. The biomass characterization has been carried out by using proximate analysis, ultimate analysis (CHN analysis), and thermogravimetric analysis to find the percentage of volatile matter, various compositions, and thermal decomposition of biomass, respectively. Based on the TGA results, the pyrolysis experiments are carried out in the semi-batch type reactor at different temperatures such as 450°C, 500°C, 550°C, and 600°C with the heating rate of 5°C min−1. Based on the pyrolysis process, the maximum bio-oil yield temperature is identified as 550°C and also maximum bio-char and gas evolved during the pyrolysis process have been identified. The bio-oil characterization has been carried out by using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify the composition and presence of functional group present in the bio-oil. The FTIR analysis has shown the presence of alkanes, aldehydes, esters, aromatics, ketones, and carboxylic acids in the bio-oil. The GC-MS analysis of bio-oil has revealed the presence of 25 long-chain hydrocarbons with 9–28 carbon atoms. Further, the bio-oil is subjected to fuel properties analyses like flash, fire point, viscosity, and calorific value. The results of the present investigation have confirmed that the Gulmohar Delonix regiafruit pod can serve as a potential feedstock for pyrolysis reaction and also the bio-oil produced by the fruit pod can be used as an alternative fuel for IC engines.