American Society For Testing And Materials Standards Research Articles

Advancements in Finite Element Modeling for Cardiac Device Leads and 3D Heart Models.

The human heart's remarkable vitality necessitates a deep understanding of its mechanics, particularly concerning cardiac device leads. This paper presents advancements in finite element modeling for cardiac leads and 3D heart models, leveraging computational simulations to assess lead behavior over time. Through detailed modeling and meshing techniques, we accurately captured the complex interactions between leads and heart tissue. Material properties were assigned based on ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards and in vivo exposure data, ensuring realistic simulations. Our results demonstrate close agreement between experimental and simulated data for silicone insulation in pacemaker leads, with a mean force tolerance of 19.6 N ± 3.6 N, an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 6.3 MPa ± 1.15 MPa, and a percentage elongation of 125% ± 18.8%, highlighting the effectiveness of simulation in predicting lead performance. Similarly, for polyurethane insulation in ICD leads, we found a mean force of 65.87 N ± 7.1 N, a UTS of 10.7 MPa ± 1.15 MPa, and a percentage elongation of 259.3% ± 21.4%. Additionally, for polyurethane insulation in CRT leads, we observed a mean force of 53.3 N ± 2.06 N, a UTS of 22.11 MPa ± 0.85 MPa, and a percentage elongation of 251.6% ± 13.2%. Correlation analysis revealed strong relationships between mechanical properties, further validating the simulation models. Classification models constructed using both experimental and simulated data exhibited high discriminative ability, underscoring the reliability of simulation in analyzing lead behavior. These findings contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve cardiac device lead design and optimize patient outcomes.

Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Natural Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composite

Abstract: Hybrid composite is a material composed of matrix and two or more reinforcements. Two or more reinforcements in hybrid composite replace the limitation of conventional composites by providing uniform strength to thematerial. Recently, natural fibers reinforced hybrid composites are gaining increased interest due to the encouraging properties of natural fibers such as high strength to weight ratio, low cost, no harm to environment etc. Many studies dealt with natural fibers based composite reported that the hybrid composites has the potential to replace glass fiber based composites and to reduce the weight of conventional composite. This project reports on the manufacturing of the Indian elm and Acacia fibre reinforced epoxy composite laminate as per the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) Standards. This laminate consists of matrix and reinforcement. Epoxy is used as a structural matrix material which is then reinforced by Indian elm fiber, combining Acacia fibres with resin matrix results in composites that are strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant and dimensionally stable. They also provide good design flexibility, high dielectric strength and act as inflammable materials. Their tremendous strength-to-weight and design flexibility make them ideal in structural components for the aerospace industry. In this project the Indian elm and Acacia fibre reinforced epoxy composite is manufactured into two different parts each having ratios of Indian elm and Acacia fibre to epoxy resin as 60:40, 40:60 respectively and are compared for ultimate tensile strength, impact strength, hardness strength and flexural strength of the material by conducting experiment such as tensile test, flexural test, hardness test and impact test.

Comparative analysis of petroleum products from artisanal refineries and standard products

Comparative analysis of petroleum products from artisanal refineries and standard products

Cymbopogon nardus Leaf Ash as an Alternative Material for Enhancing Concrete Strength

Numerous waste materials containing calcium and silica have been adopted as partial cement substitutes. This practice is intended to reduce the environmental impact of cement production, specifically in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. However, plantation waste, specifically waste from Cymbopogon nardus leaf, has not been completely exploited. The presence of silica in C. nardus leaf ash (CNLA) presents an opportunity to partially replace cement in concrete. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of substituting CNLA at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% as a partial replacement for cement on the compressive and tensile strengths of concrete after 28 days of curing. For testing purposes, 15 cm × 30 cm cylindrical concrete specimens were formed. The investigation was conducted following ACI 211.1-91 (American Concrete Institute) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. The required compressive strength for the concrete was 17.00 MPa. The results of the study indicate that the addition of CNLA to cement at concentrations of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% resulted in compressive strengths of 21.56, 21.12, 22.58, and 17.88 MPa, respectively. The results of the split tensile strength test were 2.43, 2.72, 2.87, and 3.18 MPa, respectively. According to the findings of this study, increasing the amount of CNLA in cement by 10% can increase the compressive and tensile strengths of concrete. In addition, as the percentage of CNLA exceeds 10%, the workability of the concrete decreases, posing challenges in attaining the targeted strength of the concrete.

Converting neem seed-derived oil into biodiesel using zeolite ZSM-5 as an efficient catalyst via electrosynthesis procedure: Optimization of operating variables using response surface methodology (RSM)

Biodiesel has been contemplated as the best alternative to diesel fuel, owing to its distinctive qualities which cause environmental preservation. The purpose of this research is to convert Neem Seed-Derived Oil (NSDO) into biodiesel through zeolite ZSM-5 as a heterogeneous acid catalyst, by applying an electrosynthesis technique. The response surface methodology according to central composite design (RSM-CCD) was exerted to optimize the process conditions and obtain a reliable model. Based on the RSM-CCD technique, the parametric range for optimization study was as follows: voltage of 10–40 V, time of 0.5–1.5 h, Me/NSDO of 10–30 molar ratio, and catalyst amount of 2–6 wt%. The best yield of produced biodiesel, based on the design of the experiment's model predictions, was 85.96%, and based on the experimental observations, was obtained at 86.03%, which indicates a very high adaptation of experimental design with experimental data. The optimal operating conditions, to get the best process efficiency, were as follows: voltage of 25 V, time of 1 h, Me/NSDO (Methanol to Neem Seed Derived Oil) molar ratio of 20:1, and catalyst amount of 6 wt%. The reaction yielded satisfactory results due to the catalyst's exceptional efficiency, which also demonstrated impressive performance and reusability, exhibiting only a 14% reduction in yield after five successive cycles. The catalyst was characterized by analyses, and moreover the produced biodiesel was analyzed by qualitative and quantitative analyses of FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and GC-FID (Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector). As well as, to investigate the produced biodiesel quality, physicochemical analyzes were used, according to ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards, and the measured results were completely consistent with the quality characteristics of diesel fuel.

Mechanical properties of ZrB2 ceramics determined by two laboratories

AbstractThe mechanical properties for zirconium diboride (ZrB2) were measured at two laboratories and compared. Two billets of ZrB2 were prepared by hot‐pressing commercial powder. The relative densities of the billets were >99% and with an average grain size of 5.9 ± 4.5 µm. Both laboratories prepared American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C1161 B‐bars for strength and ASTM C1421 bars with notch configuration A for fracture toughness. Specimens were machined by diamond grinding at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and electrical discharge machining (EDM) at Missouri S&T. Strength bars tested at Missouri S&T were polished to a .25 μm finish while the bars were tested as‐ground at ARL. Strengths were 473 ± 79 MPa for the Missouri S&T bars and 438 ± 68 for the ARL bars while the fracture toughness values were 3.9 ± .7 MPa•m1/2 for the Missouri S&T bars and 4.4 ± .6 MPa•m1/2 for the ARL bars. Vickers hardness was measured by both laboratories over a range of indentation loads. The resulting hardness values were on the low end of previously reported values and were quite different from each other especially at indentation loads ≤20N. The study demonstrated that the properties of materials tested to ASTM standards at different laboratories can be compared directly. In addition, strength and fracture toughness were nearly identical for bars prepared by conventional diamond grinding or EDM.

THE EFFECT OF BLOOD CLAM SHELL POWDER ADDITION ON SHEAR STRENGTH VALUE OF CLAY SOIL

Ground condition is an important aspect that influences performance under the load. An effort to overcome the load problem can be done by improving unstable soil through soil stabilization using blood clam shell powder. In order to determine the shear strength and changes in its value, it can be done by conducting the Triaxial UU test on a mixture of clay and blood clam shell powder with addition of 10%, 20%, 25%, and 30% of soil weight and 4% coal ash. Mixed soil was then stored in plastic for 24 hours to achieve evenly distributed moisture content. Laboratory testing was carried out with reference to ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards, aimed to calculate soil shear angle, cohesion, and soil shear strength values. The results showed that the addition of blood clam shell powder and coal ash increased the soil shear strength compared to the clay soil (without any addition). The highest shear strength value of 35,724 kPa was obtained by adding 25% blood clam shells.

Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris) seed oil as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production in Nigeria

Biodiesel fuel was successfully synthesized from Nigerian Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris) seed oil through direct base-catalysed transesterification process using Methanol and sodium hydroxide as alcohol and catalyst, respectively. The solvent extraction method was used to extract the watermelon oil from the seed in order to determine its physic-chemical properties for relevant uses. Physical properties of the watermelon seed oil, its biodiesel and biodiesel blends were measured using the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) methods for biodiesel and diesel fuels. Also, the effect of temperature and catalyst concentration on the biodiesel yield was studied. The properties of the produced watermelon oil and its biodiesel fuel were compared with that of vegetable oils from other feedstock and their respective biodiesel fuels. The result showed that the calorific value of the produced watermelon biodiesel is 40.10 MJ/Kg while that of the watermelon seed oil is 38.24 MJ/Kg. The cetane number, kinematic viscosity at 40 °C and pour point of the produced oil are 39.38, 8.50 mm2/s and 15 °C while that of the produced biodiesel are 53.165, 5.82mm2/s and 3 °C for Watermelon biodiesel, respectively. The maximum biodiesel yield (93.68%) was recorded at 55 °C with catalyst concentration of 1.0% of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) by weight. In comparison to biodiesel produced from other feedstock, the lower heating value and cetane number of watermelon seed oil methyl ester (40.10 MJ/kg and 53.165) were higher than that of palm kernel biodiesel (39.30 MJ/kg and 52.30), castor biodiesel (30.50 MJ/kg and 50), sandbox seed biodiesel (37.00 MJ/kg and 50), dika nut biodiesel (39.00 MJ/kg and 52) and kapok fibre biodiesel (40.064 MJ/kg), while that of physic nut biodiesel were higher. The obtained properties of watermelon seed oil and its biodiesel conformed to the ASTM standards for biodiesel and diesel fuels. The results further showed that watermelon seed oil is a potential feedstock for biodiesel production and the biodiesel produced can serve as an alternative fuel for diesel engines.

Comparing the European Standards and the American Standards for Testing Concrete Mechanical Properties

Europe and the United States have a worldwide significance in the field of concrete control and construction, as well as the cleared and specified standards, according to many countries adopted their standards and regulations in the field of concrete quality control and assurance as proof of the Europe and US strong standards and due to lack of their regulations. This research compares the European standards, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and American Concrete Institute (ACI) standards for testing the mechanical properties of concrete. The research focuses on compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, shear strength, and modulus of elasticity as key properties for assessing the quality and performance of concrete. The study found variations in the specimen size, preparation, and curing requirements, as well as testing procedures and acceptance criteria among the European, ASTM and ACI standards. The research also compared the specimen preparation and curing standards among the different standards. The research highlights the importance of following the appropriate standards and testing procedures to ensure the test results’ reliability and accuracy. Proper specimen preparation and curing are also critical to obtain accurate and representative test results. The research concludes that by following the relevant standards and procedures, it is possible to obtain consistent and reliable results that can be used to assess the quality and performance of concrete in various construction applications. This research provides a useful guide for engineers, contractors and researchers involved in the construction industry to understand and apply the standards for testing the mechanical properties of concrete.

Investigation of the tensile-shear failure of asphalt concrete base (ACB) construction materials using a non-linear cohesive crack model and critical crack threshold analysis

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has recommended ASTM D8044, an international standard test using Semi-Circular Disc Bend (SCB) specimens, to test only the tensile fracture toughness (mod I) of Asphalt Composite (AC) materials. However, AC materials are exposed to not only tensile stresses but also both compressive and shear stresses under wheel load. Thus, one of the main objectives of this study is to develop a new approach for the mixed mode I-II (tension and shear) testing of AC materials by using the SCB geometry. This study deals with a comparative assessment of the fracture toughness of AC materials by using the results of experimental, analytical, and Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) and Non-LEFM (NEFM) numerical analyses done on the SCB specimens. The numerical analyses of the stress distribution and the cohesive crack growth were performed using the fracture mechanics program FRANC2D. Experimental results showed that the notched cracks opened at a 30° inclination angle (β) and kept opening up to β of 45°. The mode I fracture toughness (KIC) value of Asphalt Concrete Base (ACB) specimens was found at 0.37 MPa√m. On the other hand, the KC value was found to be 0.44 MPa√m for the 30° inclined crack and 0.40 MPa√m for the β = 45° inclined notch crack.The critical crack length for the mode-I loading was found to be 2–2.5 mm using the experimental and Critical Crack Threshold (CCT) analytical analysis, and it was found to be 2.5–3 mm using the NEFM-based cohesive crack analysis. Moreover, the NEFM-based cohesive crack analyses showed the critical crack length was between 3 mm and 7 mm for the mixed mode (I-II) condition, in which the notch cracks are inclined at 30° and 45°. The feasibility of the SCB test proposed by ASTM and AASHTO standards in determining the mixed mode I-II (tensile-shear) fracture toughness value of ACB specimens, which is an important parameter in determining the strength of materials, was verified by comparing the experimental results with LEFM and NEFM numerical analyses. As a result, experimental and numerical analysis results showed that the SCB test could be an appropriate geometry to determine the mixed mode I-II fracture toughness of AC materials when the crack is inclined at 30°. It is believed that this study would be evaluated as initial research on the use of SCB geometry for AC materials not only for mode I test but also for mixed mode loading tests and for the establishment of an international standard test.

Wind-Related Bounce House Incidents in Meteorological, Regulatory, and Outreach Contexts

Abstract Inflatable bounce houses, also known as portable inflatable amusement devices, are safety hazards when they are dragged, blown over, or lofted by winds. We have documented 132 cases of wind-related bounce house incidents worldwide for the years 2000–21 that caused at least 479 injuries and at least 28 deaths. Over three-quarters of these incidents happen in the warm season. A subjective effort to categorize the meteorological conditions leading to these incidents reveals that, of the over 70% of incidents for which a specific meteorological cause could be identified, cold-frontal passages, dust devils, or thunderstorm-related winds are most likely to be occurring at the time of the event. In the United States, regulations regarding bounce house safety vary widely. Seventeen states either have no guidelines or specifically exclude inflatables from regulation. Nineteen U.S. states’ laws or regulations explicitly cite American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards, which set limits on the wind speed in which inflatables should be used and, for commercial bounce houses, require the presence of a meteorologically knowledgeable attendant. For events with nearby wind data available, 22% of all incidents occurred with reported wind speeds lower than any ASTM standards, and 51% below the highest ASTM threshold. Increased vigilance is therefore necessary on the part of bounce house providers and consumers to avoid wind-related incidents. We have created a website for public dissemination of this study’s data and safety tips.

Comparison Study on Differences between the Latest Edition of ASTM Standards and YY/T 0987-2016 Series Standards for Magnetic Resonance Compatibility of Surgical Implants

The series of YY/T 0987 standards converted from the corresponding ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards regulate the marking medical devices and testing methods for passive implants in the magnetic resonance environment. Along with the advancement of scientific cognition and the development of technology, the ASTM continuously amends and updates standards. This article studies the new version of ASTM standards and analyzes the advancing parts newly added as compared to the current YY/T 0987-2016 standard and eventually pinpoints some problems that remained to be solved. Except for the standard for image artifacts, this study found out that other standards had also been constantly updated, such as the standard of ASTM F2503 for marking medical devices extends its referenced documents and adds some ISO standards in, meanwhile, the test method on magnetically induced displacement force, radio frequency induced heating and magnetically induced torque also had been significantly adjusted and improved accordingly. This article recommends that domestic standards need to keep pace with the latest edition of ASTM F standards and to supplement new research achievements timely, just in order to provide a better normalization, guidance and support to the development of Chinese passive implants industry.

Fuel Properties of Sandbox (Hura crepitans Linn.) Methyl Ester and its Blends

Fuel properties of Sandbox Methyl Ester (SBME) blends were experimentally determined. Pure SBME designated B100 was blended with diesel at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 50% volume designated B5, B10, B15, B20, B25 and B50 respectively. The fuel properties were determined according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) was used as a reference fuel. Fuel properties of the SBME were modified with the addition of diesel percentage in the blend from B100-B5: the density ranged from 891-865 kg m-3. The specific gravity ranged from 0.87-0.82. The kinematic viscosity ranged from 5.8-4.0 mm2 s-1. The flash and fire point decreased from 160-90°C and 230-140°C, while the cloud and pour points ranged from 4.6-3.4°C and -5.8-(-9.2)°C respectively. The heating value ranged from 40.50-41.45 MJ kg-1. The Cetane number for the SBME was 46.71. The saponification value ranged from 200-143 mgKOH g-1. The acid value varied from 2.7-2.2 mgKOH g-1, while the FFA content varied from 1.33-1.10 mg g-1. The Iodine value was in the range of 108-94 gI2 100g-1. The pH value varied from 6.80-5.60. The carbon content increased from 80.02-85.62 wt%, while the ash content increased from 0.01-0.16 g 100g-1. In comparison to the (AGO) and the ASTM standards, SBME was found to possessed good flow, ignition and combustion characteristics to power diesel engines.

Pengaruh Penambahan Abu Kayu, Kapur Dan Styrofoam Sebagai Bahan Campuran Pada Tanah Lempung Terhadap Nilai CBR

Building construction is influenced by the existing soil conditions. Clay soil is one of the soils that have deficiencies, both in bearing strength and the nature of the soil itself, so soil stabilization is needed. Soil stabilization is an attempt to improve soil properties. The purpose of this study was to analyze the physical and mechanical properties of the soil and to analyze the effect of wood ash, lime, and styrofoam on the CBR value. The soil samples were located in Tumbang Liting Village, Kasongan Lama Village, Katingan Regency, Central Kalimantan. To overcome this unstable soil, alternative materials were added in this study, the materials used were wood ash, lime, and styrofoam. The mixture of materials mentioned for stabilization is expected to improve soil properties. For the percentage of mixed variations, namely 5%, 7.5%, and 10%. Soil testing is carried out according to ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. The results obtained from the test show that the CBR value of clay occurs in each variation of the mixture. For the percentage of the original soil, the CBR value was obtained by 3.05%. Soil yields with a mixture of wood ash, lime, and styrofoam with the highest CBR percentage values ​​occurred at variations of 5%, 7.5%, and 10% increased during the 7-day ripening period of 5.45%; 6.40%; 7.39%. For the highest design CBR value, there was a mixture of soil, wood ash, kapu, and styrofoam 10% 7-day curing of 7.39%, an increase of 142.30% from the original soil CBR, so that the mixture of native soil, wood ash, lime, and styrofoam had an effect on soil stabilization.

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF AGGREGATE SPECIFIC GRAVITY ON OPTIMUM BITUMEN CONTENT OF HOT MIX ASPHALT

In this study, effect of aggregate specific gravity, which is directly related to origin of aggregates used in hot mix asphalt on optimum bitumen content, indirect tensile strength and tensile strength ratio of hot mix asphalt, was investigated. Specific gravity (SG) values of one kind of limestone aggregate were calculated according to Turkish Standard (TS), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards, separately. Although one kind of limestone aggregate and 50/70 penetration grade bitumen are used in the mixtures, different values were obtained in terms of optimum bitumen content, indirect tensile strength and moisture sensitivity due to differences in the specific gravity values of the aggregates. Optimum bitumen contents were found by using TS, ASTM and AASHTO standards as 5.03%, 4.75% and 4.59%, respectively. According to the cost – benefit analysis, it can be said that changes in aggregate specific gravity values, which were calculated, based on different standards provide economic benefit. Overall, the results indicated that specific gravity values of one kind of limestone aggregate used in hot mix asphalt have significantly affected optimum bitumen content and indirect tensile strength of the mixtures.

Fuel Properties of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) Produced with Fats of Gamma - Irradiated Mutants of Oleaginous Microalga - Chlorella sp. KM504965

In the current study, biodiesel properties of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) derived from fats of four gamma-irradiated mutants (Cl801, Cl802 Cl803 & Cl804) and wild type (ClWT) of Chlorella sp. KM504965 were determined and compared with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), European Norm (EN) and Indian standards (IS). Maximum concentration of saturated fatty acids (62.69%), monounsaturated fatty acids (36.29%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (15.49%) recorded in ClWT, Cl801 and Cl803 respectively. The kinematic viscosity of Cl801 (4.88 mm2s -1), Cl802 (4.90 mm2s -1), Cl803 (4.73 mm2s -1), Cl804 (4.88 mm2s -1) and ClWT (4.92 mm2s -1) fits with ASTM, EN and IS. The density of Cl801 (0.83 gcm-3), Cl802 (0.84 gcm-3), Cl803 (0.78 gcm-3), Cl804 (0.80 gcm-3) and ClWT (0.81 gcm-3) was slightly lower than the standard limits (0.86 – 0.90 gcm-3). The high heating value of Cl801 (37.62 MJKg-1), Cl802 (38.15 MJKg-1), Cl803 (34.93 MJKg-1), Cl804 (36.44 MJKg-1) and ClWT (36.99 MJKg-1) were in accordance with ASTM standards. The iodine value was 47.38 mgI2 100g-1 (Cl801), 52.18 mgI2 100g-1 Volume xxx | Issue xxxx | 2 (Cl802), 50.87 mgI2100g-1 (Cl803), 47.04 mgI2100g-1 (Cl804), and 27.45 mgI2100g -1 (ClWT). The oxidative stability was 10.78 h (Cl801), 6.60 h (Cl802), 6.44 h (Cl803), 9.06 h (Cl804) and 39.83 h (ClWT). The cetane number of Cl801 (63.3), Cl802 (61.80), Cl803 (62.16), Cl804 (64.99) and ClWT (68.7) was greater than the standard values (61 to 65). It is concluded that the biodiesel from mutants could comply IS, ASTM, and EN and equivalent with biodiesel from vegetable oil.

Enhancing the tensile strength of SiC reinforced aluminium-based functionally graded structure through the mixture design approach

PurposeThis article aims to study the tensile properties of a functionally graded composite structure with Al–18wt%Si alloy as the matrix material and silicon carbide (SiC) particles as the reinforcing element. More specifically, the study's primary objective is to optimize the composition of the material elements using a robust statistical approach.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, the composite material is fabricated using a combination of stir casting and the centrifugal casting technique. Moreover, the test specimen required to study the tensile strength are prepared according to the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. Eventually, optimal composition to maximize the tensile property of the material is determined using the mixture design approach.FindingsThe investigation results imply that the addition of the SiC plays a crucial role in increasing the tensile strength of the composite. The optical microstructural images of the composite show the adequate distribution of the reinforcing particles with the matrix. The proposed regression model shows better predictability of tensile strength. In addition, the methodology aids in optimizing the mixture component values to maximize the tensile strength of the produced functionally graded composite structure.Originality/valueLittle work has been reported so far where a hypereutectic Al–Si alloy is considered the matrix material to produce the composite structure. The article attempts to make a composite structure by using a combination of stir casting and centrifugal casting. Furthermore, it employs the mixture design to optimize the composition and predict the model of the study, which is one of a kind in the field of material science.

Biodiesel Production and Characterization from Used Vegetable Oil

Biodiesel is a fuel produced from renewable resources; it is a clean alternative fuel, which has drawn the attention of energy researchers for the last two decades due to the disturbing effect of climate change caused by diesel fuel. This paper focuses on showcasing the qualities of biodiesel produced from used vegetable oil and the positive impact on the alarming change in climate today. This paper presents an experimental investigation on production of biodiesel from used vegetable oil (UVO) gotten from a road side bean cake (akara) seller. The oil that was intended to be thrown out was de-odoured and filtered to remove impurities. The filtered oil was then used for biodiesel production and characterized with physical and fuel properties such as density, viscosity, cloud point, refractive index, specific gravity, ash content, moisture content, flash point and cloud point. The results obtained were afterwards compared to ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and EN (Europe’s) international standards. Two biodiesels samples were produced at different temperatures but the same timings. The biodiesel were produced at 700C at 40mins (biodiesel A) and 1000C at 40mins (biodiesel B) with values of specific gravity (0.98 kg/m3; 0.90 kg/m3), density (936kg/m3; 882kg/m3), kinematic viscosity (1.5mm/s2; 5.5 mm/s2), cloud point (150C; 20C), flash point (2600C min; 2000C min), moisture content (0.07%; 0.04%), refractive index (1.4609; 1.4398) and ash point (0.24%; 0.01%) respectively. On comparison, biodiesel A couldn’t match up to the international standards while biodiesel matched up to the standards given.

EMPIRICAL MODELING OF KINETICS OF TRANSESTERIFICATION AND COLD FLOW PROPERTIES OF USED SOYA OIL BIODIESEL

This research work focused on empirical modeling of kinetics of transesterification and cold flow properties of homogeneous catalyzed used soya oil fatty acid methyl ester (USOFAME]. Used soya oil (USO) was prepared by frying food (yam, potato plantain etc) with virgin soya oil for a total of 72 hours [1]. The oil was characterized based on American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) method. The fatty acid profile of used soya oil was analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC MS) while the functional groups of the triglyceride were determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The oil was pretreated to reduce the free fatty acid level below 1% and then transesterified using methanol in the presence of sodium hydroxide catalyst. The fuel properties of the USOFAME produced were determined based on ASTM standards. Kinetic experiments were conducted in batches at different temperatures of 450C, 550C and 650C. Application of rate laws to the three-step reversible reaction scheme of transesterification yielded a series of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) solved with polymath 5.1 software to give the forward and reverse rate constants k1,k2, k3, k4, k5 and k6 from which the rate limiting step (RLS) and activation energy (∆E) were derived. The cold flow properties, cloud point (CP), cold filter plugging point (CFPP) and pour point (PP) were determined experimentally for different blends of biodiesel with #2 diesel, at a percentage volume ratio of biodiesel to diesel 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100. The values obtained for CP, CFPP, and PP were plotted against the biodiesel fraction in the blends. Least square regression of the data of the plots were tested on linear, quadratic and polynomial models using Microsoft excel. The fuel properties of the USOFAME which is within the ASTM standards were determined as acid value 0.4mgKOH/g, density 863mm2/s, kinematic viscosity 4.60mm2/s, flash point 1620C, cetane number 61.00, calorific value 40.06MJ/Kg, pour point -40C, cold filter plugging point -2.80C, cloud point 00C, iodine value 30.60gI2/100g. Kinetic modeling of transesterification of USOFAME shows that the forward rate constants K1, K2, and K3 are greater than those of the reverse reaction k2, k4, k6, imply that the forward reaction dominates while the reverse reaction could be neglected. The rate constant k1 for triglyceride conversion to diglyceride is the least among the forward rate constants at 450C, 550C and650C imply that this step is the rate limiting step (RLS). Application of least square regression analysis of Microsoft excel on the data of variation of cold flow properties with biodiesel fraction, revealed polynomial model to be the best fitting equation.

TWO STEP HOMOGENEOUS CATALIZED METANOLYSIS OF RUBBER SEED OIL TO BIODIESEL

The rapid depletion of fossil fuel and its environmental impact has resulted in the search for alternative energy sources . Among the various alternatives investigated for diesel replacement, biodiesel has emerged the most suitable alternative to diesel fuel. This research work is therefore focused on the use of low cost none-edible rubber seed oil, methanol solvent and sodium hydroxide catalyst for production of rubber seed oil (RSO) fatty acid methyl ester (RSOFAME). as a renewable energy. The oil content of rubber seed was extracted using solvent extraction method. The RSO extracted was characterized based on American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) methods. The fatty acid profile was determined using gas chromatography mass spectrometry while the functional group of the oil was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effect of process parameter on the yield of RSOFAME was investigated using one factor at a time method. The RSO was pretreated to reduce the free fatty acid below 1% and then transterified using methanol in the presence of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) catalyst. The fuel properties of the RSOFAME produced was determined based on ASTM standards. The physiochemical properties of RSO , acid value, free fatty acid, saponification value, iodine value , peroxide value, kinematic viscosity, fire point, flash point, cloud point, pour point, refractive index specific gravity, moisture content, and density gave the values 28.72mgKOHg-1, 14.36%, 185.66mgKOHg-1 120.4gI2100g-1, 14.62meqkg-1, 38.5mm2s-1 @ 400C, 1800C, 1320C, 60C, 20C 1.428, 0.92, 7%, 920Kgm-3, respectively. The fatty acid profile of RSO shows the constituent unsaturated fatty acids to be oleic acid 19.6% and linoleic acid 22.588%, while the saturated fatty acid constituents are lauric acid 3.983%, myristic acid 7.750%, palmitic acid 16.698%, stearic acid 39.058% The process parameters greatly affected the biodiesel yield. The experimentally determined properties of the RSOFAME, density, kinematic viscosity, cetane number,, flash point, cloud point, water content, acid value, calorific value, iodine value, and pour point gave the values, 880kgm-3 4.25mm2s-1, 58.2, 1640C, 40C. 0.44%, 0.32mgKOHg-1, 38.5MJkg-1,72gI2100g-1,20C,respectively.