Pongamia Pinnata Oil Research Articles

Biodiesel synthesis from Pongamia Pinnata oil over modified CeO2 catalysts

This study investigates the use of CeO<sub>2</sub>, ZrO<sub>2</sub>, MgO and CeO<sub>2</sub>-ZrO<sub>2</sub>, CeO<sub>2</sub>-MgO, CeO<sub>2</sub>-ZrO<sub>2</sub>-MgO mixed oxides as solid base catalysts for the transesterification of Pongamia Pinnata oil with methanol to produce biodiesel. SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2-</sup>/CeO<sub>2 </sub>and SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2-</sup>/CeO<sub>2</sub>-ZrO<sub>2</sub> were also prepared and used as solid acid catalysts for esterification of Pongamia pinnata oil (P-oil) to reduce the % of free fatty acid (FFA) in P-oil. These oxide catalysts were prepared by an incipient wetness impregnation method and characterized by techniques such as NH<sub>3</sub>-TPD for surface acidity, CO<sub>2</sub>-TPD for surface basicity and powder X-ray diffraction for crystalinity. The effect of nature of the catalyst, methanol to P-oil molar ratio and reaction time in esterification as well as in transesterification was investigated. The catalytic materials were reactivated & reused for five reaction cycles and the results showed that the ceria based catalysts have reasonably good reusability both in esterification and transesterification reaction. The test results also revealed that the CeO<sub>2</sub>-ZrO<sub>2</sub> modified with MgO could have potential for use in the large scale biodiesel production.

Optimization of conversion of Pongamia pinnata oil with high FFA to biodiesel using novel deep eutectic solvent

Despite the fragile bio-fuel market of the present day, numerous research works are being carried out all over the globe to discover a viable alternate source to fossil fuels. The present work envisages developing deep eutectic solvent (DES) for maximization of biodiesel yield from Pongamia pinnata (Feed) oil containing high free fatty acid (FFA). In the present work, transesterification reactions for feed oil were carried out with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as catalyst and with prepared various DES (choline chloride and acetic acid, oxalic acid and urea) in the Salt/Hydrogen bond donor ratio of 1:2.The best yields were found to be around 94.6% for the reactions with methanol in the molar ratio of 6:1 and 1% of NaOH for DES 2 10%) mixture at residence time of 150min. The same reaction with DES 1 and DES 3 also yielded satisfactory results (yields 11.6% greater than DES 0 mixture). The quality of biodiesel produced was judged by comparing physico-chemical properties of FAME (viscosity, density, flash point and calorific values) with ASTM standards which was within acceptable limits. The results give clear evidence showing use of DES improves yield of FAME. The findings obtained in this work may provide a scientific basis for the potential application of DES synthesized from choline chloride and acetic acid, oxalic acid and urea as a co-solvent in purification of FAME. Multivariable statistical correlations were established for predicting fuel properties as a function of operating variables.

Synthesis of maghemite nanoparticles, biodiesel and hydrogen: One pot sequential reactions

A sequential synthesis of hydrogen, iron nanoparticles and biodiesel was developed through a single step reaction. Hydrogen was generated as 2600±25mL during the methanolysis of sodium borohydride. Iron nanoparticles in the form of maghemite (γ-Fe2O3, maghemite nanoparticles, MNPs) were formed by the chemical reduction of ferric chloride with sodium borohydride. The obtained maghemite nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The size of the maghemite nanoparticles ranged from 15 to 27nm. Biodiesel was produced by transesterification reaction of Pongamia pinnata oil using in situ formed maghemite nanocatalyst with the highest yield of 90±1%. The formed biodiesel was analyzed by FTIR and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl esters distributions of biodiesel were measured using GC–MS and the values were reported as 27.37, 56.41 and 16.22%, respectively. The fuel properties of the resultant biodiesel agreed well with the ASTM D6751 specifications. These findings show that the produced biodiesel and hydrogen were commercially attractive and potentially alternative for petrodiesel.

Synthesis of a reusable novel catalyst (β-tricalcium phosphate) for biodiesel production from a common Indian tribal feedstock

Abstract In recent times, the rate of energy consumption goes on increasing and the world is desperately searching for new sources of fuel. Biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters) is an alternative renewable energy resource for the next generation. Biodiesel has several advantages which include its non-toxic nature, it is biodegradable and it reduces greenhouse gas emissions. β-Tricalcium phosphate (β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 ) catalyst was synthesized from fish waste. Fish waste contains calcium phosphate which is converted into β-tricalcium phosphate since it has low crystallinity and hydroxyl (OH) groups which decrease the potential to be a good catalyst for the synthesis of biodiesel through transesterification. This paper explores the synthesis of biodiesel using β-tricalcium phosphate (β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 ) as a heterogeneous catalyst. Pongamia pinnata (Karanja) oil was extracted from seeds through the solvent extraction process. Intended for the development of easier transesterification process, stable and active heterogeneous β-tricalcium phosphate (β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 ) catalyst was synthesized and used for the P. pinnata (Karanja) oil transesterification process. The synthesized heterogeneous catalyst was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM and EDX to determine its structural and morphological characteristics. The catalyst exhibited good catalytic activity on reuse. Biodiesel yield was greatly dependent on operating parameters such as catalyst concentration, methanol to oil molar ratio, reaction temperature and reaction time. Effect of co-solvent on biodiesel was studied by using different co-solvents in transestrification reactions. High quality and maximum biodiesel yield (97 %) was obtained under the optimized reaction conditions (methanol to oil molar ratio, 10:1 (tetrahydrofuran (THF):methanol 1:1); reaction time 90 min; catalyst concentration 2.5 wt % and stirrer speed 650 rpm at 65 °C). Reusability of catalyst was examined up to five runs and found the catalyst was reusable up to five times without much loss of catalytic activity.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Tribological characterization of Pongamia pinnata oil blended bio-lubricant

We, the Editor and Publishers of Biofuels have retracted the following article:Yashvir Singh, Amneesh Singla, Anshul Kumar Singh & Avani Kumar Upadhyay (2018) Tribological characterization of Pongamia pinnata oil blended bio-lubricant, Biofuels, 9:4, 523-530, DOI: 10.1080/17597269.2017.1292017This article has been retracted due to image duplication and manipulation.An investigation was conducted, and “worn surface image” panels in Figure 7 were found to be published in two other articles. What the images are said to represent varies by article and the authors have not been able to provide the original images. Thus, the conclusions of the present article cannot be verified.The two other articles include:Yashvir Singh, Rajnish Garg & Ajay Kumar (2016) Tribological behavior of pongamia oil as a lubricant additive, Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects, 38:16, 2406-2412, DOI: 10.1080/15567036.2015.1089341 (the entirety of Figure 6 is identical to Figure 7 of this retracted article)Yashvir Singh, Rajnish Garg & Suresh Kumar (2017) Effect of load on friction and wear characteristics of Jatropha oil bio-lubricants, Biofuels, 8:1, 125-133, DOI: 10.1080/17597269.2016.1215065 (Figure 8(a) 150 N and 8(d) 150 N are the same, after resizing (stretching), as Figure 7(c) and 7(d) of this retracted article, respectively)The authors do not agree with the retraction.We have been informed in our decision-making by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retractions. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as “Retracted”.

Modified zeolite as a catalyst for Pongamia pinnata oil esterification in biodiesel production

The solid acid catalyst, Nb/P/ZSM-5 was synthesised and characterised for its nature and morphological features. The catalyst was employed in the esterification of free fatty acids in Karanja (P. pinnata) oil for biodiesel production. Parameters affecting the P. pinnata oil esterification were determined and Nb/P/ZSM-5 catalyst esterified P. pinnata oil was analysed using spectroscopic investigation.

Modified zeolite as a catalyst for Pongamia pinnata oil esterification in biodiesel production

The solid acid catalyst, Nb/P/ZSM-5 was synthesised and characterised for its nature and morphological features. The catalyst was employed in the esterification of free fatty acids in Karanja (P. pinnata) oil for biodiesel production. Parameters affecting the P. pinnata oil esterification were determined and Nb/P/ZSM-5 catalyst esterified P. pinnata oil was analysed using spectroscopic investigation.

EFFECT OF CUMULATIVE HEAT RELEASE OF A VARIABLE COMPRESSION RATIO DIESEL ENGINE OPERATING WITH PONGAMMIA PINNATA OIL BLENDS FOR DIFFERENT CRANK ANGLES

In this experimental study cumulative heat release of a variable compression ratio (VCR) Diesel engine operating with diesel and Pongamia pinnata oil blends were studied under different crank angle (-360˚ to +359˚), five different percentage loading conditions (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% & 100%), two compression ratio (17:01 & 18:01) and three different Pongamia pinnata oil blends (B10, B15 & B20) which are blended with diesel by volumetric basis (100 ml Pongamia pinnata oil: 900 ml pure Diesel, 150 ml Pongamia pinnata oil: 850 ml pure Diesel, 200 ml Pongamia pinnata oil: 800 ml pure Diesel) respectively. For comparative purpose initially the engine was run by pure Diesel. This study shows that the cumulative heat release is maximum (1.01 kJ//s) when the engine operates with Pongamia pinnata oil (B10 blend) which was blended with pure Diesel on full load conditions (100% load) at a crank angle of 42˚ and compression ratio 17:01. This study shows that the cumulative heat release is minimum (0.58 kJ/s) when the engine operates with pure Diesel on no load conditions (0% load) at a crank angle of 48˚ and compression ratio 17:01. 

Thermal degradation analysis of pongamia pinnata oil as alternative liquid dielectric for distribution transformer

In this paper the feasibility of non-edible pongamia pinnata oil (PPO) as an alternative liquid dielectric which can be used in distribution transformers is examined. Hence, electrical, physical and chemical properties have been measured for thermally aged (with and without catalytic added) pongamia pinnata oil (PPO) and mineral oil (MO), sampled at 110°C for 180 days (according to IEC and IS standard). The experiment results show that, electrical properties of pongamia pinnata oil with catalytic (PPOWC) are better than those of mineral oil with catalytic (MOWC). Whereas, the viscosity and density of PPOWC sample is much higher at all sampling intervals, so that care must be taken for cooling tube design of transformer. Furthermore, for all aging period the total acid content in MOWC oil samples is very low compared to PPOWC. However, these are higher molecular weight acid which is beneficial than lower molecular weight acid generated by MOWC oil samples.

Biodiesel from crude Pongamia pinnata oil under subcritical methanol conditions with calcium methoxide catalyst

ABSTRACTCrude Pongamia pinnata oil was subjected to a transesterification reaction with a calcium methoxide (Ca(OCH3)2) catalyst in subcritical methanol to obtain biodiesel. The variables affecting the methyl ester conversion were investigated. The obtained results were compared with non-catalyst and two-step reaction runs. The test results showed that the catalyst could improve the methyl ester conversion of biodiesel in subcritical methanol. A conversion rate of 99.50% was achieved with a 50:1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio, 1.0 %wt catalyst, and 2.0 h reaction time at 175°C. In addition, the important fuel properties of the biodiesel satisfied the biodiesel standards.

San Jose scale (Comstockaspis perniciosa) – new findings of monitoring and possibilities of organic control

San Jose scale (Diaspidiotus perniciosus) is a widespread pest in the Czech Republic and its harmfulness has increased over the last years. The European Union removed this pest from the list of quarantine pests because of its spread to almost all European countries. The scale develops on vegetative organs, blossoms and fruits. It most commonly occurs on the bark of trunks and branches. Due to the sucking of the plant sap, the trees may die. The only stage that is sensitive to treatment is the crawler stage. Possible control methods are limited to applications of oil-based preparations in early spring in organic agriculture. Our research is two-fold. Firstly, we are testing different pheromone traps (wing traps, delta traps, open traps) suitable for the monitoring of the occurrence of San Jose scale males in three different orchards. The wing trap catches the most males but the delta trap is the most well-adapted for user handling. The second area of our research is the testing of different preparations suitable for organic agriculture against San Jose scale nymphs. In 2013, the highest efficacy was achieved with the Naturalis (Beauveria bassiana) preparation: 59.6-60.9%. Quite good efficacy was recorded with the RockEffect (Pongamia pinnata oil) preparation: 41.8-56.9%. In 2014, the highest efficacy was achieved with the Naturalis preparation: up to 85.2%.

In-depth study of the transesterification reaction of Pongamia pinnata oil for biodiesel production using catalyst-free supercritical methanol process

Non-edible vegetable oils are promising substitutes for traditional edible food crops used in the synthesis of biodiesel. Among them, Pongamia pinnata oil, also known as Karanja oil, is considered as a good candidate with potential availability of more than 135Mtpa. The present work offers an in-depth study of the transesterification reaction of Karanja oil in supercritical methanol in one-step catalyst-free process. Triglyceride (TG) conversion and the yield of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) are analyzed in the temperature and reaction time ranges of 250–350°C (12–43MPa) and 15–90min, respectively, at an alcohol-to-oil molar ratio of 43:1. This study also covers the evolution of intermediate products such as monoglycerides (MG) and diglycerides (DG) and the thermal decomposition of fatty acid chains for the stated reaction conditions. Optimal reactions conditions were found at 300°C and 90min reaction with almost complete triglyceride conversion. Significant thermal decomposition was observed from 325°C, mainly caused by the degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl esters. Maximum degree of thermal decomposition of 38% was determined at 350°C after 90min reaction time.

Influence of Fuel Injection Pressure on Combustion and Gas Emissions in a TBC Diesel Engine Fuelled with Pongamia Bio-Fuel Blends for Sustainable Environment

The objective of this research work was to investigate the environmental aspects of Pongamia bio-fuel blends and diesel in a Thermal Barrier Coated (TBC) diesel engine with the influence of fuel injection pressure. The combustion chamber components including inlet and exhaust valves, cylinder head and piston crown were coated with yttria stabilized zirconia ceramic material over nickel aluminium alloy bond coat for 300 μm thickness. Biodiesel obtained by Transesterification process from non-edible Pongamia pinnata oil was blended with diesel in various proportions from 0–30% in steps of 5% by volume. Injection pressure was varied from 210 bar to 240 bar in steps of 10 bar by means of adjusting the injector spring tension. The effect of fuel injection pressure for specified biodiesel blends and diesel at full load are studied. Experimental results confirmed that in coated engine biodiesel blend 15% by volume (B15) with diesel showed significant reduction in emissions carbon monoxide (CO) of about 50%, unburnt hydrocarbon (UHC) of 26.5%, smoke of 20% with slightly higher values of 2.37% oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and 5.17% of carbon di oxide (CO2) at 230 bar injection pressure in full load condition compared with uncoated engine. Increase of injection pressure improved heat release rate of about 5.21%, 4.65% for diesel and blend B15 in coated engine and the occurrence of peak heat release rate is earlier around 2°CA before diesel fuel in coated engine at 230 bar pressure for blend B15. From the test results, it was found that blend B15 causes better atomization with improved emission characteristics at 230 bar injection pressure.

Production characterization and working characteristics in DICI engine of Pongamia biodiesel

Renewable energy plays a predominant role in solving the current energy requirement problems and biodiesel is a promising alternative fuel to tide over the energy crisis and conserve fossil fuels. The present work investigates an eco-friendly substitute for the replacement of fossil fuels and the experiments are designed to determine the effects of a catalyst in the biodiesel production processes. Pongamia pinnata oil was utilized to produce the biodiesel by using catalysts namely KOH and NaOH and the properties of the fuel were found by using Carbon Hydrogen Nitrogen Sulfur (CHNS) elemental analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography & Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) Spectroscopy and the thermophysical properties were compared with those of neat diesel. In continuation, the working characteristics of the biodiesel and biodiesel–water emulsions were accomplished in a four stroke compression ignition engine and the results were compared to those of neat diesel. It was found that the exhaust emission characteristics like brake specific carbon monoxide (BSCO), brake specific hydrocarbons (BSHC) and smoke opacity were better for neat biodiesel (except brake specific nitric oxide BSNO) than those of neat diesel.

Advanced supercritical Methyl acetate method for biodiesel production from Pongamia pinnata oil

At present, alkali-catalyzed transesterification process is widely used in biodiesel production. However, in this process up to 88% of total production cost is for the feedstock, due to the requirement of using low free fatty acid (FFA) content feedstocks that are commonly attributed to refined edible plant-oils. This work was, therefore, carried out to know the potential use of non-edible Pongamia pinnata oil in biodiesel production. Instead of using a transesterification, this work applied an interesterification process called one-step supercritical methyl acetate method under reaction condition of 300 °C/20 MPa/45 min/42 M ratio in methyl acetate to oil. In this glycerol-free method, 10wt% aqueous acetic acid was added as an additive to proceed the interesterification process under such reaction condition. It was found out that high FFA content in Pongamia pinnata oil did not give any adverse effect on the process as the highest yield of 96.6wt% FAME and 11.5wt% triacetin (total 108.1wt%) was achievable. Both products were miscible and their evaluation on biodiesel properties showed the compliance towards biodiesel standards.

Microwave Assisted Energy Efficient Biodiesel Production from Crude Pongamia pinnata (L.) Oil Using Homogeneous Catalyst

Abstract Microwave assisted biodiesel production from crude Pongamia pinnata oil using homogeneous base catalyst (KOH) was unsuccessful because of considerable soap formation. Therefore, a two step process of biodiesel production from high free fatty acid (FFA) oil was investigated. In first step, crude P. pinnata oil was acid catalyzed using H 2 SO 4 and acid value of oil was reduced to less than 4 mg KOH/g. Effect of sulfuric acid concentration, alcohol-oil molar ratio and microwave irradiation time on acid value of oil was studied. Result suggested that 1.5% H 2 SO 4 (w/w), 6：1 methanol oil molar ratio and 3 min microwave irradiation time was sufficient to reduce the acid value of oil from 12 and 22 mg KOH/g to 2.9 and 3.9 mg/KOH/g, respectively. Oil obtained after pretreatment was subsequently used for microwave assisted alkali catalyzed transesterification. A higher biodiesel yield (99.0%) was achieved by adopting two step processes. Microwave energy efficiency during alkali catalyzed transesterification was also investigated. The results suggested a significant energy saving because of reduced reaction time under microwave heating.Key Words: microwave, pongamia pinnata, biodiesel, acid value, energy efficiency

Pongamia Pinnata as Alternate Liquid Dielectrics in Distribution Transformer: A Critical Study on the Property of Viscosity

Distribution Transformers are one of the imperative equipment in power system. The insulation design has an important role because it continuously energizes in a day. Due to electro mechanical stresses the operating temperature of distribution transformer will be increased which maintains with in limit using liquid dielectrics. Traditional mineral oil is used as liquid dielectrics in Distribution Transformer. Due to lack of fossil fuels and lesser biodegradability characteristics of mineral oil, the alternating liquid dielectrics are important. In this research work viscosity of pongamia pinnata oil is measured using PLINT TE 62 Bench Viscometer as per ASTM D445 standard .Water content analysis of the oil sample has to be measured by weight balance method and Breakdown strength of oil sample was measured by Nutronics oil test set as per IEC 60156. From the experimental analysis, the viscosity of pongamia pinnata oil is low as compared to RBDPO, Soyabean oil, Coconut oil and Sunflower oil. The moisture content of pongamia pinnata oil is significantly reduced during aging period and the average breakdown strength of pongamia pinnata oil is higher than that of conventionally used mineral oil.

Comparison of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysts in Biodiesel Production from Pongamia pinnata Oil

Comparison of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysts in Biodiesel Production from Pongamia pinnata Oil

<sup> </sup>Transesterification of <i>Pongamia pinnata </i>Oil into Biodiesel Using Quick Lime Based Calcium Methoxide as Catalyst

The calcium methoxide was synthesized as catalyst from quick lime for biodiesel production of Pongamia pinnata (P. pinnata) oil. The catalyst was further characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflection fourier transform (ATR-FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopies (EDX) and BET surface area analysis to evaluate its performance. The parameters affecting the fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content such as catalyst concentration, methanol to oil molar ratio and reaction time were investigated. Under optimized reaction condition, the FAME yield at 93.94 % was achieved within 3 h using 3 % wt catalyst concentration, 15:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 65 °C reaction temperature and 750 rpm stirring rate. The result of FAME suggested that calcium methoxide catalyst has promising viability in transesterification for biodiesel production.

Experimental investigations on mixing of two biodiesels blended with diesel as alternative fuel for diesel engines

The world faces the crises of energy demand, rising petroleum prices and depletion of fossil fuel resources. Biodiesel has obtained from vegetable oils that have been considered as a promising alternate fuel. The researches regarding blend of diesel and single biodiesel have been done already. Very few works have been done with the combination of two different biodiesel blends with diesel and left a lot of scope in this area. The present study brings out an experiment of two biodiesels from pongamia pinnata oil and mustard oil and they are blended with diesel at various mixing ratios. The effects of dual biodiesel works in engine and exhaust emissions were examined in a single cylinder, direct injection, air cooled and high speed diesel engine at various engine loads with constant engine speed of 3000rpm. The influences of blends on CO, CO2, HC, NOx and smoke opacity were investigated by emission tests. The brake thermal efficiency of blend A was found higher than diesel. The emissions of smoke, hydro carbon and nitrogen oxides of dual biodiesel blends were higher than that of diesel. But the exhaust gas temperature for dual biodiesel blends was lower than diesel.