Scum Oil Research Articles

Valorization of dairy waste scum oil and rice husk ash-supported CuO nanocatalyst towards cleaner production of biodiesel: A waste-to-energy approach

Valorization of dairy waste scum oil and rice husk ash-supported CuO nanocatalyst towards cleaner production of biodiesel: A waste-to-energy approach

Kinetic and optimization study of ultrasound-assisted biodiesel production from waste coconut scum oil using porous CoFe2O4@sulfonated graphene oxide magnetic nanocatalysts: CI engine approach

In this study, CoFe2O4@sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO) heterogeneous nanocatalyst was synthesized and utilized to produce biodiesel from waste coconut scum oil (WCSO). The structural features of CoFe2O4@SGO nanocatalyst were evaluated by SEM, TEM, EDX, FTIR, XRD, CO2/TPD, VSM, and BET analyses. According to these analyses, CoFe2O4@SGO nanocatalyst has high specific surface area, suitable functional groups, and good reactivity. The highest biodiesel yield using CoFe2O4@SGO nanocatalyst in optimal conditions (MeOH/WCSO ratio = 12.41, temperature = 64.73 °C, catalyst concentration = 2.24 %, and ultrasonic time = 33.08 min) was 96.87 %. The yield of biodiesel decreased from 96.91 % to 90.17 % after six reuse cycles, which demonstrates the significant stability of CoFe2O4@SGO nanocatalyst in the transesterification process. After 7 reuse steps, XRD and CO2/TPD analyzes revealed that the catalytic activity and crystallinity of the nanocatalyst were almost retained. The kinetic behavior of biodiesel generation showed that the transesterification reaction is endothermic. Enhancing the concentration of biodiesel in the fuel mix had a positive impact on the reduction of CO and UHC emissions, as well as diesel engine parameters such as cylinder pressure, BP, EGT, BSFC, and BTE. Owing to the high biodiesel yield, significant reusability, and positive impacts on the diesel engine, CoFe2O4@SGO nanocatalyst is recommended for industrial applications.

Biodiesel synthesis from waste coconut scum oil utilizing SnFe2O4/cigarette butt-derived biochar as a magnetic nanocatalyst: Optimization, kinetic and thermodynamic study

This study aims to develop a novel and efficient magnetic nanocatalyst for producing biodiesel from waste coconut scum oil (WCSO). In this regard, a retrievable and robust nanocatalyst, SnFe2O4/biochar derived from cigarette butts, was synthesized and applied in the transesterification of WCSO under ultrasonication. The aforementioned nanocatalyst was synthesized by sol-gel technique. Various analyses were conducted to characterize the prepared nanocatalyst. These analyses confirmed the successful decoration of biochar on SnFe2O4. The Surface area and pore diameter were 128.47 m2/g and 15.62 nm, respectively. Central composite design (CCD) was applied to optimize the parameters influencing biodiesel synthesis. Moreover, the highest biodiesel yield employing SnFe2O4/cigarette butt-derived biochar nanocatalysts was attained at 98.67 % under optimal conditions, which include a methanol/WCSO ratio of 11.81:1 mol/mol, ultrasonic time of 34.25 min, temperature of 64.05 °C, and a catalyst amount of 2.73 wt%. Besides, SnFe2O4/cigarette butt-derived biochar demonstrated a notable biodiesel yield (90.48 %) even after seven reuse steps, highlighting its exceptional reusability. The thermodynamic and kinetic analyses of transesterification indicate that the synthesis of biodiesel is an endothermic reaction. The SnFe2O4/cigarette butt-derived biochar nanocatalyst stands out as a highly promising candidate for future research due to biodiesel performance, quick reaction time, and remarkable catalyst reusability.

Production of Bio-Diesel from Dairy Waste Scum

Abstract-Dairy factory waste scums are increasingly being considered a valuable resource. However, these wastes may also contain contaminants, natural or artificial, that may adversely affect the land or water to which they are discharged. The study investigates the potential of using dairy waste scum as a feed stock for bio-diesel production. Present study optimized the parameters involved in the alkali catalysed Trans esterification process of dairy waste scum oil. The effects of methanol to oil ratio, temperature and amount of KOH were investigated. A study was conducted to evaluate the capability of production of biodiesel from consortium of native microalgae culture in dairy farm treated waste water. Native algal strains were isolated from dairy farm waste waters collection tank (untreated wastewater) as well as from holding tank (treated wastewater). The consortium members were selected on the basis of fluorescence response after treating with Nile red reagent. Preliminary studies of two commercial and consortium often native strains of algae showed good growth in waste waters. A consortium of native strains was found capable to remove more than 98% nutrients from treated waste water. The biomass production and lipid content of consortium cultivated in treated waste water were 153.54t ha-1 year-1 and 16.89%, respectively. 72.70% of algal lipid obtained from consortium could be converted into biodiesel. The present study found that bio- diesel from dairy waste scum is quite suitable as an alternative to petroleum diesel with recommended fuel properties as per ASTM standards. By using dairy waste scum as a feed stock for bio diesel and the environmental impact related to the disposal of dairy scum Keywords: Environment,Bio-Diesel,Dairy Waste Scum, Extraction of Lipids

Demonstrating photocatalytic esterification as a potential strategy to improve the properties of feedstock oil derived from dairy waste scum for biodiesel production

The availability of quality feedstock for biodiesel production is challenging; and therefore, techniques to improve the quality of feedstock are highly desired, as they could be utilized to modify any feedstock and enhance the biodiesel production. Dairy waste scum oil (DWSO) is recently known to be a valuable feedstock for producing biodiesel. However, DWSO needs to go through an esterification process to reduce its high free fatty acid (FFA) content. To do this, herein, we have treated the DWSO using photocatalytic tin oxide (SnO2) particles under UV light irradiation and reduced the FFA content significantly compared to the conventional cumbersome acid-mediated esterification process. The synthesized catalyst is characterized for its structural, morphological, optical and surface properties using various characterization techniques. Parameters such as catalysts dosage, methanol to oil ratio, reaction time, and temperature involved in the photo-assisted esterification processes are optimized, and a mechanism for the photocatalytic esterification reaction is also proposed. Importantly, SnO2 particles also showed excellent reusability in the photo-assisted esterification process. Overall, the physiochemical and fuel properties of the photo-esterified DWSO-derived biodiesel are found to be improved compared to the biodiesel synthesized via conventional acid-esterified oil.

A Circular Economy Approach to Convert Waste Dairy Scum Oil into Biodiesel for the Development of Sustainable Environment

The present study is an effort to examine a technique for evaluating the expenses associated with the production of biodiesel from waste dairy scum oil in Pakistan, to create an economic assessment of this option. A survey was conducted on ten dairies in Gujrat to encourage them participation in the biodiesel supply chain. The survey aimed to collect data on waste dairy scum creation, disposal methods and quantity, as well as purchase cost. The waste dairy scum oil was extracted by solvent extraction method. Acetone solvent has been used to extract the waste dairy scum oil. A two-step acid treatment was done to reduce the FFA value of WDSO from 4.6 to 0.98 mg KOH/g. The independent variables of the transesterification process parameters including catalyst concentration, methanol to oil ratio, temperature, speed, and reaction time were kept 0.25 w/w, 8.50:1, 57.50℃, 600 rpm, and 1h respectively. The maximum biodiesel yield at these operating parameters was observed 93%. The economic feasibility of the conversion of WDSO into biodiesel was assessed using the information obtained from the surveys conducted by the different dairy’s owners. Approximately 70% of diaries produced scum and wanted to convert this waste dairy scum into biodiesel. The net biodiesel production cost was found to be 171 rupees. The logistic cost of biodiesel produced from the WDSO was found to be 22 rupees. The overall cost of 1L biodiesel would be 193 rupees. A two-way sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the profit of the conversion of the WDSO into biodiesel. The environmental analysis revealed that the emissions like CO, HC, and NOx significantly reduced during the combustion of biodiesel as compared to conventional diesel.

Synthesis of biodiesel from the composite oil and process parameters optimization using artificial neural network

This study aims to investigate the effect of catalyst utilization (wt%), methanol to composite oil molar ratio (mole) and reaction thermal state (°C) on the biodiesel yield percentage of transesterification of novel composite oil (equal volume % of Castor oil, Mahua oil and dairy waste scum oil). Artificial neural network (ANN) based on central composite design was implemented to investigate the influence of catalyst utilization (1–3 wt%), methanol to composite oil molar ratio (6–12 molar) and reaction thermal state (55–65 °C) as the independent variables. Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm was used to predict the responses, biodiesel yield %. The fairness of the ANN prediction of biodiesel yield % is tested by means of coefficients of determination of training phase, validation set, test set and combined training, validation and test. The results revealed that the optimum catalyst utilization, methanol to composite oil molar ratio and reaction thermal state were determined as 3 wt%, 9 molar, and 65 °C for the maximum biodiesel yield of 94 ± 1% from the composite oil. The ASTM D6751 standard is employed to assess the quality of biodiesel derived from a blend of oils. The findings of this study indicate that the newly developed mixed oil is a viable feedstock for the production of biodiesel.

Syntheses and characterization of lithium modified cao from eggshell and cow bone and its performance in biodiesel production from dairy waste scum oil (DWSO)

Syntheses and characterization of lithium modified cao from eggshell and cow bone and its performance in biodiesel production from dairy waste scum oil (DWSO)

Utilization of Dairy Waste Scum Oil for Microwave-Assisted Biodiesel Production over KOH-Waste Eggshell based Calcium Oxide Catalyst

The sustainability can be maintained by utilizing the available waste as feedstock and catalysts such as dairy and eggshell waste respectively for biodiesel production. In this study, the calcium oxide (CaO) synthesized from calcined eggshell was doped with potassium hydroxide (KOH-ECaO) via wet impregnation method and analyzed the catalyst performance on biodiesel production from dairy waste scum oil (DWSO) via microwave-assisted transesterification. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) contents were deduced by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The KOH-ECaO catalyst shows good potential based on the characterization analysis such as high pore size (25.5 nm) which is supported by SEM pattern analysis. The highest biodiesel production (75%) was obtained at optimum reaction parameters conditions. The optimized conditions were discovered to be 3 wt.% of catalyst, 16:1 of methanol to oil molar ratio, reaction temperature of 65°C and 15 minutes of reaction time as microwave provided faster reaction for the transesterification. These innovative results showed that KOH-ECaO could enhance the biodiesel production from DWSO which encourage the usage of waste for wealth product.

Optimization and kinetic studies for biodiesel production from dairy waste scum oil via microwave assisted transesterification

This study presents an investigation of the optimization and kinetic aspects of the microwave (MW) heating transesterification process for converting dairy waste scum oil (DWSO) into biodiesel using lithium impregnated calcium oxide from eggshell (Li-ECaO) as a catalyst. The transesterification was done via microwave heating while varying catalyst loading (1 – 5 wt%), methanol to oil molar ratio (6 – 18:1), temperature (55 – 75⁰C), and reaction time in the range of 5 – 25 min. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) optimized the process parameters, yielding an impressive 90.5% biodiesel yield. The optimal operating conditions were determined 3 wt% catalyst loading, 18:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, a reaction temperature of 65ºC, and a reaction time of 25 minutes. A thorough kinetic analysis of the transesterification reaction for the MW heating transesterification of DWSO by Li-ECaO was performed at various temperatures (45 – 75ºC). The pseudo-first order kinetic study of the reaction revealed a moderately low activation energy of 38.86 kJ/mol and a high pre-exponential factor of 1141.27 s−1, which is consistent with previous studies. Importantly, the observed activation energy was lower than that of conventional methods, highlighting the potential of MW heating as a viable technique for future biodiesel production, and using wastes such as DWSO and eggshell could contribute to being greener and environmentally friendly.

Boosting Biodiesel Production from Dairy-Washed Scum Oil Using Beetle Antennae Search Algorithm and Fuzzy Modelling

The major goal of this study was to develop a robust fuzzy model to mimic the generation of biodiesel from the transesterification of dairy-washed milk scum (DWMS) oil. Four process parameters were considered: the molar ratio of methanol to oil, the concentration of KOH, the reaction temperature, and the reaction time. The proposed technique was divided into two steps: fuzzy modelling and optimum parameter identification. The capability of fuzzy tools to capture and make use of linguistic variables and fuzzy sets is one of their main benefits. This means that fuzzy logic allows for the representation and manipulation of values that fall across a continuum rather than merely relying on crisp values or binary categories. When dealing with non-linear relationships, this is especially helpful since it gives a more accurate and nuanced depiction of the underlying data. As a result, an accurate fuzzy model was initially built based on collected data to simulate the biodiesel production in terms of the molar ratio of methanol to oil, the concentration of KOH, the temperature of the reaction, and the reaction duration. In the second phase, the beetle antennae search (BAS) algorithm was applied to identify the optimal values of the process parameters to boost the production of biodiesel. The BAS algorithm draws inspiration from beetle behavior, particularly how they navigate using their antennae. It employs a swarm-intelligence method by deploying virtual beetles that swarm over the problem area in search of the best solution. One of its main features is the BAS algorithm’s capacity to balance exploration and exploitation. This is accomplished through the algorithm’s adaptable step-size mechanism during the search phase. As a result, the algorithm can first investigate a large portion of the problem space before gradually moving closer to the ideal answer. Compared with ANOVA, and thanks to fuzzy, the RMSE decreased from 7 using ANOVA to 0.73 using fuzzy (a decrease of 89%). The predicted R2 increased from 0.8934 using ANOVA to 0.9614 using fuzzy (an increase of 7.6). Also, the optimisation results confirmed the superiority of the BAS algorithm. Biodiesel production increased from 92% to 98.16%.

A novel biomass derived activated carbon mediated AC@ZnO/NiO bifunctional nanocatalyst to produce high-quality biodiesel from dairy industry waste oil: CI engine performance and emission

In the current study, biomass-derived activated carbon (AC) with zinc oxide/nickel oxide (AC@ZnO/NiO) bifunctional nanocatalyst with enhanced surface area is utilized for the generation of biodiesel from dairy waste scum oil (DWSO). The synthesized AC and AC@ZnO/NiO catalysts are characterized through XRD, BET, CO2-TPD, NH3-TPD, FTIR, FESEM with EDX, and TEM. Besides, the response surface methodology (RSM) of computational modelling with the central composite design (CCD) algorithm is used to optimize the reaction conditions of ultrasonication-assisted biodiesel production. A maximum 97.81% yield of dairy waste scum oil methyl ester (DWSOME)/biodiesel was attained at optimum reaction parameters of a methanol to oil molar ratio of 11.24:1, an AC@ZnO/NiO loading of 2.41 wt%, an ultrasonic time of 36.62 min, and an ultrasonic power of 240.45 W. The AC@ZnO/NiO nanocatalyst demonstrated noble catalytic strength up to seven cycles with a minor decrement in biodiesel yield. The kinetic study for the conversion of DWSO to DWSOME fits well with a pseudo-first-order reaction. The activation energy (Ea) of 50.88 kJ/mol and frequency factor (A) of 33.1105were found from a kinetic study. Moreover, the thermodynamic analysis shows that the enthalpy and entropy of the activation process are found to be 48.14 kJ/mol and −0.129 kJ/mol.K, respectively. In addition, HNMR and FTIR analyses were conducted for DWSOME. The fuel properties of DWSOME were found in the range of ASTM 6751 standards. Furthermore, the influence of adding DWSOME to diesel at various engine loads on engine performance and emissions of a CI diesel engine indicated acceptable results of diesel engine performance. Finally, the economic feasibility study also conducted in the present study.

Influence of hydrogen injection timing and duration on the combustion and emission characteristics of a diesel engine operating on dual fuel mode using biodiesel of dairy scum oil and producer gas

The main aim of the present work is to investigate the influence of hydrogen injection timing and injection duration on the combustion and emissions of a CI engine functioning on dual fuel (DF) mode by employing diesel/dairy scum oil methyl ester (DiSOME)/Waste frying oil methyl ester (WFOME) - producer gas (PG) combination. Hydrogen flow rate was maintained constant (8 lpm) and injected in air-producer gas (PG) mixture an inlet manifold using a gas injector. In this current work, injection timing was varied from TDC to 15 deg., aTDC in steps of 5. Similarly, injection duration was adopted from 30 deg., CA to 90 deg., CA and differed in steps of 30. From the outcome of work, it is noticed that the best possible injection timing and injection duration were found to be 10 deg., aTDC and 60 deg., CA respectively. Results showed that, at optimum injection parameters, diesel-PG combination with hydrogen resulted in augmented BTE by 6.7% and 12.4%, decreased smoke by 26.04% and 36.4%, decreased HC by 16.6% and 22.4%, decreased CO by 23.5% and 29.6% and increased NOx by 12.4% and 22.1%, compared to DiSOME and WFOME supported DF operation. Investigation with DiSOME-hydrogen enriched PG combustion showed satisfactory operation.

Effect of MWCNTs nano-additive on a dual-fuel engine characteristics utilizing dairy scum oil methyl ester and producer gas

Alternative fuels are renewable sustainable and address socio-economic and environmental concerns. In this circumstance, this work is conducted in two stages. The first stage of the work involves, the preparation of nanoparticle (NP) blended fuels by adding 20, 40 and 60 ppm of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) particles in dairy scum oil methyl ester (DiSOME) biodiesel using a mechanical homogenizer and ultrasonicator. Then, the steadiness characteristics of nanoparticle–mixed biodiesel fuels were studied under static state. In the next stage of the work, the effect of nanofluids on the attributes of combustion and emissions of aengine with 1-cylinder 4-stroke DI-direct injection),CI-compression ignition)which is run on DF-dual-fuel mode using DiSOME and PG-producer gas, has been examined. Investigation results indicated that at 80% load, DiSOME-PG combustion with 40 ppm of MWCNT nanoparticles provided 5.7% increased BTE, 23.5% decreased smoke opacity, 21.8% decreased HC, 22.4% decreased CO and 20.1% amplified NOx emissions related to the same fuel mixer but not with NPs. Adding NPs increased HRR - heat release rate and CP - cylinder pressure.

Enhanced conversion of dairy waste oil to biodiesel via novel and highly reactive UiO-66-NH2/ZnO/TiO2 nano-catalyst: Optimization, kinetic, thermodynamic and diesel engine studies

This study focuses on developing a novel UiO-66-NH2/ZnO/TiO2 nano-catalyst for efficient biodiesel generation from dairy waste scum oil (DWSO). UiO-66-NH2, UiO-66-NH2/TiO2, and UiO-66-NH2/ZnO/TiO2 nano-catalysts were prepared via the sol–gel approach and their structural features were analyzed by XRD, FT-IR, BET, ED/Map, SEM, TEM, and CO2-TPD approaches. The UiO-66-NH2/ZnO/TiO2 nano-catalyst demonstrated a mesoporous surface with a specific surface area and an average particle size of 568.1 m2/g and 28.35 nm, respectively. The central composite design (CCD) was also utilized to optimize crucial variables. Biodiesel conversion of 98.7 % was achieved under the optimized process circumstances such as the methanol to DWSO ratio of 9.8:1, reaction temperature of 61 °C, and nano-catalyst concentration of 2 wt%. As a novelty, biodiesel conversion is the highest methyl ester achieved from DWSO so far. The survey of the reaction kinetics employing UiO-66-NH2/ZnO/TiO2 indicated that the rate constant, activation energy and Arrhenius factor are 0.1325 min−1, 48.73 kJ mol−1, and 39.6 × 105 min−1, respectively. Besides, the thermodynamic scrutiny implicates that the process is nonspontaneous (ΔG = 88.94 kJ/mol at 338 K) and endothermic (ΔH = 46.01 kJ/mol). Moreover, the impact of adding DWSO-derived biodiesel to diesel on the diesel engine parameters and viscosity alterations was scrutinized. Fuel rheological behaviour appraisal exhibited that biodiesel follows the Newtonian model. The stability of the UiO-66-NH2/ZnO/TiO2 nano-catalyst was assessed in transesterification successive processes. The nano-catalyst could be reused multiple times, and a conversion of 90.14 % was obtained during the 7th consecutive run. It can be concluded that UiO-66-NH2/ZnO/TiO2 nanoparticles can be employed as a highly retrievable nano-catalyst for efficient transesterification of DWSO.

Synthesis and catalytic properties of calcium oxide obtained from organic ash over a titanium nanocatalyst for biodiesel production from dairy scum

The fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) production from dairy effluent scum as a sustainable energy source using CaO obtained from organic ash over titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TNPs) as the transesterification nano-catalyst has been studied. The physical and chemical properties of the synthesized catalysts were characterized, and the effect of different experimental factors on the biodiesel yield was studied. It was revealed that the CaO–TiO2 nano-catalyst displayed bifunctional properties, has both basic and acid phases, and leads to various effects on the catalyst activity in the transesterification process. These bifunctional properties are critical for achieving simultaneous transesterification of dairy scum oil feedstock. According to the reaction results, the catalyst without and with a low ratio of TNPs showed a low catalytic activity. In contrast, the 3Ca–3Ti nano-catalyst had the highest catalytic activity and a strong potential for reusability, producing a maximum biodiesel yield of 97.2% for a 3 wt% catalyst, 1:20 oil to methanol molar ratio for the dairy scum, and a reaction temperature of 70 °C for a period of 120 min under a 300 kPa pressure. The physical properties of the produced biodiesel are within the EN14214 standards.

Influence of piston bowl geometry on the performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine operated on single fuel mode using dairy scum oil biodiesel

Contemporary diesel engines required to gratify the strict emission standards without concession of its performance and fuel economy. In view of this condition, effect of various piston bowl geometry on the performance of CI engine and emissions characteristics operated using diary scum oil biodiesel (DSOB) on single fuel mode has been examined. In this experimental study, the challenge was to increase the thermal efficiency of diesel engine using different configurations of piston bowl geometry. To achieve maximum performance and to match adequate piston bowl geometry for existing geometry of nozzle, five types of Piston bowls such as lateral swirl Piston bowl (LSPB), hemispherical, dual swirl Piston bowl (DSPB), re-entrant, lateral and dual swirl Piston bowl (LDSPB) are designed and studied. Study showed that the operation of DSOB with LDSPB provided 10.6% amplified thermal efficiency with 5–26% reduced carbon containing engine gives out gases marginally 25.4% of enhanced levels of NOx when compared to operation of same fuel with other designs of piston bowl.

Comparative study of certain antioxidants-electrolyzed reduced water, tocotrienol and vitamin E in heat-induced oxidative damage and performance in broilers

This study was designed to examine the anti-oxidative effect of electrolyzed reduced water, tocotrienol and vitamin E on heat-induced oxidative damage and performance in an experimental model in broilers. On day 12, broiler chickens were subjected to one of the following dietary groups; (i) basal diet and untreated drinking water (control), (ii) basal diet and electrolyzed reduced drinking water (ERW), (iii) basal diet supplemented with 2% rice bran scum oil (as a source of tocotreinol) and untreated drinking water (TOCO), and (iv) basal diet supplemented with vitamin E at 50 mg/kg and untreated drinking water (VITE). On day 14, chickens were exposed to either 34°C continuously for a period of 14 days, or maintained at 24°C on the same diet. Heat-exposed birds consumed significantly less feed resulting in lower weight gain and feed efficiency compared with birds kept at 24°C. Skeletal muscle and liver MDA levels were significantly increased in heat-exposed control birds. The heat-exposed ERW chicks showed significantly improved growth performance and lower levels of MDA contents in tissues than heat-stressed control broilers. Following heat exposure, TOCO and VITE chicks did not exhibit improved performance, while those chicks significantly reduced oxidative damage to the various organs. The results demonstrate that electrolyzed reduced water, tocotrienol and vitamin E effectively protect heat-induced oxidative damage in broilers but they do not improve growth performance except electrolyzed reduced water treatment.

Blends of scum oil methyl ester, alcohols, silver nanoparticles and the operating conditions affecting the diesel engine performance and emission: an optimization study using Dragon fly algorithm

Blends of scum oil methyl ester, alcohols, silver nanoparticles and the operating conditions affecting the diesel engine performance and emission: an optimization study using Dragon fly algorithm

Thermal characterisation of dairy washed scum methyl ester and its b-20 blend for combustion applications

Thermal behaviour of dairy washed scum oil, dairy washed scum biodiesel and its B-20 blend with diesel (20% biodiesel and 80% diesel) is examined, conducting differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravitometry (TG) experiments in air. Temperature, reaction intervals, enthalpy and weight losses are analysed. Hot disc transient plane source (TPS-500) is used to evaluate transport properties. DSC profiles of diesel and B-20 blend show an endothermic peak which is related to the vaporisation of methyl esters for B-20 blend and volatilisation of the small fraction of the diesel. B-20 blend exhibits an enthalpy of 141.4 J/g with a peak temperature of 228.3°C when compared to the diesel of 130.4 J/g, with a peak temperatuere of 250.4°C. TG curves indicate two phases of decomposition for diesel and B-20 blend but three phases for scum oil and its corresponding biodiesel. Behaviour of B-20 blend is similar to that of diesel with reduced peak temperature, maximum enthalpy and reduced emissions of harmful gases.