Determination of Fuel Properties of Biodiesel from Sand Apple Seed Oil with Automotive Gas Oil Blend

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the fuel properties of Sand Apple Ethyl Ester (SAEE) and its blends with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).using eggshell as catalyst. Sand apple seed oil (SASO) obtained was characterized based on America Society for Testing and Material (ASTM D6751) to determine acid value, saponification, iodine content, density, kinematic viscosity, flash point, cloud point and pour point. Sand Apple fruits were processed and oil extracted using solvent extraction method. Raw eggshells were calcined at 800oC for 120 min in the muffle furnace. SAEE was blended with AGO at 5 – 25 % mix. Data obtained was analyzed using ANOVA at P < 0.05 significant level. Cloud and pour points obtained for SASO are 4.68 and 3.09℃ . Flash point was 103℃ which fell within ASTM D93 range indicating that SASO is safe for handling and storage. Heating value was 42.61 MJ/kg, slightly lower than that of diesel oil of 44.8 MJ/kg shows that AGO has ability to produce heat of combustion than SASO. Iodine value was 80.71 g I/100g while acid value was determined to be 2.62 mgKOH/g, which was higher than that of ASTM D6751 of 0.5 mgKOH/g. Sulphur contents for AGO and SASO–AGO blends were 0.006, 0.009, 0.014, 0.016 and 0.004%, respectively. Low sulphur values indicates that hazardous sulphur dioxide emission of SAEE has reduced. This study established that all the properties obtained, except acid value, fell within the ASTM specification and could suitably be compared with those of fossil diesel.