IJSTE - International Journal of Science Technology & Engineering | Volume 2 | Issue 08 | February 2016

ISSN (online): 2349-784X

Physiochemical Properties of Synthesized Mahua

Biodiesel Comparisons with the ASTM Biodiesel
Standard and Commercially Available Diesel
Dr. Jakeer Husain
Associate Professor
Department of Science & Humanities
Farah Institute of Engineering, Chevella,
JNTUH, Telangana, India

Dr. Rahena Anjum

Professor
Department of Science & Humanities
Farah Institute of Engineering, Chevella,
JNTUH, Telangana, India

Ranganath
Assistant Professor
Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology &
Management, Shankarpura, Karnataka, India

Narsappa Reddy
Associate Professor
Department of Electronics And Computer Engineering
JB Institute of Engineering & Technology, Moinabad,
JNTUH,Telangana ,India

Jai Sagar
Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Farah Institute of Engineering, Chevella, JNTUH, Telangana, India

Abstract
This study consists of the Physiochemical properties of Mahua Biodiesel comparisons with the ASTM biodiesel standard and
commercially available diesel and verifying its functionality. Energy is the lifeblood of modern era. Oil is necessary for almost
all machines to move and we live in an era where oil is necessary to produce transport food, for movement of vehicles, airplanes
etc. oil is the most important ingredient for our lives, for industry, for economic development, for our prosperity but
unfortunately, we are facing a global energy crisis with natural reserves being depleted fast due to over consumption. Almost
90% of the worlds energy needs are met by the non-renewable sources of energy like coal, oil and natural gas. This has resulted
in an alarmingly increased rate of depletion of the natural resources. In this paper author has successfully synthesized blending of
Mahua bio-diesel and calculating physio-chemical properties.
Keywords: Biodiesel, Physiochemical properties, ASTM, Mahua bio-diesel
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I.

INTRODUCTION

Energy is the lifeblood of modern era. Oil is necessary for almost all machines to move and we live in an era where oil is
necessary to produce transport food, for movement of vehicles, airplanes etc. oil is the most important ingredient for our lives,
for industry, for economic development, for our prosperity but unfortunately, we are facing a global energy crisis with natural
reserves being depleted fast due to over consumption. Almost 90% of the worlds energy needs are met by the non-renewable
sources of energy like coal, oil and natural gas. This has resulted in an alarmingly increased rate of depletion of the natural
resources. This is of concern globally as the future generations would definitely be at threat. Rapidly increasing oil prices are a
threat to the economic growth of the nation, by way of increasing inflation and rising unemployment. All countries of the world
are united to tackle the global energy crisis. Certain countries who depend for oil on other countries find it difficult to exercise
foreign policy options. This poses a security threat for the concerned nations. Global energy crisis is posing economic and
security threat to almost all countries of the world. [1-5]
II. BIODIESEL TRANSESTERIFICATION REACTIONS:
Transestrification process consists of a sequence of three consecutive reversible reactions i.e., conversion of triglycerides to
diglycerides followed by diglycerides to monoglycerides. The glycerides were converted into glycerol and one ester molecule at
each step. The methanolysis transesterification reaction is presented in equation below.

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162

Physiochemical Properties of Synthesized Mahua Biodiesel Comparisons with the ASTM Biodiesel Standard and Commercially Available Diesel
(IJSTE/ Volume 2 / Issue 08 / 028)

Fig. 1: Biodiesel Transesterification Reactions

If the oil contains more than 4% free fatty acids (FFA), then a two-step transesterification is applicable to convert the high
FFA oils to its mono esters. The first step, the acid catalyzed esterification reduces the free fatty acid content of the oil. The
second step, alkaline transesterification process converts the products of the first step to its mono-esters and glycerol.
Extraction of Oil:
The extraction of oil from Mahua seeds was done by using mechanical expeller using methanol as solvent.
Preparation of 0.1Normal (0.1N) NaOH Solution:
4 grams of NaOH is weighed & transferred into the conical flask containing 1 liter of water. Dissolve NaOH completely by
constant stirring then the solution we get is called 0.1N NaOH solution. (With NaOH the molecular weight is 40 so a 0.1N
solution contains 4g per liter)
Titration and Calculation of Free Fatty Acid Content in Raw Oil:
Take 25ml of 0.1N NaOH solution in the burette and then take 10 grams of custard apple seed oil, in a conical flask, add 50ml of
Isopropyl alcohol into the conical flask and also add 5-6 drops of Phenolphthalein as indicator and shake well. This is titrated
against the 0.1N NaOH solution until it turns pink color, this is the indication of end point and by using the formula we can find
FFA content in the oil.
III. TRANSESTERIFICATION
Procedure:
Take 1ltr of Mahua oil in a three neck flask with reflux condenser, heat the oil up to 60C add 300ml of methanol and 10gms of
potassium hydroxide catalyst. Run the process for about 90minutes as shown in Figure-1.Transfer that oil into separating funnel,
allow it to settle for about 7-8 hours then two layers will be formed . Upper layer is biodiesel and lower layer is glycerin.
Separate the glycerin and biodiesel. The Yield after this process was found to be 88-90% of biodiesel. (850-900ml).

Fig. 2: Heating Raw Mahua oil

Fig. 3: Transesterification process

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163

Physiochemical Properties of Synthesized Mahua Biodiesel Comparisons with the ASTM Biodiesel Standard and Commercially Available Diesel
(IJSTE/ Volume 2 / Issue 08 / 028)

Table 1
Shows the Physiochemical properties of Mahua Biodiesel comparisons with the ASTM biodiesel standard and commercially available diesel.
EXPERIMENTAL VALUES
SL
PROPERTIES
UNI TS
BIODISEL
BIODIESEL STANDARD VALUE
COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE
No.
(Mahua)
(ASTM)
DIESEL
Kinematic Viscosity
1
centistokes
5.6068
1.9-6.0
2.54
@400C
3
2
Density
Kg/m
910
870-900
840
0C
3
Flash Point
159
130
54
4
Calorific Value
KJ/Kg K
37510
37000 to 42500
43500
Table 2
Shows the Comparison of combustion characteristics of vegetable oils used
Property
Linseed
Castor
Palm stearin
Mahua
Neem
Diesel
Density(gm/cc)at 400C
0.929
0.956
0.918
0.917
0.919
0.830
Viscosity(cst)
22.2
52
39.6
36
34
5.0
Flash point(0C)
241
320
220
273
300
57
Fire point(0C)
260
345
280
301
325
65
Calorific values(KJ/Kg)
39307
36000
37500
39600
35200
42000
Cetane number
34.6
42.3
42
45
38
50

The Bio-diesel prepared by using Mahua and waste was tested in a Four cylinder Four stoke diesel engine running at Varying
loads and constant speed of 3000 rpm. Ambient temperature of the test laboratory was maintained at 30C while carrying out the
work. The Mahua Biodisel was blended with diesel in the different ratios.
IV. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME
The experiments are conducted for oils such as 20% 100% (neat oils) are used in this experimentation. The Biodiesel and their
blends with diesel are heated externally to a required temperature as stated earlier before injecting into the test cylinder. The
engine was sufficiently warmed up and stabilized before taking all the readings. All the observations recorded were replicated
thrice to get a reasonable value. The performance parameters such as Brake Thermal Efficiency(B.Th.), Brake Specific Fuel
Consumption(bsfc), Exhaust Gas Temperature(EGT) and Volumetric efficiency(Vol.) Emission parameters such as Carbon
Monoxide (CO), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Un-burnt Hydro carbon (UHC) (UHC), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Smoke are
evaluated.

Fig. 4: Experimental set up of computerized C.I. Engine with smoke meter

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164

Physiochemical Properties of Synthesized Mahua Biodiesel Comparisons with the ASTM Biodiesel Standard and Commercially Available Diesel
(IJSTE/ Volume 2 / Issue 08 / 028)

Below graph shows the 20% Blend of (Mahua Biodisel - Biodiesel Standard Value (ASTM))

Fig. 5: Compression Ratio

Below Figure Shows The Experimental Data

Speed (rpm)
3075.00
3028.00
3012.00
3037.00
3045.00

Table 3
Load (kg) IP (kW)
-0.09
61.19
7.13
62.78
14.25
66.23
21.12
73.71
28.11
77.50

BP (kW)
-0.06
4.66
9.26
13.84
18.46

FP (kW)
61.25
58.12
56.97
59.87
59.04

Result Data
Torque (Nm)
-0.18
14.70
29.36
43.52
57.90

BP (kW)
-0.06
4.66
9.26
13.84
18.46

FP (kW)
61.25
58.12
56.97
59.87
59.04

IP (kW)
61.19
62.78
66.23
73.71
77.50

Table 4
BMEP (bar) IMEP (bar)
-0.02
17.00
1.31
17.71
2.63
18.78
3.89
20.73
5.18
21.74

BTHE (%)
-0.23
14.93
23.91
25.47
28.26

ITHE (%)
246.12
201.09
170.97
135.63
118.62

Mech Eff. (%)

-0.10
7.42
13.98
18.78
23.82

Result Data
Air Flow (kg/h)
112.06
109.94
107.99
108.03
107.05

Fuel Flow (kg/h)

2.26
2.84
3.52
4.94
5.94

SFC (kg/kWh)
0.00
0.61
0.38
0.36
0.32

Table 5
Vol Eff. (%) A/F Ratio
73.65
49.58
73.39
38.74
72.47
30.67
71.90
21.87
71.06
18.02

HBP (%)
-0.23
14.93
23.91
25.47
28.26

HJW (%)
71.35
64.67
57.65
44.68
41.16

HGas (%)
16.14
17.30
18.51
17.77
19.82

HRad (%)
12.75
3.10
0.00
12.09
10.76

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165

Physiochemical Properties of Synthesized Mahua Biodiesel Comparisons with the ASTM Biodiesel Standard and Commercially Available Diesel
(IJSTE/ Volume 2 / Issue 08 / 028)

Below Graph Shows The 100% Blend Of (Mahua Biodisel - Biodiesel Standard Value (ASTM)

Fig. 6: Compression Ratio

Result
Speed (rpm)
3194.00
3019.00
3001.00
3009.00
3039.00

Table - 6
Load (kg) IP (kW)
-0.05
61.39
7.20
63.59
14.23
67.46
21.11
72.01
28.14
77.65

BP (kW)
-0.03
4.69
9.21
13.71
18.45

FP (kW)
61.42
58.90
58.25
58.31
59.20

Result Data
Torque (Nm)
-0.10
14.83
29.31
43.50
57.97

BP (kW)
-0.03
4.69
9.21
13.71
18.45

FP (kW)
61.42
58.90
58.25
58.31
59.20

IP (kW)
61.39
63.59
67.46
72.01
77.65

Table - 7
BMEP (bar) IMEP (bar)
-0.01
16.42
1.33
17.99
2.62
19.20
3.89
20.44
5.19
21.82

BTHE (%)
-0.13
12.87
22.44
24.44
27.27

ITHE (%)
246.93
174.59
164.35
128.41
114.79

Mech Eff. (%)

-0.05
7.37
13.65
19.03
23.76

Result Data
Air Flow (kg/h)
118.70
111.26
109.04
109.16
108.95

Fuel Flow (kg/h)

2.26
3.31
3.73
5.10
6.15

SFC (kg/kWh)
0.00
0.71
0.41
0.37
0.33

Table - 8
Vol Eff. (%) A/F Ratio
75.12
52.52
74.49
33.60
73.44
29.22
73.32
21.41
72.46
17.72

HBP (%)
-0.13
12.87
22.44
24.44
27.27

HJW (%)
69.06
56.16
55.13
43.97
40.38

HGas (%)
14.36
15.28
17.71
17.33
20.21

HRad (%)
16.71
15.69
4.72
14.26
12.14

V. CONCLUSION
The study has shown that the author has successfully synthesized blending of Mahua bio-diesel and calculating physio-chemical
properties. All the observations recorded were replicated thrice to get a reasonable value 20% and 100%. The performance
parameters such as Brake Thermal Efficiency(B.Th.), Brake Specific Fuel Consumption(bsfc), Exhaust Gas
Temperature(EGT) and Volumetric efficiency(Vol.) Emission parameters such as Carbon Monoxide (CO), Carbon Dioxide
(CO2), Un-burnt Hydro carbon (UHC) (UHC), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Smoke are evaluated.

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Physiochemical Properties of Synthesized Mahua Biodiesel Comparisons with the ASTM Biodiesel Standard and Commercially Available Diesel
(IJSTE/ Volume 2 / Issue 08 / 028)

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Buren AV, 1979, a Chinese Biogas Manual. Intermediate Technology Publications Ltd. 11- 24.
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