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T COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
MUKKOM
CALICUT
Certificate
Kallanthode
19-09-2008
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First of all we would like to thank the Almighty without whose help we could not
do this project successfully. We would like to express our gratitude to thank our Head of
the Department Prof. P. Kunhammed for his hearted and kind cooperation without
which, this project could not have seen the dawn of the day.
Our sincere end heartfelt thanks to our staff in charge Mr. Suresh for his
commitment to this project. We would like to thank him for his dedication in guiding us
over the past few months.
We also wish to extent our thanks to all teaching staff and non-teaching staff of
the Mechanical Department for their motivation and invaluable support towards
completion of our project.
Finally a word of appreciation to our friends and families whose constant stream
of suggestion made sure that, ideas were never in short supply.
ABSTRACT
Efforts are under way in many countries, including India, to search for suitable
alternative diesel fuels that are environment friendly. The need to search for these fuels
arises mainly from the standpoint of preserving the global environment and the concern
about long-term supplies of conventional hydrocarbon-based diesel fuels. Among the
different possible sources, diesel fuels derived from triglycerides (vegetable oils) present
a promising alternative to substitute diesel fuels. Bio diesel, derived from triglycerides by
transesterification with methanol has received the most attention. The project is to study
the feasibility of Biodiesel, and finding out the most feasible way of installation of an
alternative fuel to public.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 2 . STUDY PROCEDURE
CHAPTER 3 . WHAT IS BIODIESEL .?
CHAPTER 4. PREPARATION OF BIODIESEL
CHAPTER 5. PROPERTIES OF BIODIESEL
CHAPTER 6. PERFORMANCE CHARECTERISTICS
CHAPTER 7. COMPARISION OF BIODIESEL AND DIESEL
CHAPTER 8 . ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BIODIESEL
. CHAPTER 10 ENGINE MODIFICATIONS TO USE BIODIESEL
CHAPTER 11. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
CHAPTER 12 . ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF BIODIESEL
CHAPTER 13 CONCLUSIONS
CHAPTER 14 SUGGESTIONS
CHAPTER 15 REFERRENCE
CHAPTER 1.
INTRODUCTION
Bio diesel (or biofuel) is the name for a variety of ester-based fuels (fatty esters)
generally defined as the monoalkyl esters made from vegetable oils, such as jatropha oil,
soybean oil, coconut oil, palm oil, sunflower oil or sometimes from animal fats through a
simple transesterification process. This renewable source is as efficient as petroleum
diesel in powering unmodified diesel engine. It can be used in compression-ignition
(diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Bio diesel is simple to use, biodegradable,
nontoxic and essentially free of sulphur and aromatics. Bio diesel has lower volumetric
heating values than diesel fuels but has a high cetane number and flash point. The esters
have cloud point and pour points higher than those of diesel fuels. Bio diesel has
viscosity close to diesel fuels.
Bio diesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification whereby the
glycerin is separated from coconut oil. The process leaves behind two products-methyl
esters (the chemical name for bio diesel) and glycerin (a valuable byproduct usually
sold). Transesterification also called alcoholysis is the displacement of alcohol from an
ester by another alcohol in a process similar to hydrolysis. This process has been widely
used to reduce the viscosity of triglycerides.
The use of vegetable oils, such as coconut oil and peanut oil, as alternative fuels
for diesel engines dates back almost 9 decades. Due to the rapid decline in crude oil
reserves, the use of vegetable oil as diesel fuels is again promoted in many countries.
Depending upon climate and soil condition, different nations are looking into different
vegetable oils for diesel fuels. For example, soya bean oil in the United States, rapeseed
and sunflower oils in Europe, palm oil Southeast Asia(mainly Malaysia and Indonesia),
and coconut oil in Philippines are considered as substitutes for diesel fuels. India’s total
production of oil seed is very less compared to the world’s total production. Hence the
use of vegetable oils as the source of diesel fuels in India requires additional steps to
increase the production of oil seeds. It is also necessary to develop new and more
productive plants sources whose seeds have high oil content.
4.2 Composition of vegetable oils
Triglycerides are esters of three fatty acids and one glycerol. These contain substantial
amounts of oxygen in its structure. Fatty acids vary in their carbon chain length and in the
no of double bonds. The fatty acids which are commonly found in vegetable oils are
stearic, palmatic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic. Vegetable oils contain free fatty acids
(generally 1 to 5%), phospholipids, phosphatides, carotenes, tocopherols, sulphur
compounds and traces of water.
Considerable efforts have been made to develop vegetable oil derivatives that
approximate the properties and performance of the hydrocarbon-based diesel fuels. The
problems with substituting triglycerides for diesel fuels are mostly associated with their
high viscosities, low volatilities and polyunsaturated character. These can be changer in
at least four ways.
• Pyrolysis
• Micro emulsification
• Dilution and
• Transesterification
4.5 Transesterification
catalyst
The fatty acid methyl esters (known as bio diesel) are attractive as alternative diesel
fuels.
Catalyst
Catalyst
Catalyst
CHAPTER 5
PROPERTIES OF BIO DIESEL
Bio diesel has higher flash point and cetane number than commercial diesel. This result
in higher combustion efficiency and smoother combustions. The viscosity of bio diesel is
slightly higher that of diesel. The bio diesel has about 10% oxygen content and its
calorific value is lower that of diesel. It has better lubricity though it possesses very less
sulphur content. Bio diesel is less toxic than that of diesel. Use of bio diesel, in a
conventional diesel engine, results in substantional reduction of unburned hydrocarbons,
carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Bio diesel has desirable degradation
characteristics, which make it the fuel of choice for environmentally sensitive areas bio
diesel in its pure form or in blends; bio diesel can be stored wherever petroleum diesel is
store
The properties of bio diesel and diesel fuels are compared in table
The characteristics of Biodiesel are close to diesel fuels, and the fore bio diesel becomes
a strong candidate to replace the diesel fuels if the need arises. The conversion of
triglycerides into methyl or ethyl esters through the transesterification process reduces the
molecular weight to one-third that of the triglycerides reduces the viscosity and increases
the volatility marginally. Biodiesel viscosity close to diesel fuels. These esters contain 10
to 11% oxygen by weight which may encourage more combustion than hydrocarbon
based diesel fuels in an engine. The cenatne number of Biodiesel is around 50. The use of
tertiary fatty ammines and amides can be effective in enhancing the ignition quality of the
finished diesel fuel without having any negative effect on its cold flow properties. Since
the volatility increases marginally, the starting persists in cold conditions. Biodiesel has
lover volumetric heating values than diesel fuels but has a high cetane number and flash
point. The esters have cloud point and pour points higher than those of diesel fuels.
Biodiesel has virtually no sulphur content, and it is often used as a additive to Ultra Low
Sulphur diesel.
CHAPTER 6
PERFORMANCE CHARECTERISTCS
Biodiesel was tested on a four stroke single cylinder horizontal Ruston diesel engine. It
was seen that the engine performance was enhanced compared with the petroleum diesel
as fuel. From the experimental data’s it can be seen that the fuel consumption using
Biodiesel is slightly less than that of diesel. Due this fact the thermal efficiency is
increased. Brake thermal efficiency and indicated thermal efficiency shows a small
increase the power out put of the engine is same for the fuels when coconut oil methyl
ester is used there is a reduction of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate
matters
Stroke - 203.2 mm
Bore - 107.95
The fuel consumption of the engine using Biodiesel is slightly less than that of petroleum
diesel. This is due the fact that the specific gravity of Biodiesel is slightly greater than
that of petroleum diesel and thus the fuel is efficiently utilized
Since the fuel consumption is less, specific fuel consumption is also less for Biodiesel
compared to petroleum diesel. That is the amount of fuel consumed per unit power
developed per hour is less. This is clear indication of the increased efficiency with which
the engine develops power from fuel.
Thermal efficiency of the engine is increased by using Biodiesel. That means the
combustion efficiency is increased. The fuel is efficiently utilized by the engine and
smoother combustion take place in the combustion chamber
The ratio of the engine in the break power to the fuel energy shows an increase for the
same power out put when Biodiesel is used instead of diesel
0 0 0
0.235 4.10 3.59
0.460 7.07 5.86
0.690 8.56 7.40
0.900 10.65 8.60
1.100 11.11 9.90
1.310 11.24 10.76
1.480 11.84 11.32
1.600 11.90 9.88
The ratio of energy in the indicated horse power to the fuel energy shows an increase for
the same power output when Biodiesel is used.
0 17.28 15.87
0.235 19.81 18.90
0.460 20.92 18.62
0.960 19.74 18.29
0.900 21.31 18.29
1.100 20.21 19.00
1.310 19.02 18.68
1.480 19.04 18.97
1.600 18.60 16.14
The ratio of brake power to the indicated power shows an increase for the same power
output when Biodiesel is used.
0 0 0
0.235 20.70 19.02
0.460 33.82 31.50
0.960 43.39 40.82
0.900 50.00 47.36
1.100 55.00 52.38
1.310 59.09 56.52
1.480 62.18 59.68
1.600 64.00 61.53
In cold climates, biodiesel falls victim to the same types of issues that surround
regular diesel engines. One such problem encountered during cold weather diesel
operation is fuel gelling, which can lower viscosity. B20 blends can increase the
temperature at which diesel begins to experience negative effects from the cold by
between 2 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit. B100 fuel may require petroleum diesel blending
in order to remain useable at similar temperatures, and fuel-tank heating may be
necessary to improve B100 performance in these situations.
Most of the extra costs associated with using certain biodiesel blends are made up
for via these tax breaks. In addition, more modern diesel engines include pollution
equipment already designed to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, removing the expense of
installing extra catalytic converters. Biodiesel is still in its infancy in terms of fuel
additive development, and new additives which promise to increase efficiency and further
reduce emissions are on the horizon.
CHAPTER 8
Advantages
1. Engine Emissions
2. Storing Biodiesel
8. Hydrocarbon emissions from engines operated on B100 were about 67 percent less
than petroleum diesel fuel emissions. Hydrocarbon emissions from engines contribute to
ozone formation and are a key component of smog. Particulate matter and carbon
monoxide emissions from engines using biodiesel were 48 percent less than petroleum
diesel.
Disadvantages
• 8 % Less Energy
• Higher Viscosity
•
CHAPTER 9
Introduction to use Biodiesel in a diesel engine, simply pour it in the fuel tank and
use the engine as normal. No modifications, no second fuel tanks, no heat exchangers,
just pour it in and go.Biodiesel can also be blended with petrodiesel in any ratio. Pure
Biodiesel is belled B100 (the number representing the percentage of Biodiesel), when it's
blended, it's labelled with the percent of Biodiesel after the B. For example, B90 is 90%
Biodiesel, 10% some other fuel (typically petrodiesel).
The modifications to run pure B100 fuel are not extensive. Biodiesel is capable of
eating away at some types of rubber compounds and other elastomers (plastic and other
elastic fittings). This means that in certain engines, it is necessary to refit fuel delivery
tubing, gaskets and seals with more modern materials. B20 fuel does not require any
engine modification and can be run in any type of diesel engine.
*FUEL FILTERS
When first using Biodiesel it is recommended to replace the fuel filter on your
engine. Because of the solvent properties in Biodiesel, it may cause the release of
accumulated deposits inside the fuel tank and fuel lines from years of petro diesel use.
These deposits can flow down the fuel line and may plug the fuel filter. Most of the time
the filter's don't plug all at once, but slowly, causing slight hesitations in engine
acceleration, missing (cylinder's not all firing), or other sluggish behavior.
A good rule of thumb to follow is to replace the fuel filter before beginning to
use biodiesel and then replace it again after a few thousand miles of Biodiesel use,
especially if using percentages of Biodiesel of 30% or greater. Think of it this way,
Biodiesel is not only good for the environment, but it actually acts as a fuel system
cleaner, cleaning the injectors, fuel pump, fuel tank, and fuel lines. In fact, it's solvent
properties are so widely known that many fuel additive manufacturer's use it as an
ingredient in several of their
additive products.
* EMISSIONS
One of the benefits of using Biodiesel in a diesel engine is that it can help to
reduce the amount of tailpipe emissions. In fact, studies have shown that there is a
substantial reduction in the amount of carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, carbon
dioxide and particulate matter over emissions that Petro diesel emits. It also has a nice
effect of changing the smell of the exhaust. Most people say that it tends to smell like
French fries. Kind of a nice swap over the petrodiesel smell--that is unless you like that
smell. Biodiesel emission benefits begin with the use of a relatively low blend of
biodiesel. Studies have shown that a noticeable difference has been measured with even a
20% mix of Biodiesel in Petro diesel (B20). Continued use of Biodiesel overtime will
also help the engine to run better due to the fuel system becoming cleaner.
* ENGINE WARRENTIES
Several diesel engine manufacturer's will warrant the use of Biodiesel that is
commercially made up to B20 and some even beyond that. Check with the manufacturer
for specific details.
* ENGINE PERFORMANCE
There has been documented evidence that shows there to be a slight decrease in
power, somewhere between 5% to 10%. This is due to several factors, but essentially, it
has to do with the BTU equivalent of Biodiesel when compared to Petro diesel. Most
users don't notice this small of a decrease in power while gaining all of the benefits.
Individual results may vary
CHAPTER 10
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
The use of biodiesel has more than doubled in the past 3 years. There are several
reasons for its popularity. Many blends of biodiesel can be less expensive than standard
diesel, making it a good choice for fleets, such as buses or city vehicles. Municipalities
also appreciate the fact that pure biodiesel and biodiesel blends produce cleaner
emissions than conventional diesel fuels. This can require some vehicles to be outfitted
with specific catalytic converters in order to reduce the release of this gas.
CHAPTER11
ECONOMICALFEASIBILITYOF BIODIESEL
India has rich and abundant forest resources with a wide range of plants and
oilseeds. The production of oilseeds can be stepped up many folds if government takes
the decision to use them for producing diesel flues. Also non cultivated waste land can
used to produce oilseeds because the plants like jetropha have no need of any irrigation.
The processing of oilseeds for the production of edible vegetable oils generates
by-product streams containing triglycerides, phospholipids and free fatty acids. In many
cases these streams are of considerably lower value than the finished oil. Successful
development of a scheme for ester synthesis from low-value lipids could address the
economic barriers to a wider adoption of Biodiesel. The cost of Biodiesel can be reduced
if we consider non edible oils, used-frying oils and acid oils instead of edible oils.
Food quality vegetable oil has become so expensive, there is no longer a profit
viability for its use. None food grade vegetable oils are under use or consideration for
used to make Biodiesel and have been so during the entire use of Biodiesel. Here arise
the proposal that fuel only be made from non edible vegetable oil like jatropha oil.
Jatropha is an important feedstock for the production of Biofuels its widespread use in
India is gaining popularity as a quick growing source of oil-bearing nuts that can be
pressed to produce Biodiesel products, and have hand-pressed oil for using generators,
sewing machines and small motors. Glycerin a by product of jatropha oil, can also be
used to produce soap. Jatropha seeds contain a higher proportion of oils. Its oil is non
edible de-oiled cake is important and strongest bio-insecticide. Lackhs of sustainable self
employment opportunities can be generated with little bit of investment. Foreign
exchange for petroleum import can be reduced up to a lion share.
Jatropha oil can be availed through traditional expellers. Because of its higher
flash point, it can be easily transported, handled, and stored. Its lower carbon percentage
leads to smokeless exhausts in engines. In normal conditions the average consumptions
of jatropha oil is just 80% of diesel. Also farmers can directly use the oil in their engines.
Jatropha plant can be cultivated in waste lands. Jatropha is a fast growing and
long lived plant, easy to propagate up to 3600m above sea level, not browsed by animals
and seeds not eaten by birds. It can successfully withstand the super cyclone and
subsequent drought. . Jatropha has also been proven to have strong anti erosion qualities.
The plant not requires any fertilizers and irrigation. It can be cultivated any type of soil
having no water logging. Cultivation can be done in many methods like Fencing,
Cropping, Dense cropping, Inter cropping. To prevent the switching from producing food
crops to producing Biofuel crops, waste land management have to be done. In India states
like Tamilnadu, Punjab, Chatheesegur, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Utharanchal
holds cultivation of jatropha. Indian Railway offers abundant free space for cultivation of
jatropha for promotion the production of Biodiesel. The surge of interest in Biodiesel has
highlighted a number of environmental benefits associated with its use. These include
reductions in green house gas emissions, deforestation, pollution and the rate of
Biodegradation.
11.3 Energy security
One of the main drivers for the adoption of Biodiesel is energy security. This
means a nations dependence on oil is reduced, and substituted with use of locally
available resources. Thus significant benefits can be accruing to a country from adoption
Biofuels. A properly managed Biofuels have the potential to reinforce the security of
supply through diversification of energy sources. Its amazing that in India with about 50
Acre per Panchayath cultivation of jatropha in 2.5 Lakh Panchayaths can attain energy
security.
.
CHAPTER12
CONCLUSION
Alternate fuels for diesel engines have now become increasingly important due to
decreasing petroleum reserves and the environmental consequences of exhaust gases
from petroleum-fueled engines. A number studies have shown that triglycerides hold
promise as alternative fuels for diesel engines. However the high viscosity, low volatility
and poor cold flow properties of triglycerides, which result in severe engine deposits,
injector coking and piston ring striking, have prevented triglycerides from being used
directly in diesel engines. One way to improve the fuel properties of triglyceride is the
catalytic transesterification of triglyceride with alcohols to form monoalkyl esters of long
chain fatty acids, known as Biodiesel which is quite similar to hydrocarbon-based diesel
fuels, and provides similar engine performance with attractive emission levels.
From the reported literature on Biodiesel, several conclusions have been
recognized as valid. This includes:
Conventional diesel engines can be operated with out much, if any, modification
on Biodiesel
The economical gain from the Biodiesel crop cultivation is high, and the firm
can provide more employment.
Promote preparation of Biodiesel from non edible oils like jatropha oil, rubber
seed oil etc.
Promote the cultivation of jatropha, more preference should be given to waste
land.
Do studies on engine performance, emissions, durability testing in a variety of
engines available now and do required manipulations.
Studies to reduce the production cost, develop low-cost feed stocks and identity
potential market in order to balance cost and availability.
Co-product development like the recovery of glycerol at reduced cost.
Research on the effect on glycerol on engine durability, emission and material
compatibility.
Development of additives for improving cold flow properties and prevention of
oxidation in storage
Compel the public to maintain emission standards by strictly enforcing the laws.
CHAPTER 14
REFERENCE