Investigating the Use of Jatropha Biodiesel in Compression Ignition Engines by Comparing Effects of Storage Time on Its Properties with the Standard Properties of Fossil-Diesel and Properties of Quality Biodiesel

Gershom Mwandila

Chemical Engineering Department, Copperbelt University, Kitwe, Zambia.

DOI: 10.4236/epe.2012.45045                

Abstract

Effects of storage time on some properties of jatropha biodiesel were investigated over the storage time of 0 to 8 weeks at the temperature of 25℃. Such properties as water content and density were found to increase at the rates of 5 ppm and 14 kg/m3 per week respectively. These rates translate into property values which compare closely with the standard properties of fossil-diesel and properties of quality biodiesel. As a result, the jatropha biodiesel can be used as alternative fuel to fossil-diesel in compression ignition engines within 8 weeks of its production. However, the calorific value and flash point of the biodiesel decreased at the rate of 1.4℃ and 2.5 MJ/kg per week respectively. Although the flash point was within the acceptable level for quality biodiesel, the calorific values were abnormally higher than the values for quality biodiesel of about 38.7 MJ/kg. With the exception of the calorific values, the other properties were not reasonably affected.

Keywords

Properties; Fossil-Diesel; Quality Biodiesel; Standard Properties; Storage Time

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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