Jatropha Oil Biodiesel: Production Process, Fuel Characterization and Engine Efficiency Evaluation

This study explores the potential of Jatropha oil methyl ester as an alternative fuel for diesel engines.The oil was extracted using a Soxhlet extractor with normal hexane as the solvent.To address the high kinematic viscosity of the raw oil, a transesterification process with a high molar ratio of alcohol to oil, specifically 6:1, was employed to produce the methyl ester.Although the viscosity of the resulting ester was initially high, it was effectively reduced by blending with diesel fuel, bringing it within the ASTM standards for biodiesel.The produced biodiesel was then characterized and tested in a single-cylinder diesel engine, yielding torque output and specific fuel consumption values comparable to conventional diesel fuel, thereby confirming its viability as an alternative.Jatropha curcas is identified as a promising feedstock for biodiesel due to its high oil yield and adaptability to arid conditions.The study also highlights biodiesel's compliance with standard specifications and potential environmental and performance advantages over traditional diesel.Chromatography analysis revealed that the methyl ester is composed of 92% ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated 18-carbon fatty acid with a hydroxyl group at C12 and ester linkages, contributing to the fuel's unsaturated nature.This composition, along with its high oil yield and adaptability to arid conditions, underscores the potential of Jatropha oil biodiesel for a wide range of industrial applications, making it a versatile and intriguing alternative fuel.