Characterization of Jatropha Oil, An Alternative Fuel

Abstract

There has been greater awareness on biodiesel in developing countries in the recent time and significant activities have picked up for its production especially with a view to boost the rural economy. Biodiesel, a promising substitute as an alternative fuel for diesel has gained significant attention due to the predicted shortness of conventional fuels and environmental concern. The utilization of liquid fuels such as biodiesel produced from Jatropha oil by trans-esterification process represents one of the most promising options for the use of conventional fossil fuels. The Jatropha oil is converted into Jatropha oil methyl ester known as biodiesel prepared in the presence of homogeneous acid catalyst. The physical properties such as Calorific value, density, flash point, kinematic viscosity, Cloud point and Pour point were studied out for Jatropha oil methyl ester. The same characteristics study was also carried out for the diesel fuel for obtaining the base line data for analysis. The study reveals that the values of properties obtained from the study of Jatropha methyl ester is closely matched with the values of conventional diesel and can be used in the existing diesel engine without any modification.