Production and performance evaluation of Biodiesel from Atili (Canariul Schwrinfurthii) seed

Abstract

The process of producing biodiesel from Atili's non-edible oil involved transesterification, a method that combined crude oil with methanol and NAOH as catalyst. The resulting biodiesel exhibited vital fuel properties: a specific gravity of 0.860, a relative density of 860 kg/m³, a viscosity of 5.14, a flash point of 128 at 60°C, a calorific value of 3700 kg/kg and an impressive cetane number of 49. Furthermore, emission quality measurements of the produced biodiesel indicated specific percentages: 0.20% for O₂, 0.015% for CO, 4.03 for NOx, 2.3 for SOx, and CO₂. Upon comparing these characteristics with conventional petrol diesel fuel properties and emission quality standard limits, it was evident that the biodiesel derived from Atili seed oil closely aligned with the benchmarks of standard Conventional diesel. This alignment suggests the potential of Atili biodiesel as a viable alternative fuel for conventional diesel engines, affirming its compatibility within the existing framework of diesel engine operations.