Title: Biodiesel production and characterisation from Punnai oil using egg shell catalyst: engine performance and emission studies

Authors: Salunkhe Karan Vishwas; Patil Milind Anil; S. Murugavelh

Addresses: Department of Automotive Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, VIT University, Vellore-632014, Tamilnadu, India ' Department of Automotive Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, VIT University, Vellore-632014, Tamilnadu, India ' CO₂ Research and Green Technologies Centre, VIT University, Vellore-632014, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract: Internal combustion (IC) engine vehicles greatly contribute in polluting the environment. Choice of catalyst is on their higher kinetic reaction rates. Heterogeneous calcined egg shell catalyst gives advantage of less energy consumption and less water production over the conventional enzymes and acid based catalyst. The most important factors affecting the yield of biodiesel are the molar ratio of alcohol to raw vegetable oil and the reaction temperature. Methanol is commonly used alcohol in this process. This paper presents the production of biodiesel from Calophyllum inophyllum oil (Punnai oil or Tamanu oil) by trans-esterification process using calcined egg shell as a catalyst, characterisation of biodiesel and engine testing for the performance and exhaust emissions. The calcined egg shell catalyst was prepared and characterised. The various blends of biodiesel were prepared with diesel and optimal proportion of blend is decided for better engine performance and less exhaust emissions.

Keywords: calophyllum inophyllum; transesterification; biodiesel; engine performance; emissions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2018.093244

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2018 Vol.17 No.2/3, pp.124 - 137

Received: 25 Mar 2017
Accepted: 03 Aug 2017
Published online: 24 Jul 2018 *

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