Characterization and Comparison of Various Blends of Honge Oil Methyl Ester (Biodiesel) With Diesel Fuel

Abstract

The Honge oil, known as pongamia oil, is one of the most widely used lamp oils around the world. It is also used in leather tanning, in soap making, and as a lubricant. The Honge oil methyl ester can be used as an alternative fuel for diesel. The transesterification of methanol and Honge oil in the presence of base catalyst results in Honge oil methyl ester. In the current work, the Honge oil methyl-ester known as biodiesel was produced. It was mixed with petroleum diesel fuel in different proportions. Various physical and petroleum properties were investigated for Honge oil biofuel and also for various diesel and ester mixtures. The optimum parameters were temperature was 65oC, catalyst quantity, 0.4 grams and oil: alcohol ratio, 1:6. The blends of 10%, 20%, and 30% compositions were most suitable as potential alternative fuel. Different proportions of biodiesel ester in diesel fuel have been also compared with petroleum diesel fuel to identify a suitable blend having good engine fuel potential.