earticle

영어

Industrial and transportation sectors are the higher energy consumer sectors in the world. As the main fuel used in these sectors now is the expensive depleting fossil fuels which available only in a certain region of the world, there is an urgent need to find out an alternative fuel to fulfill the energy demand of the world. Biodiesel as alternative fuels, are being used as an effective alternative for diesel and can blend together as they have comparable fuel properties. The feasibility of biodiesel production from palm oil was investigated with respect to its fuel properties and blending characteristics with petroleum diesel. Though biodiesel can replace diesel satisfactorily, problems related to fuel properties persist. In this study an oxygenated additive ethanol (E) was added to palm oil biodiesel POME-diesel blend B50 (50% POME + 50% diesel) in the ratios of 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% and tested for their properties improvement. These blends were tested for energy content and various fuel properties according to ASTM standards. Qualifying of the effect of additive on palm biodiesel-diesel blended fuel properties can serve the researchers who work on biodiesel fuels to indicate the fuel suitability for diesel engines according to fuel standards. The results showed slight improvement in acid value, significant viscosity and density. Maximum decrease in pour point by 2 oC at 3% ethanol, on the other hand maximum decrease in energy content about 4.3% at 4% ethanol compare to blended fuel B50.