Production and Utilization of Biodiesel Using Bio-Alcohol as Reactant

The production of biodiesel was attempted using seed oil of niger (Guizotia abyssinica) and bioethanol reactant was attempted. The bioethanol reactant was obtained from vegetative sources viz. water hyacinth. The biodiesel after separation from the glycerol was tested for important properties and compared with ASTM standard as well as with those of conventional diesel (HSD). Almost all the properties of biodiesel were within the range of ASTM standard and also were nearer to the properties of conventional diesel. The engine testing was undertaken using different blends of biodiesel and diesel. Out of these blends, B20 i.e. 20% biodiesel was found to be most suitable from the viewpoints of higher brake thermal efficiency, lower brake specific fuel consumption and lower emission of UBHC. Present study also validates the viability and feasibility of a biorefinery for large scale production of bioethanol employing water hyacinth as feedstock.