Processing and Performance of Blended Biodiesel Produced from Microalgae Pediastrum Boryanum

Abstract

In this present study, biodiesel was synthesized as per ASTM method by using algae as a raw material, which in the environment is considered as being a harmful waste and of a nature that blooms in ponds, lakes and reservoirs. In order to improve fuel quality, the transesterification process was carried out in this study so as to remove fatty acids and thereafter, analyze several fuel parameters of the biodiesel were determined. The calorific value of the biodiesel and its specific gravity was 42660 kJ/kg and 0.803 g/cm3 respectively. The viscosity of the sample was found to be 1.99. The cetane number of diesel fuel ranged from 40 to 55 and for the biodiesel it was found to be 47. The flashpoint and firepoint of the sample was recorded as 80°C and 94°C respectively. The conclusion is that it is worthy to mention that this process does not require high-end technology; hence, it could be used in the energy generation process in remote areas and as an alternative resource, as well.