Characterization of biodiesel from waste cooking oil and conventional diesel blends: Effect of blending ratio

Abstract

Human civilization basically depends on the utilization of energy which plays a big role in socio-economic development by improving the standard of living. Fast growing population and increase in production processes have led to rapid rise in energy demand. In this study, Biodiesel was produced from waste cooking oil and the effect of blending ratios on the properties of conventional or fossil diesel and biodiesel produced from waste cooking oil was investigated in this study. Conventional diesel to biodiesel blends were prepared at the ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50. Characterization analyses were performed on the blended biodiesel and fossil diesel mixtures for specific gravity, cetane number, flash point and pour point. Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) analysis was conducted to identify and quantify the chemical compositions in the blends. Results from GC-FID analysis revealed varying compositions in different blends, with hydrocarbons of different carbon chain lengths, as well as specific chemicals like phytane, pristine, and o-terphenyl. The characterization analysis showed that the specific gravity of 100% biodiesel was higher than that of 100% fossil diesel and the blend ratios of 80:20 and 90:10 also exhibited higher specific gravity values. Cetane numbers were found to be lower in 100%ompared to fossil diesel and certain blend ratios such as 50:50 and 60:40 showed improved cetane numbers compared to 100% Biodiesel. The pour point of 100% biodiesel was lower in both diesel fuels. Generally, it was observed that the diesel/BD blends demonstrated lower pour points than NNPC 100% Diesel. Based on the results, the diesel/BD 70:30 blend exhibited favorable properties in terms of cetane number, flash point, and pour point, suggesting potential benefits in terms of combustion efficiency and low-temperature operability.