High Quality Biodiesel from Thevetia peruviana Juss: Physico-Chemical, Emission and Fuel Performance Characteristics

This study investigated the feasibility of biodiesel production from Thevetia peruviana Juss. seed oil and its utilization in Compression Ignition engine. Due to its high oil content (62.14%) in seed kernel, low FFA (1.35 mgKOH/g), low viscosity (11.3 cSt) and density (0.91 gm/cc) of oil Thevetia peruviana can be adopted as a potential feed stock for biodiesel production. The various physico-chemical properties like acid value, saponifation value, unsaponifiable matter, iodine value of Thevetia peruviana oil have shown promising results. The properties of biodiesel from Thevetia peruviana were comparable to conventional diesel fuel and comply with the standard for biodiesel (IS: 15607 and ASTM 6751). The viscosity (3.67 cSt) was lower than that of diesel. The emission characteristics of the biodiesel such as CO2, THC, NOx, CO and smoke-opacity in Compression Ignition engine were competing with conventional diesel fuel. In terms of BTE and BSFC the fuel has shown a good performance. Lower BSFC, and lower NOx and CO emission during combustion in engine are some of the best qualities of Thevetia biodiesel. The fuel performance and emission characteristics of the fuel proved it to be an engine and environment friendly fuel.