Analysis of Prosopis juliflora Methyl Ester as a Fuel in the CI Engine

Abstract

As the availability of fossil fuels continues to decrease, the quest for alternative fuels that can be utilised in place of conventional fuels is increasing rapidly. The Prosopis juliflora oil (JFO) is a potential fuel for diesel engines, and the rising availability of the seeds in India, makes it a realistic option for CI engine fuel. In a CI engine, the high viscosity of the oil decreases performance and increase the emission characteristics. Trans-esterification is used to improve the fuel characteristics and reduce the viscosity of the fuel oil. The name for trans-esterified JFO is Prosopis juliflora methyl ester (JFME). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) are utilised to determine the species composition of this fuel. C-H stretching alkane group, C=O methyl ester group, CH3 bending alkane group, and C-O stretching ester group are detected by FTIR. According to GCMS, methyl oleate is present at 43.34 percent whereas methyl palmitate is present at 28.99 percent. Both esters have great fuel qualities and JFME is the most suitable fuel for diesel engines. The performance findings demonstrate that JFME has a greater thermal efficiency than JFO and a lower thermal efficiency than diesel. This can be enhanced further by combining various fuels. Keywords: Prosopis juliflora oil, Transesterification, FTIR, GCMS, performance.