Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Abstract:
Oil was extracted from egusi melon seeds by solhtex extraction method and transesterified to methyl ester using sodium hydroxide as catalyst and methanol to oil molar ratio of 6:1 to give high biodiesel yield. The egusi melon oil, methyl ester and a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% diesel were characterized using the ASTM protocols and the properties measured are within the ASTM D6751 limits for biodiesel. Of particular importance is the flash point which makes it a safe fuel for handling and storage. Chromatographic analysis gave 62.36% linoleic, 12.23% oleic, 12.88% palmitic acids as the major constituents. By blending with 80% diesel fuel, the oleic and linoleic acids reduced by 6.46% and 34.72% respectively which will improve oxidation stability of the fuel since both are unsaturated. The fuel was tested in a single cylinder diesel engine and gave torque and power close to those of diesel fuel but the specific fuel consumption was 8% higher and consistent with the difference in their heating values.

Keywords: egunsi melon,biodiesel, properties, blends, torque, power, specific fuel consumption

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