Production of Biodiesel from Cottonseed Oil as a Low-Cost Fuel for Diesel Engine Operation
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Abstract
This study aims to investigate the production of biodiesel from cottonseed oil, evaluate the fuel properties of cottonseed biodiesel-diesel blend on diesel engine exhaust emissions. The fuel was produced through an alkaline transesterification process using methanol and potassium hydroxide as a catalyst and the formulation of three biodiesel–diesel blends: B10, B20, and B30. The fuel samples' physical properties and engine exhaust gas emissions using these blends were systematically measured and analyzed to assess their suitability for use in internal combustion engines operating on diesel fuel. The experimental results indicated that the optimal alcohol-to-oil ratio for biodiesel production was achieved using methanol at a 1:6 ratio, providing the highest conversion efficiency with a potassium hydroxide catalyst concentration of approximately 0.5% by weight of the oil. The biodiesel conversion efficiency exceeded 90% under the optimum operating conditions. The prepared fuel blends were then tested in a single-cylinder four diesel engine under controlled operating conditions at a constant speed of 2500 rpm and load 5 N.m and power output of 1.3 KW. the results demonstrated that biodiesel blends significantly reduced HC, CO, and CO₂ emissions compared to conventional diesel fuel. B20 was identified as the optimal blend providing a balance performance in terms of emission reduction and engine efficiency without causing operational issues.
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