Fuel properties and combustion characteristics of jatropha oil biodiesel–diesel blends

Jatropha oil methyl esters (JMEs) produced from jatropha (Jatropha curcas) oil were blended with diesel at various volumetric percentages to evaluate the variations in the fuel properties. Correlations between fuel properties, including the calorific heat, cold filter plugging point, density, kinematic viscosity, and oxidation stability of the JMEs–diesel blends, and the blending ratio of the JMEs have been established. As a result, a blending ratio of the JMEs with diesel was recommended up to 40 vol.% in comparison with the relevant specifications for biodiesel–diesel blends. The combustion tests of the JMEs–diesel blends were performed in a diesel generator. Higher brake thermal efficiency and lower brake specific fuel consumption were clearly observed with higher output loading. The concentration of carbon dioxide and nitrogen monoxide in the exhaust gas increased with higher output loading while the concentration of oxygen and carbon monoxide decreased. The concentration of nitrogen oxide decreased with the addition of pyrogallol. Multiple linear correlations for combustion performance and pollutant emissions have been established that are associated with system parameters, including output loading, the blending ratio, and the pyrogallol addition.

► The blending ratio of jatropha oil biodiesel with diesel is recommended up to 40 vol.%.
► Higher output loading or blending ratio of jatropha oil biodiesel increases fuel consumption, exhaust gas temperature, and brake thermal efficiency.
► The addition of pyrogallol exhibits a negligible influence on combustion performance and pollutant emissions, except on NO concentration.