The isolation of pyrolysis oil from castor seeds via a Low Temperature Conversion (LTC) process and its use in a pyrolysis oil–diesel blend

A Low Temperature Conversion (LTC) process carried out on a sample of castor seeds, Ricinus communis, generated fractions of pyrolysis oil, pyrolitic char, gas and aqueous extracts in the following relative amounts, respectively: 50%, 28%, 10% and 12% [w/w]. The pyrolysis oil was added at loadings of 2%, 5%, 10%, 20% and 30% [w/w] to commercial diesel. The density, viscosity, sulfur content, glow point, volatility and cetane index of these mixtures were determined. The results indicate that the addition of pyrolysis oil to commercial diesel results in fuel mixtures within the norms of ANP diesel directive no 15, made on 19. 7. 2006, with the exception of the 20% mixture (which has an unfavorable viscosity) and the 30% mixture (which has an unfavorable viscosity and volatility).