Brassicaceae family oil methyl esters blended with ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel (ULSD): Comparison of fuel properties with fuel standards

Non-edible oils (Brassiceae family) were utilized for biodiesel production. Biodiesel was produced from four plants seeds oils and blended with ULSD. Two different methods were used for extraction of oil and the crude oil yields were 77.4 ± 2.14, 78.73 ± 3.1, 71.02 ± 2.15, 62.3 ± 3.4 (%) for B. napus, B. nigra, B. campestris and C. sativa plants, respectively. The oil obtained was pre-treated (chemical refinement through degumming, neutralization and bleaching) and was subjected to alkali-catalysed trans-esterification. Quality of produced biodiesel was compared with the fuel standards (ASTM D6751, ASTM D975, ASTM D7467 and EN 14214 and EN 590) and biodiesel properties were recorded to be in line with standards criteria except the kinematic viscosity of B. napus, B. nigra and C. sativa methyl esters and oxidative stability of B. napus and C. sativa. The fatty acids analysis by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry revealed the highest proportion of erucic acid (43%) in methyl esters along with other minor components. The properties of methyl esters, both pure and blended were comparable with biodiesel fuels standards. So far, methyl esters properties of Brassiceae family plants are acceptable based on biodiesel standards and methyl esters can be used in blends with ULSD as a fuel.