Experimental investigations of oxidation stability of biodiesel produced from Prunus armeniaca oil (apricot oil) and effect of various antioxidants on stability, engine performance and emissions

In this experimental investigation, the effectiveness of five different antioxidants: 2-tert butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), 2,6-di-tert butyl-4-methyl phenol (Butylated Hydroxy Toluene or BHT), 1,2,3 tri-hydroxy benzene (Pyrogallol or PY) and 3,4,5-tri hydroxy benzoic acid (Propyl Gallate or PG), 2-tert butyl-4-methoxy phenol (Butylated Hydroxy Anisole or BHA) on oxidation stability of biodiesel produced from the Prunus armeniaca oil (apricot oil) on the bases of weight of sludge and neutralization value has been studied. The quantities of antioxidants 100, 1000, 4000 ppm were added in the sample and the oxidation stability was measured using Rancimat apparatus. Among all aforementioed antioxidant, PG and BHA gives best result at room temperature as well as 110 degrees C. In this study, engine emissions and performance were tested on a Kirloskar TV1, single cylinder engine to analyze the effect of BHA and PG antioxidants. Engine emissions and performance were experimentally found for, 20% biodiesel blend in 80% diesel (B-20), B-20 with 4000 ppm concentration of antioxidant PG (B-20/PG4000), B-20 with 4000 ppm concentration of antioxidant BHA (B-20/BHA4000) and diesel are plotted against load. It was found from experiments that CO emissions from B-20/BHA4000 fuel are lower than diesel at full load while that of B-20/PG4000 blend, CO emission was similar as diesel at full load. HC emission was found minimum for B-20/BHA4000 among all four blends at full load. At low load NOx emission in B-20 was lower and it increases with increase in engine load. NOx emission with B-20/BHA4000 and B-20/PG/4000 blend at full load was found to be minimum as compared to diesel.