Comparative Evaluation of Biodiesel Produced by the Improved Biodiesel Plant with a Centrifuge for Ester-Glycerol Separation and a Single Washing and Drying Unit

摘要

This paper assessed the quality of biodiesel produced by the improved biodiesel plant. This was achieved by determining some physical properties of the biodiesel produced. The properties tested include: kinematic viscosity, specific gravity, flash point, fire point, cloud point and pour point, with their respective values determined as 5.260, 0.880, 124℃, 128℃, 4.5℃ and -2℃. Comparison with ASTM D-6751, EN 14214 and Australian standards for biodiesel showed that the values obtained fall within acceptable limits. Furthermore, B5, B10, B20 and B30 blends of the biodiesel were prepared using direct blending method. The physical properties of the respective blends were also determined and the results showed that blending the biodiesel with petroleum based diesel improved its quality.