CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BIO DIESEL

This is an alternative or additive to standard diesel fuel, and is made from

biological sources instead of petroleum. It distinct from the vegetable and waste
oils used in fuel converted diesel engines. Biodiesel can be used alone, or blended
with petro-diesel. hydrocarbon based diesel are products most commonly
distributed for use in the retail diesel fuel marketplace. Much of the world uses a
system known as the “to state the amount of biodiesel in any fuel mix.

Blends, less than 20% biodiesel can be used in diesel engines without any or with
very minor modifications of the engine. Biodiesel can also used in its pure form
(B100), but may require certain engine modifications to avoid maintenance and
performance problems.

Biodiesel can be blended with petro-diesel at any concentration in most diesel

engine injection pump. Biodiesel has been known to break down deposits of
residue in the fuel lines where petro-diesel has been used. From the year 2005,
biodiesel use has been increasing all over the world.

1.1.1 History of xxxxxx oil

Xxxxxx oil (also called beauty leaf oil, calophyllum inophyllum seed oil is
pressed from nuts of either the (usually) or the tree. The nuts yield 70–75% of the
greenish-yellow inedible oil. The oil originates in Polynesia, where it continues to
play an important cultural role. Commercial uses of tamanu oil are predominantly
for skin care. The oil contains the following fatty acids.

1
 Table 1.1 Fatty acid percentage

Fatty acid Content

Linoleic acid 38%

Oleic acid 34%
Stearic acid 13%
Palmitic acid 12%

a. usage

While just vegetable oils but inedible vegetable oils such as ice bran oil,
cotton seed oil and others.

Scientific results to date suggest that engine performance is improved with a

noticeable reduction in emissions for the chosen oils such as Tamanu Oil but
without any engine modification. Present research work indicates that the biodiesel
produced from Tamanu Oil is a promising alternative fuel. This is especially so for
direct-injection four-stroke VCR engines.

The process by which be used as biodiesel is called transesterification. This

is a chemical reaction where glycerin or glycerol (a complex alcohol) is removed
by transferring energy-storing hydrocarbon chains (called esters) from one alcohol
molecule to another (typically methanol). The reason for this is that the glycerin or
glycerol tends to create deposits which cause problems with the normal operation
of diesel engines.

This is not the first been used as a biofuel. During World War II it was
utilized as a biofuel to generate electricity to power radios. Traditionally, it has also
been used as a fuel for lamps by lowering its naturally high viscosity to that of

2
kerosene and can even be used as an alternative to kerosene in modified pressure
stoves.

Still, while may have viable uses as a bio fuel it has proven track record as a
skin healing agent through its unique process of Cicatrization (the ability to speed
up wound healing and promote the formation of new skin cells).

1.1.2 Experience of farmer about

His garden, which was once considered to be unfit for any cultivation, since
the soil became barren after the tsunami struck, is now home to nearly 35 different
tree varieties. Mango, Guavas, Lime, Teak, Cashew, amla, tamarind, and jack are
all flourishing well today in what was once considered a wasteland.

a. well known

While the farmer says that he was able to turn the land fertile only through
organic practices, he is well known in the region for propagating the usefulness of
punnai seeds.

“If a farmer has two on his land, he can reduce the diesel cost considerably. I
run the motor for about five months using the oil during summer,” he says.

The tree grows well in coastal regions. Cattle or goats do not eat the leaves
thus making it easier for a farmer to grow it.

Capable of growing in any type of soil it can withstand heavy winds and
produce seeds within five years after planting.

3
 “A farmer can get four to 20 kg of seeds a year from a five year old tree.
After 10 years, a tree will yield 10 - 60 kg in a year and the seed yield will be on
the increase as the trees grow older. From my experience, a 25 year-old tree yields
a minimum of 300 kg and a maximum of 500 kg of seeds,” says Mr. Rajasekaran.

The trees attract lot of honey bees and bats. While the bees help to pollinate the
bats eat the fruits and the seeds scatter all over the area through their droppings.

b. drying

“My daily job in the morning is to collect the seeds and dry them for a week,
after which they are broken open to expose the kernel. The kernel is further dried
for 10 days before oil extraction,” he adds.

From one kg of seed kernel about 750 to 800 ml of oil can be extracted and the cost
of producing a litre of oil works out to Rs.10.

“I operate the pump only during summer, for about five months in a year to be
precise and for that my requirement is 600 ml of oil for an hour every day.
Previously while using diesel my requirement was 900 ml for the same duration of
time.

In a year I am able to get 75 liters. The surplus oil is sold to other farmers at Rs. 42
a litre. After extracting the oil, the cake is used as manure for crops,” he explains.

c. Successful operation of CI Engine

According to the farmer there is no rust formation in the engine and it emits
little noise during operation. For the last four years he has been using this oil to run
his motor and till date seems to have not faced any problem with the engine.

4
“I find there is no remarkable difference oil and diesel runs five Hp motor engines.
Both pump 750ml of water in a minute. In fact the engine running on the oil emits
less smoke unlike the diesel operated one,” he says.

Unlike casuarina or teak, normally planted by farmers. The few trees found in some
places have been growing there for years similar to the palm trees one finds on the
rural roadside.

d. benefits

“But the benefits from the tree are quite remarkable in terms of bio energy. It is the
job of the state Agriculture University and Government to popularize this tree
among farmers and encourage them to plant it.

“If done, in two years or at most in another 10 years we might not face the same
power problem we are facing now if all our farmers become aware about this tree
he says,” with a smile.