Viability of Using Vegetable Oil as a Fuel in Internal Combustion Engines

Abstract

The world has recently faced fossil fuel depletion and environmental degradation that triggers the research for using alternative modes. Bio-fuels appear to be one of the most reliable and recommended ones. Sudan potentiality of producing bio- fuels is highly promising and can be quite feasible since enough fertile land, water and suitable climate are available. In this research production of sudanese peanut oil methanol ester was attempted and tested in a 4-stroke diesel engine for performance evaluation and compared with fossil fuel. Using transesterification process at volumetric ratio of 40oil: 12methanol: 1 NaOH, at a temperature of 60 0C and stirring for one hour time, a bio-diesel of better properties was produced. It was considered as an acceptable substitute for conventional diesel fuel. More over blends of straight vegetable oil (SVO) with benzene was attempted and tested in 4-stroke and 2-stroke petrol engines for performance evaluation and compared with fossil fuel. Using 40% SVO by volume in the blend for 4-stroke engine, and 50% by volume for 2-stroke engine as maximum limit, blends of good properties were produced and proved to be an acceptable substitute for conventional (carburetor) petrol fuel system. Without any need for engines systems modifications, engines performance was improved and exhaust emissions were highly reduced.