Fuel properties of methyl ester of cottonseed oil blended with ethanol

Abstract

In principle, an extensive range of vegetable oils as fuel alternatives found a special importance in the renewable energy research arena. Among these, methyl ester of cottonseed oil blended with ethanol would be an ideal fuel and examining properties of this fuel is a prerequisite for utilization in CI engine. As a cause, the methyl ester of cottonseed oil (MECSO) and ethanol was blended in the proportion of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50 on volume basis at room temperature for testing its properties. The fuel properties of formulated blends like kinematic viscosity, relative density, API gravity, calorific value, cloud and pour point, flash and fire point, carbon residue, ash content and copper strip corrosion tests were tested and found comparable with diesel. All conducted tests are discussed in the framework of Bureau of Indian Standards