Formulation of Biofuel From Neem Oil

Abstract

The contribution of neem as a source for biodiesel production will be of great importance in the coming day. In India Neem tree is a widely grown up termed as a divine tree due to its wide relevance in many areas of study. Neem is a large tree growing about 25 m in height with semi-straight to straight trunk, 3 m in girth and spreading branches forming a broad crown, starts fruiting after 3-5 years. From the tenth year onwards it can produce up to 50 Kg of fruits annually. The tree has adaptability to a wide range of climatic, topographic factors. It thrives well in dry, stony shallow soils and even on soils having hard calcareous or clay pan, at a shallow depth. Neem tree requires little water and plenty of sunlight and rainfall in the range of 450 to 1200 mm with wide temperature range of 0°C to 49°C. However, it has been introduced successfully even in areas where the rainfall is as low as 150 to 250 mm .It grows on almost all types of soil including clayey, saline and alkaline soil, but does well on black cotton soils and deep well drained soil with good sub-soil water. This paper deals with Biodiesel production from neem oil, which is monoester produced using transesterification process. It has high lubricity, clean burning fuel and can be a fuel component for use in existing unmodified diesel engine. The fuel properties of biodiesel including flash point-and fire point were examined. The engine properties and pollutant emissions characteristics under different biodiesel percentages were also studied. The results shows that the biodiesel produced using neem oil could reduce Carbon Monoxide and smoke emissions significantly while the Nitrogen oxide emission Mchanged slightly.