Diesel engines, biofuel utilization

In this chapter, the utilization of biofuels in conventional diesel engines is considered. The use of cmde jatropha oil (CJO), degummed jatropha oil (DJO), pure plant oils (PRO), and biodiesels produced from cmde palm oil, jatropha curcas, coconut oil, kapok nut oil, and cat-fish fat in neat form (100% biodiesel) together with various blends of biodiesel with conventional diesel are described. In addition, the use of mixed biodiesel derived from different raw materials is also considered as a possible solution for improving the quality of biodiesels. 

Findings regarding the utilization of biofuels in diesel engines are presented from case studies conducted in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, especially Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, where high priority has been given to the development and use of biofuels. 

Soybean oil is converted into soy FAME through transesterification with methanol. This product is an excellent substitute for diesel fuel with no engine adjustment required and no loss in efficiency (Knothe Dunn, 2005). Besides transesterification to methyl esters, other approaches also were explored for utilizing soybean oil as fuel. These are diluted with conventional petroleum diesel fuel, microemulsions (co-sol-vent blending), and pyrolysis (Schwab et al., 1987). A detailed discussion on biodiesel is provided in the Chapter Bioenergy and Biofuels from Soybeans, and also elsewhere (Knothe Dunn, 2005 Reaney et al., 2004). 

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