The work reported in this thesis presents an investigation into the various alternative sources of oil for biodiesel production that are considered not to compete with sources of oil for food. Croton megalocarpus seeds, an oil seed from a tree commonly found in eastern Africa has been selected for this study. Currently, Croton megalocarpus tree is used for timber and building poles and as barriers among farmlands. The tree is large and grows to about 30 to 40m high and the seeds produced oil (30 - 35%) but are not consumed because of its cathartic property. The tree grows on marginal lands where no agronomic practices are required. It also serves as a mulching tree that helps to restore the forest vegetation. Field work was undertaken to Kenya for this study. The Croton megalocarpus seeds were studied for their physical and mechanical properties. The size, shape, surface area, angle of repose, coefficient of friction, moisture content and the compression behaviour of the seeds were studied and reported on. The oil from Croton seeds was studied and reported upon for its properties and constituents such as density, gross calorific value, ash content, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen at the fuel oil bunker and analysis services (FOBAS), Llyods Register London. The oil was converted to biodiesel following the method outlined in BS 14105 method. The Croton oil was found to have a calorific value of 40,280kJlkg. The biodiesel properties were analysed on a GC machine to find out the compositions of its methyl ester. The biodiesel was then tested according to BS8186-C on a Perkins D3142, 3 cylinder, 4 stroke, DI marine engine to determine the performance and exhaust emissions as compared to a no 2 diesel. The performance of the biodiesel has been found to be comparable to the normal hydrocarbon diesel and the exhaust emissions has shown a significant drop in the regulated exhaust gases (CO, PM, Smoke, HC), with a slight increment in the exhaust of NO x at some speed and load range. The results of the research presented the Croton properties that lead to a conclusion that Croton oil is a viable and alternative source of biodiesel. Recommendations were made as to ways of improving the oil yields and better agronomic practices to shorten the maturity period of the tree.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:556134 |
| Date | January 2008 |
| Creators | Aliyu, Bashir |
| Publisher | University of Newcastle Upon Tyne |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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