production of bio fuel from pyrolysis of Jatropha seed

Abstract

Bio-energy is now accepted as having the potential to provide the major part of the projected renewable energy provisions of the future. Though there are many conversion processes like pyrolysis, gasification, combustion and liquefaction, pyrolysis has gained special attention as it can convert it directly into liquid, solid and gaseous products by thermal decomposition in absence of oxygen. Pyrolysis is one of the three main thermal paths, along with gasification and combustion, for providing useful and valuable bio-fuel. Jatropha seed are high energy bearing seeds available in nature. Thermal pyrolysis of this was carried out in a semi batch reactor made up of stainless steel at temperature ranging from 350oC to 600oC to produce bio-fuelat an interval of 50oC. The effect of temperature on pyrolysis of the material is studied to know the optimum temperature for maximum liquid yield. The thermal degradation of the Jatropha seed was studied using thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) at a heating rate of 20oC/min in air atmosphere which indicated the range of temperature in which rate of decomposition is maximum. The oil and char obtained at optimum temperature was analyzed according to their elemental analysis, fuel properties, functional groups present, and compounds’ presence. The result so obtained is compared with the commercial fuel. Fuel properties like specific gravity, cloud point, kinematic viscosity, flash point, fire point, pour point and were also determined. The chemical compositions of the bio-oils and char were investigated using FTIR, and GC-MS. Surface morphology was studied using SEM analysis.