E.T. Akhihiero

The global depletion of fossil fuels and rising environmental concerns have intensified research into renewable and sustainable fuel alternatives. This study investigates the performance characteristics of a 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petrol diesel blend (B20) as a potential substitute for diesel fuel in compression ignition engines. The Waste Cooking Oil was collected, pretreated through acid-catalyzed esterification to reduce its free fatty acid content, blended with conventional diesel, and characterized based on viscosity, density, flash point, calorific value, and cetane number. Its suitability was assessed through comparison with biodiesel standards and published experimental data. The waste cooking oil was esterified to reduce its free fatty acid content before blending and laboratory analyses were conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties of the 20:80 blend. Engine performance indicators such as brake power, fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency (BTE), and exhaust gas emissions were carried out and results were compared with literature based datas. The results from the findings revealed that the blends achieved a progressive yield with the B20 blend achieving the most stable yield with a calorific value of 42.05 MJ/kg, density of 0.8624, and a fuel consumption rate of 1316.64 g/hr, indicating a close match with conventional diesel fuel. The B20 blend also demonstrated improved brake thermal efficiency and lower emissions, particularly in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), due to enhanced combustion
from biodiesel’s oxygenated structure. This establishes the fact that the biodiesel-petrol blends, particularly the B20 is a technically viable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable alternative to petrol diesel.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of blending ratios of Jatropha biodiesel with fossil diesel on compression ignition engines. The main goal is to compare the physical and chemical properties of Jatropha biodiesel and fossil diesel and evaluate engine performance, such as power output, torque, and fuel consumption, for different blend ratios and also examine the emissions characteristics (TVOC, CO, PM) that arise from various blend compositions. Physiochemical analysis confirms the suitability of esterified Jatropha oil for industrial applications. Engine performance tests reveal favourable metrics for biodiesel blends, with varying emissions characteristics across blends. Operational assessment indicates blenddependent differences in construction time, emissions, and particulate matter. Cost-benefit analysis shows economic feasibility and environmental benefits of Jatropha biodiesel. The optimal blending ratio considering performance, emissions, and economic factors suggested B30 and B40 blends for specialized applications and B10 for general use.