Selection of potential oils for biodiesel production

Energy is the key determinant for the economic and sustainable growth worldwide. Presently, approximate 80% of total energy derived from fossil fuel is mainly used for transport sector. The continuou s depletion of fossil fuel resources and emission of greenhouse gases encourage to search an alternative source of fuel e.g. biodiesel and bioethanol. Biodiesel can be considered as a substitute of diesel because it has similar fuel properties as diesel excluding oxidation stability and cold flow properties (CFP). CFP comprises of Cloud point (CP) and pour point (PP) properties. CFP is being considered as the important challenges for biodiesel under low temperature and need to analyze adequately. Biodiesel led to crystallization at low temperature and it can clog the filters or even becomes so viscous causing difficult in pumping from the fuel tank to the engine and also creates fuel starvation and operational problem. In this study firstly the oils can be classified on the basis of diesel CP and PP into three main categories: best, moderate and poor oils. According to the classification, fourteen edible and non-edible oils and three microalgal oils are found as best, fourteen non-edible oil and five microalgal as moderate and fifteen non-edible oils and twenty eight microalgal oils as poor oils respectively These oils can be further classified on the basis of both CFP and oxidation stability. The results of classification shows that only three edible and non-edible oils Almond kenal (Prunus ducicis), Gopher plant (Euphorbia lathyris L) and Seed oil (Crambe abyssinica) and one microalgal oils Scenedesmus oil is found suitable for biodiesel production, while other oils requires substantial amount of antioxidant or cold flow improver to meet the biodiesel quality. As per availability, CFP and oxidation stability, the oils can be recommended for biodiesel production. These oils can be recommended for biodiesel production having best CFP and oxidation stability. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.