Methyl ester of karanja oil as an alternative renewable source energy

Methyl ester of karanja oil from Jharkhand region has been prepared by transesterification method. Physical and chemical properties of the karanja oil and that of the methyl ester have been determined. Maximum thermal efficiency of methyl ester has been determined and found to be slightly less than that of the diesel. The brake specific fuel consumption of biodiesel of karanja oil is slightly higher as compared to diesel. Carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and NO emission of methyl ester and blends have been determined and compared to that of the diesel. It appears that methyl ester of karanja oil is a suitable substitute of petroleum diesel fuel. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.