Experimental Investigation of the Performance of Pistachia Palestine Oil as a Diesel Fuel

Abstract

In this study, Pistachia Palestine oil was tested to determine its thermo-physical properties and combustion performance. The ultimate analysis of this oil was conducted using a high pressure gas chromatography (model 2010). Moreover, the Pistachia Palestine oil was blended with diesel fuel at a ratio of 5, 10, and 15 (v/v%) and the fuel blends were tested in the Hilton combustion laboratory unit C 491 according to standard methods. Based on the fatty acid analyses, the elemental composition of the Pistachia Palestine was found to consist (wt%) of 76.4 carbon, 12.3 hydrogen, and 11.3 oxygen. Accordingly, the average chemical formula is C_17.44 H_33.4 O_1.94. Compared with diesel fuel, Pistachia Palestine oil has a higher molecular weight, viscosity, density, pour point, and cloud point; whereas it has a lower energy content and stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. In addition, it was found that the stack temperature and the thermal efficiency of the combustion unit decrease when the fuel blends were being tested.

Keywords:

• alternative fuel
• combustion performance
• fuel blends
• ultimate analysis
• vegetable oil

Notes

^aAverage value.

^a are taken from Al-Hasan (2000), Ozaktas et al. (1997), Tyson et al. (2004), and Applewhite (1980), respectively. N.A: not available.

^b are taken from Al-Hasan (2000), Ozaktas et al. (1997), Tyson et al. (2004), and Applewhite (1980), respectively. N.A: not available.

^c are taken from Al-Hasan (2000), Ozaktas et al. (1997), Tyson et al. (2004), and Applewhite (1980), respectively. N.A: not available.

^d are taken from Al-Hasan (2000), Ozaktas et al. (1997), Tyson et al. (2004), and Applewhite (1980), respectively. N.A: not available.