A comparative analysis of kinetic parameters from TGDTA of Jatropha curcas oil, biodiesel, petroleum diesel and B50 using different methods

• Published in: Fuel (Guildford) 2013-07, Vol.109, p.217-224
• Main Authors: Singh Chouhan, A.P., Singh, Neetu, Sarma, A.K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Blends; Combustion; Crude oil; Diesel; Diesel fuels; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; FAME; Fatty acids; Fuels; Jatropha curcas; Kinetic methods; Kinetic parameters; Polymer blends; Reined JCO; TGDTA analysis
• ISSN: 0016-2361; 1873-7153
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2012.12.059

► The TGA thermograms presented for different fuels viz. JCO, JCME (KOH), JCME (NaOH), petroleum diesel and B50 blends. ► Calculations of the different parameters applicable for kinetic study purposes using three different methods. ► The refined JCO has highest value of activation energy 49.97kJ/mol while petroleum diesel has the lowest (9.11kJ/mol). Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) obtained from the transesterification reaction of refined Jatropha curcas oil (JCO) and methanol using homogeneous catalysts NaOH and KOH were investigated. Gas chromatographic analysis were performed to determine fatty acid profile of the JCO and percentage conversion of JCO to FAME. Thermogravimetric experiments were conducted in nitrogen and air medium at constant heating rates 10°C/min and constant flow of gases 20±0.5ml/min and calculated the weight losses with increasing temperature. The TGA thermograms were analyzed for fuels under test viz. JCO, FAMEKOH, FAMENaOH, petroleum diesel and B50 blends. The calculations of the different parameters applicable for kinetic study purposes were carried out using three different methods available in literature viz. Redfern method, Friedman method and Differential method (Direct Arrhenius method), respectively. A comparative thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGDTA) of JCO, diesel, FAME and B50 can predict the thermal behavior and combustion characteristics. It has been observed that the refined JCO has the highest value (49.97kJ/mol, Differential method) and most stable thermally and during combustion while petroleum diesel has the lowest activation energy (9.11kJ/mol, Friedman method) and easily combustible as compared to biodiesel or blends. On the basis of the kinetic analysis it can also be concluded that all the three methods are equally effective to predict the combustion behavior of the fuel although there are variations in the quantitative value of activation energy.