Predicted fuel characteristics of prunus avium seed oil as a candidate for biodiesel production

Predicted fuel characteristics of prunus avium seed oil as a candidate for biodiesel production

Energy is an indispensable requirement for both developed and developingsocieties today. However, most of the energy needs are met by fossil fuels, theseresources are not renewable. Many countries are evaluating alternative sources tomeet energy demand and to sustain development. In this study, oil was obtainedby using Prunus avium kernels, also known as Turkish Cherry cultivated fromPozantı which is on the Taurus Mountains. Oil characterization was performed bygas chromatography (GC) and free fatty acids were determined. Oleic acid (C18:1)and Linoleic acid (C18:2) determined as 38.938 and 40.963 respectively. The freefatty acids were then evaluated using the Biodiesel Analyzer v1.2 program. Thepredicted results were the total percentage of monosaturated fatty acids (MUFA)39.408, total percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) 41.042, AllylicPosition Equivalents (APE) 121.146, Bisallylic position equivalents (BAPE)41.220 respectively. On the other hand, Long Chain Saturated Factor (LCSF) iscalculated as 3.624. Higher Heating Value (HHV) was calculated as 37.65Mj/kg,Cloud Point (CP) 0.099, Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) -5.091° C, Density (d)0.838 (g/cm3), Cetane Number (CN) 50.1, Iodine Value (IV) 109.878, KinematicViscosity 3.543, Flash Point (FP) 160.56, Saponification Value (SV) 191.354, andOxidation Stability (OS) 5.468, respectively. As a result of this study, it wasconcluded that Prunus Avium kernel oil is a promising biodiesel candidate.

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