Physico chemical analysis of Linseed oil and its blends as a potential fuel for Diesel engine

To address the twin problems of fast depletion of fossil fuels and environmental degradation, there is an urgent need to reduce dependence on petroleum derived fuels for better economy and environment. Adaptation of bio-origin alternative fuels can address both these issues. Liquid bio-origin fuels are renewable fuels coming from biological sources and have proved to be a good substitute for petroleum derived oil and environmentally-sustainable solution. To sustain agricultural and agro-engineering needs blends of linseed oil with diesel is a better solution. Present study shows the comparative assessment of physical and chemical analysis of Linseed oil and its blends asa potential fuel for internal combustion diesel engine. To understand diesel engines fuel properties of vegetable oils and comparable physico-chemical properties such as calorific value, kinematic viscosity and density were measured for different fuel blends to predict its suitability as replacement or extender of mineral diesel. The fatty acid composition was measured by using a chromatograph. From the results, it is clear that the physico-chemical properties of linseed oil lies in close resemblance with lower calorific value high viscosity. When blended in the v/v ratio of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% its calorific value decreases with increase of percentage blends, whereas viscosity and density increases with increase of blend ratio. Linseed oil hence can be recommended as a potential fuel for Diesel engine in neat or blended form without any major change in present design, in the hour of energy need.